Turbochargers are one of the most important inventions to facilitate internal combustion engines. This paper is a thematic review of the technology of the turbocharger with emphasis on its workings, influencing factors, applications, problems, solutions and related or derived technologies for purposes outside the motoring industry. This paper reveals that the turbocharger resembles a modeled heat machine with thermodynamic processes for boosting engine power output with exhaust gas flow. It gives rise to various problems including inefficiencies, lags and conditions to be met, etc. As solutions, various mechanisms have been developed, as well as special modifications such as multiple turbochargers. E-boosting, gas turbines and microturbines have been discussed as related technologies with similarities in principles or origins that are of use in the power generation processes from various points of view, including principles, working conditions and efficiencies.