Made in the USA: 5 of the best cars made here
Full of patriotic feeling after the U.S. soccer team's World Cup run and readying for the Fourth of July holiday, you may want to be sure that any car you buy is truly "Made in the USA." But in a global marketplace, that label is increasingly tricky.
German and Japanese companies have assembly plants here, and Toyota and Honda make parts here as well. But, die-hard Made in America buyers say, profits still go back to a foreign company.
A new made-in-America index devised by an American University professor takes into account not only parts and assembly but also where the company is based and where research and development is done. The result is higher average scores for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Group models.
Associate Professor Frank DuBois of American's Kogod School of Business, an expert on the global supply chain, argues that his index gives the fullest picture of an American-made vehicle.
Indeed, his top two rankings of 2014 models, with 87.5 out of a possible 100 points, are iconic American models: the Chevrolet Corvette (pictured above) and the Ford F-150 pickup. But the Detroit companies do not totally dominate the list. The Toyota Camry is one of the highest-ranked sedans.
Of course, shoppers want not only an American-made car but one that is stylish, comfortable and fits their needs. So we looked at five high-volume categories of vehicle for models that scored 75 or above and also ranked well in reviews compiled by U.S. News Best Cars.
Small Car: Chevrolet Sonic
The Sonic has been part of a wave of successful small cars from Detroit companies prompted by a combination of high gas prices and tightening federal mileage standards. Assembled in Michigan, Sonic's base four-cylinder engine is rated by the EPA for 26 MPG in city driving and 35 on the highway.
Reviewers like the optional turbocharged version even more for its quick acceleration. They also praise the Sonic for its sharp handling and smooth transmissions. And it is especially roomy for a subcompact, with space for adults to sit comfortably in the back seat. List price for the Sonic ranges from $14,170 for the base model up to $21,610 for a fully-loaded version.
Mid-size sedan: Toyota Camry
With plants in Georgetown, Ky. and Lafayette, Ind., the Camry ranks second for American content in a compilation done by Cars.com. But in the broader American University index, it ties for 11th with a score of 78.5.
Reviewers like Camry's high reliability ratings, comfortable seating and its choice of the base four-cylinder engine (rated at 25 MPG city, 35 highway) and an optional V-6. Camry list prices start at $20,345 for the base model and range up to $27,941 for the V-6 version with maximum options.
Luxury Car: Cadillac CTS
The CTS ranks No. 1 among luxury large cars in the reviews compiled by U.S. News, and it scores 85 on the American University index. After a complete overhaul, the 2014 model is praised for terrific performance as well as a luxurious ride and feel combined with sharp handling that makes it a worthy competitor to German models.
Engines range from a turbocharged four-cylinder (ranked at 20 MPG in city driving and 30 on the highway) up to a V-8 in the CTS-V top-end lineup. Options include the latest technology like safety features, adaptive cruise control and forward collision alert. List prices for the CTS ranges from $39,095 to $69,070.
SUV: Buick Enclave
As part of Buick's makeover to shed its stodgy image of cars only for seniors, the Enclave gets high marks for its refined handling and a ride that is comfortable without feeling too soft.
The standard engine, a V-6 rated at 17 MPG in city driving and 24 on the highway, produces plenty of acceleration for most driving situations. With three rows of seats, the Enclave can seat eight, and reviewers praised its stylish interior that uses top-grade materials. Built in Michigan, the Enclave scored 86 on the American University index.
Pickup: Ford F-150
Built in Kansas City, the F-150 got the top Made in America score of 87.5 (tied with Chevrolet Corvette). Ford has defied conventional wisdom that pickup truck buyers only want V-8 engines by offering a V-6 as its base engine, with a mileage rating of 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. Mileage-conscious shoppers have opted for the standard V-6. An optional turbocharged Ecoboost V-6 and V-8 options provide more power for towing and hauling.
Reviewers like the comfortable front seating and plenty of room in the back seat of crew cab models. With almost endless options, the F-150 list prices range from $25,025 for the base model to $54,410 for near-luxury versions.