6 American Cars That Are Better Values Than Their Japanese Counterpart
Written by
David Nadelle
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There’s nothing wrong with going out of your way to support American-made products. U.S. manufacturing propels the national and local economies and provides jobs for American citizens.
According to a 2022 Harris Poll and Retail Brew survey, 71% of Americans intentionally purchased American products and nearly half of those polled would be willing to pay up to 20% more for American-made products.
When it comes to cars, there’s a common belief that Japanese models are better constructed, more reliable and are cheaper than their American counterparts. Comparatively, many Americans prefer domestic models that have abundant interior space, bigger bodies and more powerful engines, things that U.S. auto brands take pride in providing to buyers.
When considering factors such as performance, safety features and price, Japanese cars consistently outperform American models in affordability, fuel-economy and reliability rankings, however, U.S. brands are well-known for producing robust trucks and SUVs.
American and Japanese automakers produce vehicles with various strengths and weaknesses. The best car for an individual depends on their specific needs, preferences and budget. Here are a few examples where American cars are often considered competitive or even superior to their Japanese counterparts, with help from Marcus Withers, founder of Withers Automotive LLC.
Jeep Wrangler
With its one-of-a-kind styling, killer off-road capabilities and a broad range of powertrains, the Wrangler has been an attractive option for adventurers for years.
“Compared to Japanese SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, the Wrangler leads in off-road capability and customization,” said Withers. “It has better ground clearance for outdoor adventures.”
Dodge Challenger
American muscle cars, such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are beloved for their powerful engines and sleek designs. However, the Dodge Challenger is the best-selling muscle car in the U.S. (although the Mustang is quickly closing the sales gap, per CarScoops) and outperforms any Japanese comparable, including the Toyota Supra, Subaru BRZ or Nissan Z.
Dodge Ram 1500
The rugged Ram 1500 is a popular light-duty truck that has always had ample capabilities. “This truck out-tows Japanese competitors like the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan,” said Withers. “Known for its strength and technology, it’s recognized by J.D. Power for its outstanding performance.”
Tesla Model Y
Toyota is still the biggest car company in the world, but according to The Verge, the best-selling vehicle of 2023 globally is Elon Musk’s all-electric Model Y, surpassing popular and cheaper cars like Toyota’s Rav4 and Corolla. Japanese electric SUVs like the Nissan Ariya, Honda Prologue or Toyota bZ4X simply can’t compete.
Jeep Cherokee
In February 2023, the last Cherokee rolled off the assembly line in Belvidere, Illinois. But its popularity will live on for a few more years.
“Against rivals like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the Cherokee stands out with higher J.D. Power ratings and has more tech and safety features at its price point,” said Withers.
Cadillac Escalade
American manufacturers know power and size and few large luxury SUVs can compete with the Escalade. The Escalade’s nearest rivals might be the Lincoln Navigator and the Mercedes-Benz GLS, but great Japanese models like the Lexus LX 570 or Acura RDX run in the same circles. Despite its high cost and subpar mileage, few can rival the Escalade’s pure power, advanced tech and spacious, luxe interior, regardless of where they are manufactured.
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