what cars are imported

[McOlivia]

The US imports a wide variety of cars, primarily from brands headquartered in Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. The German trio of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi dominates the luxury segment, while Volkswagen offers mainstream models. From Japan, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Mazda are household names, with many of their popular models like the RAV4 and Civic built in North America, though some niche and performance models are imported. South Korea's Hyundai and Kia have a massive presence, and the UK contributes niche luxury and performance brands like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Bentley. It's a common misconception that a car with a foreign brand name is always an import; many are built in the US.

The diversity is staggering. You can find everything from the ultra-efficient Mitsubishi Mirage to the opulent Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The decision often comes down to your priorities: legendary reliability (Japanese), cutting-edge luxury and performance (German), or exceptional value (Korean). Some brands, like Volvo (Swedish, owned by China's Geely) and Genesis (Hyundai's luxury division), are also significant players.

The "import" status can affect ownership. Parts and specialized service might be less readily available than for domestically built vehicles, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs. However, for many drivers, the unique driving dynamics, prestige, or specific features of an imported model outweigh these considerations.

Here is a snapshot of major imported brands and their key contributions to the US market:

Importing Country	Key Brands	Notable Models	Segment Focus
Germany	Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen	Mercedes S-Class, BMW 3 Series, VW Golf GTI	Luxury, Performance, Mainstream
Japan	Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi	Toyota 4Runner, Honda Civic, Subaru Outback	Reliability, Fuel Efficiency, Ruggedness
South Korea	Hyundai, Kia, Genesis	Hyundai Tucson, Kia Telluride, Genesis G80	Value, Design, Warranty
United Kingdom	Jaguar, Land Rover, Bentley, MINI	Land Rover Defender, MINI Cooper	Luxury SUV, Niche, Heritage
Sweden	Volvo	Volvo XC90	Safety, Family-Friendly Luxury
Italy	Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati	Ferrari 296 GTB	Exotic Supercars

[RhettRose]

For me, an import is all about the experience. I just love the feel of my little Mazda Miata on a winding road—it’s a connection you don't always get with a bigger American car. I’m not too hung up on the brand's origin, honestly. I look for something that’s fun to drive and has a bit of personality. My neighbor has a Subaru Outback for her family, and she swears by it for our snowy winters. It’s more about what the car does for you than where it’s assembled on a map.

[BriannaRose]

When I was buying my last car, I specifically looked at imports for their perceived reliability and resale value. I narrowed it down to a Honda or a Toyota. Even though many of their cars are built here, the engineering and company reputation are Japanese, which mattered to me. I ended up with a Toyota Camry Hybrid. It’s incredibly fuel-efficient and has a reputation for lasting forever with minimal issues. For a daily commuter, that peace of mind is worth more than anything else.

[DelMolly]

My perspective is purely practical. I manage a small business fleet, and our primary imports are Toyota pickup trucks, specifically the Hilux in global markets, though here we use the Tacoma. The rationale is simple: lower total cost of ownership. They are durable, require less unscheduled maintenance, and hold their value exceptionally well. This data-driven approach minimizes downtime and maximizes our return on investment. For commercial use, the decision is rarely about emotion; it's about proven performance and reliability metrics.

[NovaDella]

I’ve always been a fan of German engineering. There’s a certain solidity and precision to a BMW or Mercedes that I appreciate. The way the door closes with a satisfying ‘thud,’ the intuitive placement of controls, the confident way it handles at high speeds on the autobahn—it’s a holistic experience. Sure, maintenance can be more expensive, but you’re paying for a level of craftsmanship and performance heritage that, in my opinion, is often unmatched. It’s a different philosophy focused on the driver’s connection to the machine.