In order to enhance the vehicle’s maneuverability and steering flexibility, a literature review is conducted to analyze the structures, technical applications, and controlling schemes of four-wheel steering systems, and summarize the main research methods and application outcomes of automotive four-wheel steering technology. Currently, the developement of automotive four-wheel steering systems is characterized by electrification, intelligence and integration. The four-wheel steering system is transitioning from the classic mechanical passive structure to a more mature electric active four-wheel steering structure. The control schemes for four-wheel steering systems have evolved from single-performance four-wheel steering control technology towards more complex multi-system integration and active fault-tolerant control technology. In the future, electrification, modularity, precision, speed,and safety-reliability are trends for advanced four-wheel steering systems, which are also effective ways to enhance the vehicle maneuverability and steering flexibility.