What is your take on buying American cars vs. foreign cars?

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 20:04:20 -0400

Since we all have so much pride in our country. I was wondering where you stood when it came to purchasing a car.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 8:04 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 20:04:26 -0400

Motorcycles....Harley. Pickups....Chevy....nuff said.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 5 at 2014 8:05 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 20:05:27 -0400

BMW's and Mercedes never really carry the same luster after living a couple of years where they are used as police cars and taxi cabs.

Response by SPC Paul Shene III made Oct 5 at 2014 8:10 PM

SPC Paul Shene III — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 20:10:17 -0400

Consider Daimler Benz owns Chrysler and Mitsubishi... which part is American anymore?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 8:12 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 20:12:12 -0400

03 Chevy Trailblazer and 08 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, anything thing other then that doesn't matter. So yes AMERICAN! Oh and if you have a Ford or Chrysler product I'll give you a break. Not everyone is perfect!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 8:14 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 20:14:00 -0400

That's a good one, PO3 Shaun Taylor. I'm partial to Honda, but I'm currently driving a VW. For most of my adult life I have driven Hondas. I think that's because I find them more reliable, but really I've never owned a good (i.e., new) American car, so I guess it's not fair to say that Japanese cars are "more reliable." I'm certainly not qualified to say that, anyhow.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Oct 5 at 2014 8:32 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 20:32:36 -0400

Good gas mileage... because nothing is truly 'American' made anyway. Though I do prefer something with an 'American' label on it, if that makes sense...

Response by SSG Jeremy Siebenaller made Oct 5 at 2014 9:20 PM

SSG Jeremy Siebenaller — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 21:20:12 -0400

I've never known ANYTHING to be rode as hard, as often or as many times than an Infantryman.....or a Ford! Nothings made in America anymore. Parts are flown in from all over the world and ASSEMBLED in America. That's not American made!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 10:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 22:14:55 -0400

Foreign cars all the way. I've only had bad luck with American cars and that's why I made the switch. VW diesels with over 600 miles per tank are what does it for me.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 6 at 2014 7:11 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:11:10 -0400

Not exactly sure what you mean by American cars. Do you mean cars manufactured by American companies or cars assembled in America? They are two very different things. Many 'foreign' companies assemble at least some of their cars in the US (Toyota, Honda, Hyundai off the top of my head) and many American companies assemble many of their models in Mexico and Canada. Then there is the issue of where the parts originate...another discussion entirely.
Personally I buy what meets my needs and budget at the time. I currently own a 2012 Hyundai Tucson and a 2013 Ford C Max hybrid, although I am seriously considering trading in the Hyundai for a 2015 Jeep Cherokee (assembled in Toledo, Ohio).

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Oct 6 at 2014 7:42 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:42:27 -0400

What is a foreign or domestic car?? Chryster is almost entirely owned by Fiat now. Thankyou Obama, it was a stipulation in the bailout. Many American cars are made in Mexico or Canada. Subaru is made in the US as is many Toyota and and Nissan cars. GM is the largest car manufacturer in the world but most of its cars are sold overseas.

Then you have the mutts that are made in different countries.
For example, the Prius. The battery materials are mined in Canada, shipped to China for battery assembly, shipped to Japan to be put in the car, then shipped over here. The Prius is the most environmentally unfriendly car built. Hows that for irony.

Personaly, my wife and I drive Audi's. I have a sweet 2013 S6 and my wife has a 2009 A4. Atleast I know where they are made.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 7:51 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:51:29 -0400

The problem is that no car is "American made" anymore. Sure they are built here in America, but a LARGE portion of the parts are resourced from foreign countries. Harley may be the one exception to this but I'm not even sure on that one anymore.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 6 at 2014 7:59 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:59:42 -0400

Thing is all my Dodges were assembled in either Mexico or Canada, I think the only made in America car now is the Hyundai in Montgomery Alabama! :-/

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Oct 6 at 2014 8:30 AM

SrA Marc Haynes — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 08:30:58 -0400

I personally only buy U.S. made vehicles (I also try to buy all other products that are made in the U.S. which is not easy) from U.S. companies. My reasoning is this I would rather support the U.S. economy over other countries. I own a Cadillac and a Harley currently.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 6 at 2014 9:36 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:36:20 -0400

The automotive industry is not the same industry as it was in the 40s. If you buy a Ford in Germany it was probably made in Europe and if you buy a Honda in Indiana it was probably made in the US? So I would say buy the best value for you...of course buy the car that is in the same part of the World as you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 12:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 12:50:14 -0400

Foreign cars have had such a good reputation for the last 30 years in the country while the quality of domestic cars were mediocre at best. I would consider buying a domestic car nowadays because the industry here has turned around and improved considerably. Ten years ago... Not a chance.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 2:26 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 14:26:21 -0400

Auto Makers are so convoluted with who own who and which is a subsidiary of which and are they are American made but Foreign design, etc. I buy what I can afford, that will give me the best mileage and lowest service cost. I cannot afford to be American proud, I can afford to drive reliably.

