This page shows the requirements for getting a license. You can get a license more quickly and for less money if you go for a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) license. However there are restrictions to what you can fly with this license. The LSA airplane has a gross weight limit of 1320 lbs and can be a 2-seater max (i,e. - you plus one passenger). It can have a max speed of up to 120 kts. That's 138 mph .... much faster than my car!
Pilot certification options - AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc)
Pilot certification options - AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc)