What is the best american sedan as a daily driver?

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placated@reddit

Not only a good answer I believe it’s the ONLY answer.

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cookiemonster101289@reddit

Honorable mention for the Chevy SS here, have owned a shit ton of cars and my SS is my favorite DD.

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kentuckyguy22@reddit

I considered adding the SS or G8 GXP but didn’t figure they were “luxury” enough even though they’re pretty nice cars

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cookiemonster101289@reddit

Definitely not by modern standards, the SS was really nice when it was new but modern cars have much better technology nowadays.

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StoicSociopath@reddit

Not even close, even for its time its a rough riding, loose plastic, rattle-ey, cabin noise loud, piece of crap. But my god do i want one

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DaveDL01@reddit

SS owner here. I agree.

But…they were made in Australia.

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placated@reddit

Well I meant I think the Caddy CT is literally the only ICE American badged sedan you can buy new in 2025. Googling looks like you can still get a Chev Malibu

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RollForIntent-Trevor@reddit

If not for the sedan req -i love the wagon more than any other American car of the past 40 years....

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accountforfurrystuf@reddit

The model 3 and Model S(used imo) also exist as good alternatives but this is Reddit so

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kentuckyguy22@reddit

Yea I agree. I considered adding the G8 or SS sedan but didn’t consider them luxury

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Solid_Enthusiasm550@reddit

Definitely the correct answer for the Lexus, BMW alternative.

As for the Accord, Camry alternative.

Chevy Malibu or impala is the only American sedans.

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

Camry is made in the US Accord might be too

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Solid_Enthusiasm550@reddit

But the brand isn't. The still are JDM products.

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Substantial-Ad-8575@reddit

Love the V/Blackwing Cadillacs. If it only still had a Wagon version, wouldn’t have bought my M5 Touring instead…

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WolfPackLeader95@reddit

Camry and Accord are actually made in America.

The last sedan from an American brand is Cadillac and Tesla.

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

So is the Lexus ES and C Class Sedans

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WolfPackLeader95@reddit

The majority are made in America, but some are still imported from Japan.

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bimmervschevy@reddit

American-MADE: Lexus ES, Toyota Avalon, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Acura TLX

American brand: Buick LaCrosse (2017-2020), Buick Regal Sportback, Ford Fusion (2013-2020), Ford Focus (2012-2018, manual transmission only), Cadillac CT5

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Civil-General-2664@reddit

I was gonna say, last I looked, Japanese brands are better at manufacturing in America than American brands.

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BigConscience728@reddit

It cute to read the auto industry thoughts of fools who have no clue what they’re talking about

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Ironically Acura is one of the most American focused brands for being owned by a Japanese company. Their cars are specifically made for the North American market and most of their vehicles are produced in Ohio.

I’m not sure why people associate “American brands” with “American quality” when a good amount of domestic brands outsource the hell out of their products.

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dchef40@reddit

Boom, roasted.

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mikeumd98@reddit

Acura Integra.

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ScubaSteve7886@reddit

Toyota Camry is built in Kentucky.

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rulesrmeant2bebroken@reddit

How old are you looking? A Buick of various types would be a good start, especially the 3800 engine models. Or a Ford Fusion of the first generation, also came in a Mercury and Lincoln variant for comfier seats and a softer suspension.

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VivienM7@reddit

I used to recommend the 3800 sedans all the time, but... depressing thought, the last 3800 was produced 17 years ago. (And I don't think the last 3800 cars, e.g. Lucerne, were the best) Here at least, there are almost no 3800 cars left on the used market anymore...

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rulesrmeant2bebroken@reddit

They're still good cars but they're aging unfortunately. The Lacrosse and Lucerne (the better of those two) were great cars but unenthusiastic and dated with the 3800 engine. Still better than the Northstar.

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VivienM7@reddit

Yes, but I think I would rather have a 2005 LeSabre (celebration edition?) than a Lucerne. Lighter weight (300 more lbs, losing 7HP can't be good, plus I think you could get LeSabres with 3.05 gears), narrower turning radius (the turning radius on the Lucerne is really really really really bad), etc, although the Lucerne has more safety features and looks better.

As for the LaCrosse (Allure here in Canada), I test drove a used one once and was shocked at how much less Buicky it felt than my dad's 03 Regal (despite both being W bodies, 3800s, etc). Heavy steering, suspension felt harder, etc. Pretty blue colour though. So again I'd pick a late-model Regal over the Allure...

Maybe in Florida there are still nice LeSabres, but here at least, not so much...

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rulesrmeant2bebroken@reddit

I own a Lucerne and have driven a few of the final gen LeSabre. I like both but the LeSabre is a much more dated looking vehicle.

My thoughts:

Pros of Lucerne:

-Better dashboard

-Comfier leather seats (in my opinion)

-Looks updated, much better, much newer

-Better grill and rear (in terms of look)

Cons:

-Air suspension (although this is an issue with the LeSabre too)

-Issue with alloys flaking

-Struts

-Fuse block (melts, doesn't start car, etc.)

-Cheap GM interior feel seeped onto this model

-Rust

Pros of final gen LeSabre:

-Better radio setup

-Better dash setup (aside from dashboard)

-Comfier cloth seats and seat belts

-More refined

-Better visibility

-Lighter weight (as you mentioned)

Cons:

-Rust

-Dated exterior

-Dated interior

-Window regulators

-Big and bulky, but no better than the Lucerne

To be frank with you, the Lucerne should have been the final gen LeSabre but they changed the name for a new market. The market was already gone, but it was a LeSabre in spirit.

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Sagun1@reddit (OP)

Something brand new is what I was thinking

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rulesrmeant2bebroken@reddit

I don't think the American car companies make sedans anymore. Ford doesn't, Chevy is discontinuing the Malibu, and Chrysler only has the van. Dodge I guess has their electric powered Charger, but that's it.

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Dracosphere@reddit

Electric charger is built in Windsor plant in Canada.

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Metsican@reddit

How much do you drive and do you have a driveway/garage? If so, the Model 3 is best American sedan available compared to its direct competitors.

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CompetitionFalse3620@reddit

Caddy for the win

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ChrisGear101@reddit

Go car shopping, and get off the internet. Prices haven't gone up, except for the normal inflation increases. It's easy to panic if you dont go look for yourself.

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Scassd@reddit

I think some people expect the tariff to be added on to the price like tax.

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hiroism4ever@reddit

I mean are you trying to buy American to avoid tarrifs with new vehicles? Because there's very few sedans made by American manufacturers. You can also get American made by foreign brands.

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Sagun1@reddit (OP)

Well yeah the tariffs, but yeah I was surprised at the limited options available for Sedans by American Brands.

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hiroism4ever@reddit

The US market has shifted far away from sedans and cars in general. Financially it didn't make sense to most brands given most buyers want crossovers, SUVs, and trucks. So they pivoted.

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Scassd@reddit

😔

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Metsican@reddit

Asian brands invested more in developing quality sedans, and the combination of CAFE standards, profitability, and "macho" marketing pushed American manufacturers towards body-on-frame vehicles.

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Kent89052@reddit

Ford Fusion, Chevy Impala, Chevy Malibu In that order All 3 highly rated by consumers reports

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Metsican@reddit

OP is looking at new.

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Kent89052@reddit

The Chevrolet Malibu is still available new and competes with a camry

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Scassd@reddit

“Competes” is a stretch 😁

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threadward@reddit

My Honda Element was made in East Liberty, Ohio

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landob@reddit

Are there anY American cars left? They all essentially made in Mexico canda I thought lol.

I'm personally a fan of dodge chargers. Say what you will about dodge but I've never seen a problem with them unless the owner abused or neglected it.

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Sagun1@reddit (OP)

Yeah but for me, the gas cost really gets to me, I drive almost 500 miles a week sooo.. and alot of it is in traffic

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getmorestonks@reddit

Check out Lucid Air. I have had one for three years and best car I have driven. Made in AZ.

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Metsican@reddit

Can you charge at home? If so, an EV would save you a lot of time and possibly also money.

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Metsican@reddit

The most problems we ever had with a car was with a Dodge.

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getmorestonks@reddit

Lucid Air

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Enzo_Gorlomi225@reddit

Cadillac makes the best Sedans when it comes to US manufacturers.

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Gunk_Olgidar@reddit

Camry

Yes it has higher USDM % parts content than Cadillac.

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ACG3185@reddit

TLX type S. Built in Ohio

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underfinagle@reddit

Nothing, really. That's the thing, if US had competition for those cars, then tey wouldn't survive in the US market. But, if I HAD TO give you some examples:

Chevrolet Malibu as Corolla replacement, but obviously nowhere near reliability, cost and gas mileage
Cadillac CT4 which is like an Lexus ES, but obivously nowhere near the luxury or reliability
Cadillac CT5 which is like a high-performance BMW 5 series, but not really similar

That's it. If you want American, that's what's currently available as an alternative (sort of), at least temporarily, until American car companies actually start wanting to compete with them (unlikely). Cadillac CT4 is probably your best bet.

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SlartibartfastMcGee@reddit

Nothing, really…

Except for these 3 examples.

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underfinagle@reddit

None of these 3 examples are really a replacement for any cars mentioned by OP. Those 3 are the only US cars that can be weakly associated with the aforementioned cars, and that's only because they are similar in size and performance.

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SlartibartfastMcGee@reddit

A Malibu is going to be roughly similar to a Camry, and the CT4/CT5 compare well with the BMW/Lexus/Mercedes especially the V models.

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underfinagle@reddit

Malibu is only similar to Camry in size. But its powertrain puts it more in the ballpark of a Corolla.

CT4 and CT5 compare to those brands only in terms of size and performance. But people don't buy any of those for performance. The V versions do not compare to BMW M series at all. Nor serious AMG offerings. And the non-V versions aren't as comfortable as the non-M and non-AMG BMWs and Mercs. It's nowhere near as luxurious as them. It's only more reliable if you compare reliability od neglected cars. Has worse gas mileage.

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rudy-juul-iani@reddit

I agree with you about the Malibu. It has a weak 1.5T I4 that barely makes more power than a Corolla. The Accord also has a 1.5T, same size as the Malibu, but it has significantly more power than the Malibu.

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Whit-Batmobil@reddit

What benefits?

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GuiltyDetective133@reddit

What do you mean American? There are plenty of Japanese brands that build cars in America and employ American workers that would not be tariffed. There are plenty of foreign governments that hold Dow and Nasdaq stock. Tesla has the most American component production.

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Lexus ES (Georgetown, Kentucky) and Mercedes C class SEDANS (Alabama) are ALL built in the US… AND the 3 series is made in Mexico

To me this is a big issue with brands and people’s lack of understanding…

Am I seriously the first person to catch this?

F150’s are build in Mexico

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

CT5 is heavier and doesn’t handle as well but you get V8 noises

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Double-Regular31@reddit

Dodge Charger SRT8 Hellcat.

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Chair_luger@reddit

Also an american alternative to something like the Lexus ES and IS, BMW series, or like a C class.

Not to pile on the many Lexus and BMWs are made in the US.

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JQ1311@reddit

Assembled in the USA. Not quite the same esp if 80% of the parts come from overseas

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Sagun1@reddit (OP)

Was just reading up on BMW 2 and 3 series being made in mexico so was that wrong? But yes Lexus is american made, so that's always an option.

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Metsican@reddit

https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en.html

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Asleep_Current912@reddit

Cadillac CT5 V Blackwing

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Substantial-Ad-8575@reddit

Need to bring back the wagon…. Miss my CTS-V wagon.

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krombopulousnathan@reddit

And if that’s too large, the Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing

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SailingSpark@reddit

Chevy bolt ev?

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Metsican@reddit

Very much not a sedan and also not available new. Lovely car, though.

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Snatch_By_The_Pool@reddit

There’s a stripped down version made in Mexico, the Dolt.

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DMCinDet@reddit

Do any "American" companies make a sedan?

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Metsican@reddit

Chevy, Cadillac, Tesla, and Lucid off the top of my head.

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fiddlythingsATX@reddit

Be sure you compare US made vs US brand. BMW makes the x-series SUV in the US and is a net exporter from the US, and GM makes sedans all over the world.

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NeedleGunMonkey@reddit

Toyota Camry. Probably the most American sourced parts and built in America.

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Metsican@reddit

Not quite. Tesla is still ahead there.

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Total-Improvement535@reddit

96-97 Lincoln Town Car

You get the amazing old school ride from the body on frame, V8, RWD plus its small enough to be (somewhat) maneuverable while still being a “big American sedan,” and you get OBD2, air bags, ABS, modern fuel injection

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Tensoneu@reddit

If you have a place to charge, a Tesla Model 3. Easy to maintain and doesn't feel dated because of software updates.

If you're handy with cars, the service manuals are available online and can buy parts with minimal issues from Tesla Service.

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NecessaryEmployer488@reddit

It really varies. I have a Ford Focus. Live in a town with high congestion, so being able to drive, park, becomes an important advantage. This is my daily driver. With that said if I live in the Bay Area and traveling down the 880 and need to go distance with a Ford Mustang GT.

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ImpliedSlashS@reddit

Accord or Camry

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False_Mushroom_8962@reddit

To be fair most "American" cars have about as many US made parts as anything else and a lot of the competitors are made here. The only difference is what country the executives are in

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SnooChipmunks2079@reddit

If you’re talking new, I think the only American brand sedans are Cadillac and Tesla.

Toyota and Honda both make cars here and I assume that includes Camry and Accord but don’t really know.

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Signal-Confusion-976@reddit

You do realize that the Honda and Toyota are made here in the US. And probably the GM, Ford, or Chrysler is made in another country.

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WorstDeal@reddit

Any GM with a 3800 series 2 with bench seats

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SirWaitsTooMuch@reddit

The best USA made would still be a Lexus, Toyota, Honda or Acura. Even then the beauty isn’t as good as a Japanese built one.

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Sagun1@reddit (OP)

Yeah that's the conclusion I've come to too

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SirWaitsTooMuch@reddit

Sad about every new Tundra. Wish it was built in Japan like the 4Runner

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Open_Move_427@reddit

Toyota Corolla and Camry. Made in the USA

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gotcha640@reddit

I don't think there are any American sedans left.

This is similar to the people asking for a grand tourer, they want comfort over power and performance, 2 door, rear drive, manual.

Sorry, you didn't buy it new, no one made them, so now you can't get it used.

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ChemistRemote7182@reddit

Late model ATSs are stupid cheap with a manual and imo are a better driving car than its German rivals from the time. No achilles heel mechanical issues either, just the interior is not as nice.

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Mumphord123@reddit

Continental black label

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Button-Masher-94@reddit

Camry is made in America.

I think if you want an Ford/GM sedan your options are Malibu or CT4 or CT5. Ford doesn’t make sedans anymore and Chrysler is owned by Fiat (Italian).

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Cranks_No_Start@reddit

Crown Vic or a Town Car.

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the_one-and_only-nan@reddit

Was gonna say. I got an 04 town car for $300. Couple hundred in various repairs and maintenance later it was a good car. Had it almost 2 years, put 30k on it with very little issues. Also swapped the 3.27 gears for 4.10s and a limited slip diff so it can boogie if I want it to haha

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