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10 American Cars People Mistake as “Foreign”

Sometimes, looks can deceive you, especially when it comes to cars. You might think that sleek, foreign badge on your driveway screams “exotic import,” but surprise—it might just be as American as apple pie. Let’s roll through a list of ten cars that wear foreign logos but have their roots planted firmly in the US. …
Mr.choppers/Wikipedia and Kevauto/Wikipedia

Sometimes, looks can deceive you, especially when it comes to cars. You might think that sleek, foreign badge on your driveway screams “exotic import,” but surprise—it might just be as American as apple pie. Let’s roll through a list of ten cars that wear foreign logos but have their roots planted firmly in the US.

BMW X5

Vauxford/Wikipedia

The luxury SUV with German sophistication is actually built in South Carolina. Yes, Spartanburg is where this Bavarian beauty gets its American touch. BMW’s factory there cranks out thousands of these crossovers, proving you don’t need to cross the Atlantic to feel European luxury.

Toyota Camry

EurovisionNim/Wikipedia

Think of “Japanese reliability,” and the Camry likely comes to mind. But surprise! This best-seller is assembled in Kentucky. For decades, Toyota’s Georgetown plant has been producing this family favorite, bringing global engineering through local labor. Turns out, dependability doesn’t have to come from overseas after all.

Honda Accord

MercurySable99/Wikipedia

Here’s another “foreign” car with red, white, and blue credentials. The Accord, a perennial favorite among sedans, rolls off assembly lines in Ohio. Honda’s commitment to American manufacturing ensures that your trusty daily driver—known for comfort and reliability—has a Midwestern connection.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

M 93/Wikipedia

Fancy a Benz? The GLE might look like it’s fresh off a German Autobahn, but its roots are Alabama-strong. Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa plant has been producing these luxury SUVs for years, meaning it is precision engineering from The South that keeps affluent families safe and comfortable on the roads.

Volkswagen Atlas

Alexander-93/Wikipedia

Volkswagen chose Chattanooga in Tennessee, of all places, to bring their Atlas to life. Built for American families by American craftsmen, this spacious SUV exemplifies German practicality in a local flavor. When it’s road trip time, this one’s made to roam American highways in style.

Subaru Ascent

Alexander Migl/Wikipedia

Fans of all-wheel drive may think Subaru screams “Japan,” but the Ascent has an American origin. Manufactured in Lafayette, this three-row SUV caters to adventurous families. While it might handle rugged terrain like a champ, it’s built with some good old-fashioned American grit.

Acura RDX

Kevauto/Wikipedia

Precision-crafted performance meets Ohio ingenuity with the Acura RDX. This premium SUV, often mistaken for a Japanese import, has its roots in East Liberty, Ohio. It’s proof that you don’t need to look overseas for futuristic design and luxury, even with a name like Acura on the grille.

Nissan Altima

Mr.choppers/Wikipedia

The Altima—that dependable sedan zipping around suburban streets—hails from Tennessee. Nissan’s Smyrna plant ensures that this car applies Japanese design to a distinctly American sensibility. Its blend of efficiency, comfort, and style makes it a go-to choice for many.

Kia Telluride

Kevauto/Wikipedia

Georgia’s pride comes in the form of the Kia Telluride. Though the brand is South Korean, this award-winning SUV is a product of Kia’s plant in West Point. Designed with American roads in mind, the Telluride proves that not all “imports” come from overseas.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Elise240SX/Wikipedia

Another Southern superstar, the Hyundai Santa Fe, is manufactured with pride in Alabama. Built at Hyundai’s Montgomery plant, this South Korean midsize SUV calls the US its “sweet home.” Whether it’s a grocery run or a weekend getaway, Santa Fe’s American-made roots are ready to roll.

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