Buying American Cars

Once upon a time there was a sharp demarcation between American and foreign cars. American cars were manufactured by companies headquartered in the Detroit, Michigan area, or Wisconsin. They were assembled in manufacturing facilities in the USA from parts and components also made in the USA. Sure there were some Chevrolets made in Mexico and some Fords were made in Canada, but the parts all came from the USA. Foreign cars were, with a few notable exceptions, small, econo-boxes or sports cars. Today, the line is so blurred that defining what is an American car is nearly impossible.

We still have the Detroit area based US companies making cars, but Ford and General Motors are making cars in both Canada and Mexico and Chrysler is owned by Fiat, an Italian company. Mercedes-Benz is making ML Series SUVs in Alabama, BMW has a plant in Greenville, South Carolina, while Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Suburu have US manufacturing operations. Even the Chinese and Koreans are evaluating plant sites in America. All things considered, what we Americans view as “American Cars” are those from the Detroit headquartered, traditionally American car companies: General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

Of the thirty-nine vehicles nominated for Automobile Magazine’s All-Stars for 2010, ten of them were from the “Big Three” US manufacturers. Just being nominated is an honor, but four of the final ten All-Stars were American-made. Car and Driver Magazine proclaims in their current issue that the American car manufacturers have reach world-class levels with a number of their product offerings, particularly Ford, Cadillac and Buick. Motor Trend Magazine made the Ford Fusion their Car of the Year for 2010.

Car buyers should definitely consider American cars, particularly the four following models:

• Ford Fusion – A well designed and well made small, economical car that is fun to drive and delivers great gas mileage. A Hybrid powered version is available.
• Ford Flex – a utilitarian crossover people-mover with enough power to make driving fun, but also moderately economical.
• Chevrolet Camaro – The General’s much anticipated return to the pony-car niche. Well made, exciting and even the six cylinder model is a hot runner.
• Dodge Ram 1500 – The best all-around pick-up truck for the money according to auto writers.

Also nominated and worth consideration are these American cars:

• Ford Mustang – Offering a new six cylinder in the base car and a very hot GT model.
• Chevrolet Equinox – A versatile crossover.
• Chevrolet Malibu – The choice of many auto-journalists.
• Chevrolet Silverado – A popular choice of pick-up truck buyers.

Whatever the choice, buyers will be pleased with the “made in America” makes and models.