Talking Cars 366: What Is an American Car?

It's a complicated answer in today's global manufacturing environment

By Mike Quincy

July 1, 2022

Main theme: We tackle a tough question: What does it mean for a car to be considered “American?" Does it have to be built here? Should it come from a company based in the U.S.? So many questions, but no easy answers.

We also searched for a few examples of what we consider the most American car of all time, with each of us weighing in with our picks. But it isn’t just us talking, as we also asked for your feedback. And here’s a teaser: There are no unanimous answers to these questions.

Talking Cars 366 panel — "Talking Cars" panelists Jen Stockburger, Mike Quincy, and Keith Barry.

As with other “Talking Cars” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

Driving the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80, episode 365
Driving the Nissan Z, episode 364
Driving Subaru’s First EV, the New Solterra, episode 363
Driving the Ford Maverick Hybrid, episode 362
Driving the Rivian R1T, episode 361

Have a Question?

We’d love to include it in a future show. Upload your video questions to our Dropbox folder. Please send high-definition (1920x1080) MP4 video files with high-quality audio. Or send an iMessage question to our TalkingCars@icloud.com account.

Talking Cars

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Mike Quincy

Mike Quincy is a writer, editor, podcaster, and tester with the Consumer Reports autos team. He has been with CR since 1993, purchasing more than 160 cars for the test program. Previously, Mike wrote for Automobile Magazine. When he’s not working, Mike can be found training for a long-distance bicycle ride, honing a wide variety of baked goods, or studying the world of mixology in search of the perfect martini.