This paper explores VANET topics: architecture, characteristics, security, routing protocols, applications, simulators, and 5G integration. We update, edit, and summarize some of the published data as we analyze each notion. For ease of comprehension and clarity, we give part of the data as tables and figures. This survey also raises issues for potential future research topics, such as how to integrate VANET with a 5G cellular network and how to use trust mechanisms to enhance security, scalability, effectiveness, and other VANET features and services. In short, this review may aid academics and developers in choosing the key VANET characteristics for their objectives in a single document.