Many car brands sold in the U.S. are considered imports, meaning their vehicles are primarily manufactured outside the country. The core distinction isn't just about the brand's origin country, but its manufacturing footprint. A brand like Honda has a significant presence in the U.S., but its Acura luxury division imports many models from Japan. The landscape is diverse, featuring long-established European luxury marques, practical Asian brands, and exciting newcomers, particularly from Asia.
What Does "Imported" Really Mean?
In the U.S. market, an "import" brand is generally defined by where the majority of its vehicles sold here are assembled. This is different from the corporate ownership. For example, Volvo is owned by China's Geely but imports vehicles from Sweden and China. Similarly, while Genesis is Hyundai's luxury arm, its models are primarily imported from South Korea.
Major Imported Car Brands by Region
- European Brands: This group is dominated by luxury and performance names. Think of German powerhouses like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche. It also includes British icons like Jaguar and Land Rover, Swedish manufacturers Volvo, and Italian exotic brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
- Asian Brands: This is a broad category. Japanese giants Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Mazda all have substantial U.S. manufacturing, but they also import key models. Their luxury divisions—Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti—are almost exclusively imported. South Korea's Hyundai and Kia import a significant number of vehicles, as does their Genesis brand. Newer entrants include VinFast from Vietnam.
- A Nuanced Point: "Domestic" Brands with Imports
It's important to note that even traditionally American brands like Ford and General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac) import certain models from factories in Mexico, Canada, China, or elsewhere to fill specific market segments.
The following table highlights the 2023 U.S. sales figures for some prominent import-brand manufacturers, demonstrating their significant market share.
| Import Brand Manufacturer | Country of Origin | Estimated 2023 U.S. Sales (Units) | Popular Imported Models |
|---|
| Toyota Motor Corp. | Japan | ~2,248,000 | Lexus lineup, 4Runner, Supra |
| Hyundai Motor Group | South Korea | ~1,576,000 | Genesis lineup, Palisade, Telluride |
| Mercedes-Benz | Germany | ~350,000 | S-Class, GLE, EQS |
| BMW Group | Germany | ~395,000 | 3 Series, X5, X7 |
| Subaru Corp. | Japan | ~632,000 | WRX, BRZ, Solterra (EV) |
| Volkswagen Group | Germany | ~571,000 | Audi lineup, Porsche 911, VW Arteon |
When shopping, checking the Monroney sticker (the window sticker) on a new car will tell you the final assembly location, giving you the definitive answer on whether that specific vehicle is an import.
