Domestic Vs. Foreign Cars

Differences between domestic manufactured and imported cars have long been documented with some evidence suggesting that foreign built cars are better built than American vehicles. Much has changed including what defines domestic and foreign cars.

History

Domestic cars have traditionally been described as those cars built by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, automakers whose global headquarters are in Michigan. Foreign cars included all models made beyond the borders of the United States except for Canada.

Domestic

GM, Ford and Chrysler no longer represent the domestic market exclusively. A number of foreign manufacturers have assembly plants in the United States including Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes and BMW.

Foreign

Domestic manufacturers sometimes import cars from foreign-owned plants and sell them in the United States. The Buick Regal is built in Germany, the Ford Fiesta is built in Mexico the Ford Transit Connect is from Turkey, as of 2010.

Quality

American manufacturers have long trailed their foreign rivals in quality, but an Associated Press poll conducted in March 2010 revealed that buyer perception has switched to U.S. car companies. Thirty-eight percent said that U.S. cars are better, while 33 percent said Asian cars are better.

Fun Fact

The Toyota Camry has been the best selling car in America many years since 2000 and is built in America by a foreign automaker.