In this most widely used layout, only lower wishbones are used. A strut containing shock absorber and the spring carries also the stub axle on which the wheel is mounted. The wishbone is hinged to the cross member and positions the wheel as well as well as resist acceleration, braking and side forces. This system is simpler than double wishbone type described above and is also lighter, keeping the unsprung weight lower. Further, the camber also does not change when the wheel moves up and down. This type of suspension gives the maximum room in the engine compartment and is, therefore, commonly used on front wheel drive cars.

McPherson Strut was developed by Earle S. McPherson of General Motors in 1947. In India this system was first used in Maruti Suzuki 800 cars. This type of suspension with anti roll bar has employed in Volkswagen Jetta and Passat cars. This is claimed to provide increase the road safety, improved ride comfort and light and self stabilizing steering which means that car continuous along its chosen line of travel when the brakes are applied even though the road surface may vary.