text: The earliest cars (and even wagons) used front-wheel steering and rear-wheel steering would have to have enough advantages to overcome that early start.  The mechanical steering mechanism is more direct for front-wheel steering even after adding power steering.  The vast literature and experience favors front wheel steering, including racing cars.  The interaction of steering, suspension, tire action, over and under-steering are not trivial effects.\n\nA huge ship uses a rudder for rear end steering and must move the stern all the way to port or starboard, the full length of the ship, to make a right-angle turn.  This might prove difficult for a car in traffic let alone a huge semi.  Of course long fire engine ladder trucks do use both front and rear steering to maneuver sharp corners, but not at maximum speeds.\n\nLastly, in most cars the heavy engine is up front and an important part of steering is to get that huge mass moving in a different direction.  The weight of the engine produces greater loads on the front tires that better grip for steering.\n\nAs with a ship, the shorter the car the more practical would be rear-wheel steering and a small car with two front tires and a rear engine and only one rear tire might do just fine.