For the record at one point when I was AD, I had only Ford and Chevy. I spent more money and more time with rental cars in that short time than in the 20+ years since buying Toyota.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 6 at 2014 7:10 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:10:15 -0400

The US seems more interested in creature comforts and cars that can park themselves than gas mileage so where do you go to get what you want?

Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Oct 6 at 2014 7:20 PM

SFC Melker Johansson — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:20:59 -0400

Buy the best car regardless of origin. What's "American" anyway? When I bought my last truck I picked between a Ram 1500 made in Mexico and a Toyota Tundra made in Texas.

Response by SPC Christopher Buckalew made Oct 6 at 2014 9:57 PM

SPC Christopher Buckalew — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 21:57:01 -0400

We currently own a 2014 Ford Fusion, a 2014 Chevy Cruze, a 2014 Lincoln MKZ, and a 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide. I've owned foreign cars before but I prefer to buy from American companies. According to Car & Driver a few years ago, the Toyota Tundra was the most American vehicle based on poring in of parts and manufacturing. The Tundra is 75% American. I'm still a Ford guy, looking for a 1960's model F-100 now to just have around, don't really need one, I just want one.

Response by SSgt B Mac made Dec 1 at 2014 12:16 PM

SSgt B Mac — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:16:29 -0500

Find something you like and buy it. All cars are junk. I own American and foreign, they all serve their purpose and I enjoy them all. They all break and break down. American is cheaper to maintain while living in the US.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 5:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 17:22:02 -0400

Considering that some Foreign companies, like Honda, invest heavily in American labor force, I don't feel even a tiny bit bad driving around in foreign cars. But if it's a pickup, it HAS to be a Chevy, there just isn't another option.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 5:33 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 17:33:11 -0400

I realize this is an older thread but since my industry is Automotive I felt I could add something. I still have an emotional attachment (patriotic?) to American brands. But the honest to god truth is that the automotive market has become global and there is no such thing as an American car. It may be assembled here but most parts are imported. There are Japanese cars assembled here but still, most of the parts are imported.

Then you have to consider who really owns the company, where do the profits go? No telling anymore. Just buy what you like because having an American Made car is not realistic anymore.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 3 at 2015 8:38 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 20:38:00 -0400

I have always said about the folks who complain about me and other Americans who do not buy American cars is that those same people shop at places like Walmart and purchase Chinese made, wait, communist made products and my car was made in a democratic society. What is wrong with this picture. People can not pick and choose what to buy and set a standard and say, "this is what American made is". I drive a 1992 Nissan 240sx coupe I have built from the ground up. My after market suspension was made in the USA. Where was the suspension made in an American car, Mexico? People are living behind a false sense of security of what they think is American made. Congress, by law sets a standard for a percentage. In a democratic society, I am free to buy what I think suits me. That is a small part of the American way, buying what you want and not feeling obligate to buy something else when part of it was made somewhere else.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 3:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 15:50:06 -0400

I've driven several different cars from all over. I currently own a 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 and a 1995 Mazda RX-7. Nothing against American cars, but I just prefer something light and agile, and most importantly (no pun intended) TURBOCHARGED!

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 1 at 2015 1:19 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:19:25 -0400

Cars.com 2015 post about "American" cars. Thought this discussion would find it helpful. Of the top five, three are "Japanese" vehicles.

The 2015 American-Made Index

Response by SSG John Erny made Jul 1 at 2015 1:25 PM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:25:07 -0400

I like my F-150 and it is likely the only vehicle type I will own, other than an F-250, or F-350.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jul 21 at 2015 5:22 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 17:22:23 -0400

Love some of the new Chevy's. Same with a couple of the Dodges. I hate Fords. Used to love Japanese cars but I got screwed on my last Nissan as did my dad on his last Toyota. I can't get past the stereotyping of Honda with the wannabes and their huge exhaust.
I went German on my last. The A4 had no features but it has a great feel driving it. The A4 is my wife's. My S6 has all the bells and whistles. 0-60 as quick as a C7 Vette and I get 30 on the highway. It handles with an M3. Could'd ask for more.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 1:12 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:12:23 -0400

I purchase a vehicle based on how much I do not want to spend after I purchase it. Historically, american vehicles have not been able to compete in that area IMO.

I see some of that starting to change, we will see...

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Apr 9 at 2019 6:59 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 18:59:46 -0400

I like VWs and Porshes and have never owned anything else. It's just a personal style and driving feel preference. Lots of people like other types of cars and their reasons are probably just as good as mine (i.e. some emotional investment).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 8:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 20:48:34 -0400

I wish the US made good cars.

