Decades ago, the struggle of choosing between foreign and domestic-made cars was a plight many car enthusiasts went through. Today, the difference between a foreign or American-made car isn’t as drastic as it once was, although there are still some unique factors to consider.
But first…
What’s the Difference?
There was a time when American-made cars, like Ford or Chevrolet, were built exclusively in the U.S. However, the tides have changed, and we’re seeing more American car manufacturers using parts made in other countries worldwide to support their vehicles. In addition, it’s become easier to import cars from foreign countries. Companies such as Breeze Customs provide customers with custom brokerage tools that make importing easier.
How To Choose
So, how do you choose? Well, it
all comes down to personal preference. Consider your needs when determining what type of car is best for you, and do your research. Sometimes it isn’t always so obvious what is or isn’t a domestic or foreign car.
Here are some key points to consider:
Size
Many American brands have a strong focus on size. The larger, the better! That’s why SUVs and pickups are some of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., with brands like Ram and Ford promoting more cabin space and wider seats. Even “smaller” American-made vehicles often put comfort and spaciousness above all else.
Foreign brands often make more compact cars with smaller engines. That’s not to say that they haven’t expanded and manufactured roomier cars, but size isn’t everything for brands like Nissan and Honda. While domestic cars prefer to go bigger with engines and scale back on transmission gears, foreign manufacturers tend to produce smaller engines with more gears. That’s something to think about when determining what your next car will be.
Cost
Cost is perhaps the most common factor that car owners mull over when deciding on a vehicle. Consider the cost of import, auto insurance, and maintenance. Most domestic companies have parts made overseas, which cuts the cost of parts. However, when it comes to repairs, domestic vehicles cost less to fix compared to foreign models. If you decide on a foreign car, such as a Volkswagen, you may need to shell out more money if a specific part requires fixing or replacing. In some cases, car parts may need to be shipped in from overseas, increasing the overall cost of the repair.
When talking about fuel efficiency, you’ll get more bang for your buck when choosing a foreign car. Most foreign-made cars have better fuel efficiency compared to domestic vehicles, meaning that you won’t need to fill the gas tank as often. Gas is expensive, after all.
While domestic brands have many affordable vehicles, foreign brands like Kia and Hyundai have some of the most affordable cars available in America. In addition, foreign automobiles are becoming much more accessible in recent years due to better importing fees.
Reliability
While many car enthusiasts will contest this point, foreign cars have been known to outrank domestic vehicles, especially with performance and reliability. Brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Mazda are some of the few that prove to be continuously reliable. While domestic-made cars have leaped forward in their reliability factor, foreign vehicles remain the top choice.
Luxury
Many car owners prefer imports solely for looks and status. Desired foreign brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are some of the few that outrank domestic competitors. These brands also emphasize furthering technology and refinement when manufacturing their vehicles, meaning the cost is sure to skyrocket.
Weighing the Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons of Domestic Cars
Pros:
- Many affordable brands
- Spacious options
- Less expensive repairs
- Specialize in SUVs and pickups
Cons:
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Less reliable than foreign cars
- Fewer options for sedans
Pros & Cons of Foreign Cars
Pros:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Improved reliability ratings
- Best warranty coverage
Cons:
- Replacement parts are harder to obtain/cost more
- Some brands are more expensive
- Not as spacious
We understand how torn you can get choosing between domestic and foreign cars. Do you want something spacious or affordable? Remember that it’s pivotal to do some research first. We hope you found this helpful and use the knowledge to purchase your future vehicle of choice.
Meta Description: Can’t decide between a domestic or foreign car? Follow this pros and cons list to determine which type of vehicle is the right choice for you.
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