A lot of stock is put in buying cars that are American made, especially to support the floundering economy. Traditionally, this involves buying from the big three U.S. automakers: GM, Ford and Chrysler.
However, the reality is that many parts are sourced from overseas. And while the U.S. automakers employ auto workers in this country by manufacturing cars on American soil, foreign companies have opened American plants in recent years as well.
So although the Toyota Camry is a Japanese car, it has topped Cars.com “American-Made Index” for the second year in a row. The survey not only takes into account where the car was manufactured (in the Camry’s case- Kentucky and Indiana), but the content of its parts that are American and its overall sales. The reason for the sales inclusion, the website explains, is because a completely-American made car may not sell well and thus employ less workers to make it.
The Ford F-150, once at the top of the charts, was nowhere to be seen this year, as Ford shrunk its domestic parts to just 55 percent in an effort to cut costs.
Despite misconceptions, buying used cars still helps support the economy. Used car dealers pay fees to the brands in order to sell their cars, so business for dealers is good for the entire auto industry.