Do You Agree Cars Made In America Are More Patriotic Than Cars Made In Mexico Or Canada?

Question

Forbes Magazine also thinks so.

These cars have the most American made parts. Also, some have top ratings for either quality and/or safety.

Pontiac G6 ( Coupe / 86% Domestic Content)
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx ( Hatchback / 86%)
Mercury Montego ( Sedan / 75%)
Ford Freestyle or Taurus X ( Wagon / 80 %)
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ( Convertible / 85% )
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ( Sports Car / 85%)
Lincoln MKX ( SUV / 95% )
Hybrid — Saturn Aura Green Line (86% )
Cadillac STS ( Luxury Car / 75% )
Lincoln Mark LT ( Truck / 80% and said to be better than Mexico's Cadillac Escalade EXT)

"Forbes: The Ten Most Patriotic Vehicles "

http://www.forbesautos.com/slideshows/advice/toptens/2007/top-10-most-patriotic-vehicles_1.html?thisSpeed=13000

Toyota Sienna ( minivan / 85% Domestic Content)

Forbes:"Level Field Institute (LFI), a group representing U.S.-based automakers and suppliers... says that buying a domestic-brand car, even if it’s produced elsewhere, supports significantly more U.S. jobs than buying a foreign-brand car that’s assembled in the U.S., as most of the lucrative engineering, design and executive jobs of foreign car companies are still located overseas. For example, LFI says that buying a Ford Fusion assembled in Mexico will support about six times as many jobs as a Hyundai Sonata assembled in Alabama. "

For Nannie: Patriotism is also doing what is best for a country. For example, Japanese try to buy Japanese products just because it helps to improve the stand of living and make the country richer. And China's government limits the amount of imports of foreign made products to increase the country's wealth. China was even taxing foreign made cars with a 100% tax. All of the tens of thousands of expensive Mercedes and BMWs in China really cost the owners double the price as in America.

Also, China refuses to let most companies sell products in China if the company does not make a factory there. Microsoft was forced to hire Chinese workers just to sell Windows and Office there. Also, Motorola couldn't sell U.S. made cell phones in China. Motorola now sells Chinese made Motorola cell phones in China. Since Motorola taught China how to make cell phones, there are now Chinese cell phone makers that now compete with Motorola. (Cellphones were invented in America decades ago)

Answer 1

Toyota is being made here in the US.

Funny, American companies can't seem to make American cars in America. But Japan can?

Answer 2

There's more than just content to consider. What country are the cars assembled in? What country are the high paying jobs based in, like executives, designers, engineers, marketing, etc.?

All of those should be considered before labeling a car the most patriotic.

UPDATE: Nice to hear about the Fusion, as I purchased one 3 months ago, even though I knew it was assembled in Mexico. I figured a lot of the content plus higher end jobs were in the USA.

Answer 3

here's the flaw in that arguement: the "american" made cars (none of which can carry the official "made in america" seal because most of the parts are made overseas) only protects "...the lucrative engineering, design and executive jobs...". but those jobs make up a very small minority of total jobs at an auto company. most jobs are blue collar, middle class jobs. that is what has been lost by outsourcing. the huge number of middle class jobs that used to be an excellent career option for someone without a college education are now gone. they have been moved overseas where health insurance is either provided by the state or doesn't exist at all, pensions are non-existent, and worker's comp and quality control are not an issue.
so while a very small number of white collar jobs may be protected by buying so-called "patriotic" cars, a greater number of blue collar jobs have already been lost due to outsourcing.

Answer 4

The US prides itself on letting the market dictate the economy. Until the US auto makers start producing cars with the longevity and gas mileage of (for instance) Toyotas, we'll have to opt for the better vehicles. What's more patriotic than letting the market determine our choice of automobile?

Answer 5

The unveiling of the Tesla Motors Electric Car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOl_1S10jTk

Tesla Roadster: The Electric Car that Redefines "Power" (Part 1)
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/tesla_roadster.php

Tesla's sports car drives for a penny a mile
http://news.com.com/2300-11386-6096355.html

Answer 6

I don't know. I've never seen a car put in a position to defend it's country. Flying flags and singing songs and praising the president is not patriotism.

A patriot is someone willing to give up what he or she has, including life, to defend his/her country and what it stands for. To speak for her/his country in the face of all regardless of the consequences.

What car you buy or how high you fly your flag doesn't make a patriot.

You don't have to be a soldier. Nathan Allen was not a soldier nor was John Hancock. Both loss all for refusing to deny their country.

Answer 7

Never thought of cars being patriotic, only their owners.

Answer 8

I think imports suck and are antiamerican.