Unfortunately, if you want your country to make good cars, it appears from the evidence that they best thing you could hope for would be to have been on the losing side in the second world war.

The Japanese make the best cars in the world based on price and quality.

The Germans make nice cars, but wow that fashion statement badge on the grill costs a LOT of money.

I like to look at Italian cars. I like leave their frequent servicing to their owners.

If I was going to buy a pickup, however, I would probably buy a Ford.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Apr 9 at 2019 9:22 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 21:22:37 -0400

I switched after Buick downsized their sedans to be so small I no longer fit comfortably behind the steering wheel. Buick had pretty good quality. I drive a Mercedes now and honestly it's a SUV and it gets higher MPG than the Buick but it is 1/3 heavier, it has a clean burning BLUETEC Diesel so it doesn't pollute as much as the Buick did, So far no problems and I only need to take it into the shop once a year vs twice a year for the Buick plus Mercedes give me a free loaner car while it is in the shop. USAA discounts for Mercedes are also larger for Veterans and Military than those of General Motors. I guess the Germans value us more as Veterans. The Benz is made in Alabama.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 8 at 2021 2:46 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:46:51 -0500

I have had foreign and domestic. I have a 2012 Toyota RAV4. 144,000 mile. Never been to the shop yet (watch today it will break down!). The only thing I have done is oil changes and air filters and I did the brakes myself at 60,000. And the battery at about 120,000 miles I have NEVER had any domestic car give me this kind of service or reliability.
My daughters had Toyota Corolla's, one had 275,000 when it was totaled by a deer. The only repair was an alternator at around 230,000 for one of them. The other had had two alternators and has over 250,000.
I had a Chevy Astro (4.3L, V6) that the engine blew the head gasket at 217,961 miles. It was in the shop many times. I couldn't count them for everything from ignition modules to door handles breaking (more than once also for the back door). Problems started escalating after about 50,000.
Toyota may be Japanese owned but anymore they are about as American as GM and Ford with their parts sourcing. I choose quality and reliability. If the American manufacturers would build them more reliable and back them I would rather buy American. I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2021 2:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:53:56 -0500

My question what constitutes an American car, most companies build their cars here in the states.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2021 5:44 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:44:09 -0500

Traded in a 98 Lexus ES300 with 277,000. It likely had more in it. Only major repair was timing belt years ago. I swapped alternator out as it's on top. Very tight wiring though. My 57 Chevy still runs, so there it is.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 31 at 2022 4:45 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 04:45:32 -0400

I prefer buying cars like Kia and or Nissan.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Aug 31 at 2022 10:24 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:24:35 -0400

Most Of Us Americans, Due To Lack Of Education In Our Schools, Haven't Had Any Important Education In Simple Economics To Understand The Difference Between Price & Cost... I've Chosen To Owen A Benz As It's Among The Lowest Cost Of Ownership..YES, That's Correct, And Here's Why..
#1.... Although The Purchase Price Is somewhat higher than most cars, It Remains A Good Buy.
#2.. ..Higher Reliability
#3..... Although Repairs Are More, They Have Fewer Repair Requirements,Therefore A Lower Overall Cost Factor.
#4.... Benz Has A Superior Fuel Savings As They Get Better Mileage.
#5.... Benz Can Be expected To Give It's Owner A Life Expectancy Of Producing 100,000 To 200,000
Miles On It's Engine.
#6 ..... Insurance Costs Are Only Slightly Hire Not What Most Would Think.
#7......Higher Resale Values At Time of Trade In Or Sale.
SO: A Mercedes Benz May Well Be One Of The Least Expensive Automobiles You've Owned,
They Just LOOK Expensive

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Aug 31 at 2022 2:49 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:49:02 -0400

99% of consumers don't actually know which cars are American vs which are foreign -- and that's not even considering that most "American" cars include a large percentage of "foreign" parts.

Quite a few years ago "Buy American" was a big deal -- including the US government handing businesses a lot of free money to support "Buy American" advertising campaigns. Chevy took federal grant money to make a TV commercial pitching the "Buy American" theme. Only problem is that the TV commercial showed a Chevy Luv, a Toyota small pickup, and the Volkswagen small pickup. The commercial had a big Buy American heading and the Chevy would come to the front while the Toyota and VW fell behind. After the commercial had been airing for about a month, Volkswagen sued Chevy because the VW pickup was the only vehicle in the commercial that was made in the USA.

There are two major Ford Assembly Plants in the city where I live. The United Auto Workers union hall is just down the street from one of those assembly plants. The UAW had a big sign at their front parking lot saying that only American Made cars could park in that front lot (foreign cars had to be parked in another lot at the rear of the building). I was always amused to see the that there were usually several Ford Crown Victoria cars, Mercury Grand Prix cars, and one union official's Lincoln Town Car all parked in the front lot, despite the fact that all those cars were actually foreign made.