The US gets a significant number of popular cars from Canada, primarily crossovers and sedans from American and Japanese automakers. Key models include the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, and the now-discontinued Chevrolet Impala. From Honda, the US imports the Honda CR-V and the Honda Civic. Toyota contributes the Toyota RAV4 and the Lexus RX luxury SUV. This cross-border manufacturing is a cornerstone of the integrated North American auto industry.
This production sharing is largely facilitated by the USMCA trade agreement (the successor to NAFTA), which allows for tariff-free movement of vehicles and parts. Canadian plants, known for high quality control standards, are crucial to meeting the high demand for these vehicles in the US market. For instance, the Toyota facility in Cambridge, Ontario, has consistently won awards for initial quality, which is a key reason it builds luxury Lexus models for export.
The specific models can change with production shifts, but the flow of vehicles is constant. The following table highlights some of the primary vehicles shipped from Canadian assembly plants to the United States.
| Vehicle Model | Manufacturer | Primary Canadian Assembly Plant(s) | Notable US Market Fact |
|---|
| Honda CR-V | Honda | Alliston, Ontario | One of the best-selling SUVs in the US. |
| Toyota RAV4 | Toyota | Cambridge & Woodstock, Ontario | Frequently the top-selling non-pickup vehicle. |
| Lexus RX 350 | Toyota (Lexus) | Cambridge, Ontario | First Lexus model built outside Japan. |
| Dodge Charger | Stellantis (Dodge) | Brampton, Ontario | A dominant full-size performance sedan. |
| Chrysler 300 | Stellantis (Chrysler) | Brampton, Ontario | Noted for its distinctive styling. |
| Chrysler Pacifica | Stellantis (Chrysler) | Windsor, Ontario | A leader in the minivan segment. |
| Honda Civic | Honda | Alliston, Ontario & Laval, Quebec | A perennial top-seller in the compact car segment. |
| Ford Edge | Ford | Oakville, Ontario | A mid-size SUV for the North American market. |
| Lincoln Nautilus | Ford (Lincoln) | Oakville, Ontario | The luxury version of the Ford Edge. |
When considering a vehicle that's assembled in Canada, you're getting a product from a highly advanced manufacturing sector that operates under strict quality controls. The close proximity also helps streamline the supply chain, ensuring a steady supply of these popular models to American dealerships.
