List of Foreign Cars

by Arlen HersheyUpdated July 31, 2023

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Foreign automobiles, or foreign cars as they are commonly referred to, have their roots in countries outside the United States. These roadsters are commonly from the United Kingdom or other European countries, or from Asian countries like South Korea. These cars are omnipresent in America, often being manufactured locally but under the auspices of foreign-based companies, differentiating them from American car brands such as Ford and Chrysler.

Several well-known foreign car brands include BMW and Mercedes-Benz from Germany, Ferrari and Lamborghini from Italy, and Nissan and Toyota from Japan. These automakers produce an array of vehicles to cater to various consumer needs, from luxury sedans to high-performance sports cars, and from economical hatchbacks to family-friendly SUVs and crossovers.

Germany

Renowned German car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, have left an indelible mark on the automotive scene. With models such as the Beetle, 911, A-Class, and 3-Series, these brands embody German engineering precision. Also, let's not forget the iconic MINI, a subsidiary of BMW, with its uniquely compact and stylish design.

Italy

Italy is known for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars and luxury brand vehicles in the world, with Ferrari and Lamborghini leading the charge. These Italian cars, from the low-ground Ferrari to the opulent Lamborghini, are symbolic of affluence and are a preferred choice among wealthy car owners. Also notable are Alfa Romeo with its Giulia model and the elegant, Britain-originated Aston Martin.

Japan

Japan, home to Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Lexus, among others, has a reputation for fuel-efficient and reliable vehicles. Honda's popular models such as the Accord and Civic, and Mazda's famed "zoom zoom" Miata, are evidence of this. Toyota and Lexus are also popular for their range of SUVs and luxury sedans.

South Korea

Furthermore, South Korea is making strides with its car manufacturers, Hyundai and Kia Motors, providing affordable yet stylish vehicles for the U.S. market. Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand Genesis also caters to the luxury car segment.

Britain

Britain, while known for the luxury and high-performance brand Rolls-Royce, also produces Land Rover, Lotus, and Jaguar models that are popular in America. Similarly, Sweden’s Volvo and Britain's Bentley are known for their luxurious, safe, and elegant vehicles.

Other Countries

Beyond these traditional automotive giants, manufacturers like China's electric vehicles and South Korea's motorcycles are gaining popularity. High-performance brands such as McLaren from Britain and Bugatti from France further expand the list of foreign car brands available in the U.S.

Moreover, a new wave of luxury SUVs and electric vehicles is making its way into the American car market from these foreign brands. From Audi's e-tron to Volvo's XC90, these vehicles demonstrate the versatility of these foreign automakers.

In conclusion, a variety of foreign cars are making a substantial impact on the American automotive landscape. With brands ranging from Volkswagen Group to Kia Motors, from luxury brands like Rolls-Royce to efficient brands like Honda, the list of foreign car brands available in the U.S. is extensive and diverse. Whether it's a German car or a Japanese car, an Italian supercar or a British luxury brand, American consumers are offered an abundance of choices.