There are tons of car brands around the globe. Many of the world’s most common cars are produced in countries like Japan, Korea, and Germany.
But in America, there’s an almost even split between American-produced cars and foreign vehicles. In fact, just over half of all vehicles in the US are made by American car brands.
Many Americans prefer American-made cars and other goods, while many consumers don’t know the difference.
Want to know which cars are made in America? Wondering what the benefits of American made cars are? Keep reading our top five American car brands list below to find out.
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1. Ford
Ford is a household name for many. For one, it’s the original consumer car. Ford automobiles date all the way back to Henry Ford’s first Model T. While they weren’t the first vehicle manufactured, they were the first vehicle that ordinary consumers could actually afford.
Today, when people think about Ford, they think about innovation regarding mass production and assembly lines. They think about Detroit as the country’s former automobile capital. And they think the Ford F-150, the Ford Explorer, and the Ford Mustang; iconic American vehicles.
Ford is one of the top car manufacturers around the globe and sells and services vehicles in many countries. They have vehicles for regular consumers, such as the Ford Escape or Ford Focus, as well as commercial vehicles. These include their pickup trucks and vans.
2. Chevy
Chevy cars are the most popular American cars in the US. With many affordable models, this is often the first car brand that new drivers can afford to buy or lease.
Beginning in 1911, Chevy has been producing consumer-grade vehicles for over a century. Chevy is part of the General Motors (GM) family of vehicles that also includes Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. GM is headquartered in Detroit and currently ranks in the top 20 of the Fortune 500 biggest companies in the US.
You can find Chevy’s around the world, often branded under other names, such as Holden in Australia and New Zealand.
Some of the most popular Chevy cars include the Tahoe as a full-sized SUV, the Silverado pickup truck, and the sporty Corvette’s and Camaro’s. Chevy also helped pioneer the electric vehicle movement with cars such as the Chevy Volt, and now the Chevy Bolt.
3. Tesla
You can’t talk about American-made cars without mentioning Tesla, which is revolutionizing the automobile industry. The all-electric car manufacturer is less than 20 years old. While not founded by Elon Musk originally, most people associate the car brand with his name.
The company was named after the Serbian-American innovator and engineer, Nikola Tesla, who developed the three-phase electric power transmission.
The company originally began as an attempt to create all-electric sports cars. Today, they are branching out into more affordably priced vehicles, as well as SUVs. They even have plans to launch all-electric semi-trucks, capable of saving trucking companies millions in fuel costs every year.
And while Tesla is crafting vehicles that excel in every category, they haven’t stopped there. They also produce clean energy products, such as the solar roof and solar panels, helping homes and businesses to utilize clean, renewable energy.
Today, consumers can purchase the Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y. The Model 3 is the most affordable Tesla and is likely the one you see most often when out on the road. It’s the entry-level model available at a price point comparable to many other car brands today.
If you are looking to fit an entire family, the standard Model Y fits five. But you can opt for the third-row seating that allows for seven total seats. No matter which model you choose, you can expect to drive between 300 and 400 miles on a single full charge. That’s a lot of gas you don’t need to buy.
4. Dodge
Founded by the Dodge brothers in the earlier 1900s, the company first started producing ball-bearing bicycles; the primary method of transportation back then. The company also began in Detroit, thanks to the rich manufacturing opportunity present at the time. The first Dodge vehicle emerged from their facility in 1914, and the rest is history.
One of the most common vehicles produced by Dodge in recent years was the Dodge Ram truck. But within the last decade, Ram was separated from Dodge as its own brand of trucks, primarily used for commercial purposes.
The Dodge Viper and the Dodge Challenger are also some of the most popular sports cars. And today, the Dodge Charger is one of the most well-known and coveted sports vehicles around, fitted with tons of power.
The Grand Caravan, Journey, and Durango are among those in the mini-van and SUV category. These are quite popular family vehicles still produced today.
5. Jeep
Jeep originally began prior to World War 2 when the government was looking to outfit the military with off-road reconnaissance vehicles. During the war, these vehicles were used by every division of the army and were spread across the global battlefield.
But after the second world war, Jeep became one of the leading SUV brands available to consumers. Today, Jeep is widely recognized as an off-road vehicle. With multiple models available, such as the Wrangler and the Cherokee, off-road enthusiasts can take their Jeeps anywhere and everywhere that normal vehicles can’t go.
The current Jeep Wrangler is outfitted with four-wheel drive as well as solid axles, ensuring durability. The high ground clearance and suspension system allow for comfortable cruising over the bumpiest of trails.
As you begin to drive a Jeep, you’ll start to notice that Jeep owners share their own culture. It’s often expressed as it’s a Jeep thing and displayed as a wave among other Jeep Owners.
In fact, you are expected, as a Jeep owner, to engage in the wave, and possibly initiate it, depending on the make, model, and age of your Jeep compared to the other drivers.
Is it annoying? Maybe. But doesn’t it make you feel like you’re part of a family? Absolutely.
What are Your Favorite American Car Brands?
There are many other American car brands to choose from. These are just a few of the most popular.
There are many benefits of American car brands. For one, you get to support a local economy that prioritizes American labor and materials.
If you take pride in being an American, one of the best ways to show it is by driving American cars. So what brands are your favorite?
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