Luxury in car brands is a multi dimensional concept encompassing a wide range of factors. These include engine power, aesthetics, tech features, interior designs and more. When it comes to the American luxury car, brands like Chrysler, Lincoln and Cadillac have fostered a legacy worth mentioning. This blog aims to explore this legacy and draw out a comparative study of the American luxury brands and foreign ones.
What is a Luxury Car?
In cars, to some extent, luxury is a matter of subjective opinion. Whether it’s a lavish interior or seamless incorporation of hi-tech features, the choice depends on the overall preferences of the buyer. But there are some factors that influence the criterion of calling a car a luxurious one. According to Mercedes, luxury cars often have features that are designed to produce an enjoyable and relaxing drive for its passengers.
History of the American Luxury Car
Luxury has been a symbol of American cars dating back to the early 20s and 30s. Brands like Cadillac and Lincoln become pioneers and set high standards with their luxurious models like the Cadillac V16 and Lincoln Continental. The mid-20th century saw an increase in the ongoing trend with models like the Chrysler Imperial and the Buick Roadmaster symbolizing wealth and success. As of now, the concept of luxury stays, although changed, with brands like Tesla and Cadillac continuing the legacy.
A Comparison of American vs. Foreign Luxury Car Brands
In the U.S., buying an American car means supporting the local industry. But chances are, you won’t be able to find a single car that is 100% manufactured and assembled in the U.S. According to a AALA Report, there are high percentages of spare parts that are manufactured and assembled by foreign companies.
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, the foreign brands like Lexus, Toyota, Mini, Acura and Honda have produced some of the most reliable foreign cars topping the top 10 list of most reliable cars in 2023.
Fuel Economy
On the other hand, American cars have a better fuel economy only when it comes to trucks. The Ford Maverick HEV FWD, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid lead in the most fuel-efficient small/standard pickup truck and minivan categories.
Small Foreign Cars: Are They Useful?
In this day and age, small cars are no longer limited to hatchbacks. Models like the Toyota Yaris are examples of such phenomenon. Moreover, small cars have a better fuel mileage and are known for their reliability and practicality. They often come installed with advanced features like the hybrid engine in the Yaris of the versatile interiors of the Honda Jazz.
Conclusion
While the American luxury car has seen a rise in popularity and technology, there is still a better mile to go before it can compete with its foreign counterparts. Foreign brands, especially the German and the Japanese ones, are innovating constantly. Moreover, as time passes, it is becoming more and more difficult to make the distinction between both the American and foreign brands due to the distributed assembling and manufacturing of the spare parts. Therefore, a good buying choice would be to consider a blend of both brands for a long-lasting luxury vehicle.