teslamotorclub: Will Model 3 be your first American car? part 1

I've owned cars made by Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and Lexus. Model 3 will be my first car from an American automaker. Will Model 3 be your first American car, too?
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I've only ever owned Detroit cars
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Nope.
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S was my first. Previously I have owned mostly Japanese. My wife has a Volvo now.
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My first vehicle was a POS Ford panel van I bought off a neighbour for $500.

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First American car made in America? or no... My last GM car was made in Mexico and Canada.
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Yup. Always had Hondas and NEVER wanted to drive an American car made by the current established manufacturers.
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I've been all over the map, American, Japanese, German, American-built German, American-built Japanese, Mexican-built American. I don't have any particular flavor of brand or nationality loyalty.
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Nope.

A Jeep and two Olds. I've only ever owned American.

I miss the Jeep. I loved that vehicle. I'm sure both Olds were good for the first few years and 50,000 miles but I wouldn't recommend them to a friend if they were still being manufactured.
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Interesting question. I said yes, although depends what you mean. Ford and Holden (GM) have had Australian manufacturing for ages, and in the Australian psyche they are Australian cars, despite their parent companies being US based.

Counting all cars my wife and I have owned (jointly and separately), the cars with a question mark are a 1976 Ford Escort and a 1998 Holden Barina. I think the Escort was UK made and the Barina was either UK or Australian.

Apart from that we've also had 1x Mitsubishi, 3x Mazdas, 2x Subarus and 1x Nissan. All are Japanese made. There was also one Toyota (manufactured in Australia).
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Please define what you mean by "American car".

What percentage of parts made in the US must a car have to be "American"? Even the Model S and X use parts made overseas. At the moment, if you count each battery cell as a "part", Teslas are almost entirely composed of parts from outside America. That will change with the Gigafactory of course.

Or do you mean a car made by a company founded and incorporated in America? GM manufacturers cars overseas and some of them are sold in the US. Overseas companies in Germany and Japan manufacture cars in the US using parts from all over the world. Business and trade is global, and many companies are multinational.

Personally I consider Teslas more "American" than most cars made by companies like GM and Ford. But it's a sliding scale.
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ecarfan said: ?

Please define what you mean by "American car".

Or do you mean a car made by a company founded and incorporated in America? GM manufacturers cars overseas and some of them are sold in the US. Overseas companies in Germany and Japan manufacture cars in the US using parts from all over the world. Business and trade is global, and many companies are multinational.
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Yes, it was this part of your explanation that I was getting at. I mentioned "American automaker" in my OP (but probably should have used that language more consistently and in the poll question, too) hoping that would bypass the issue about where cars are manufactured, and the extent to which their parts are US made.
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I sold my last car from a US-based manufacturer in 1983, so the Model 3 will be my first American car in 35 years. Since 1983, my cars have been from Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Audi and Porsche. I believe the Subaru was manufactured in the US.
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For me yes the Tesla M3 will the first American car that purchase. I own Toyota's, Honda's, Subaru's and Lexus all manufactured in Japan. There reason I bought them quality, reliability and resell value compare to their American counterparts.
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Boourns said: ?

S was my first. Previously I have owned mostly Japanese. My wife has a Volvo now.
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Model S was my first American built car but I see it as a Silicon Valley car. Have always been a German car fan for the past 15 years until now. Only Tesla so far and foreseeable future. (Unless wife let me get a LP580-2)
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I haven't owned an American car for at least 25 years. I have an Acura and a Ferrari in my garage now.
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My Model S is my first American car since 1970 (used '56 Chevy was first car).
Since then all cars have been mostly German and one Swedish car (Volvo).
Model 3 will be my third American-made car.
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JeffK said: ?

made in Mexico and Canada.
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Which ain't Europe and ain't Asia... so... American!
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This will be my first NEW American car. I bought a used Monte Carlo when I was a kid. For the last 35 years or so I've bought Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Acura, and most recently leased a BMW. It's funny though. Up until this point I never really thought of my future Tesla as an American car.
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It's been a while. I owned a 58 Mercury Monterey and a 66 Impala. My youthful dabbling with Detroit iron ended in the 1970's, and it's been German, Swedish and Japanese ever since (until I got bored and bought a Triumph). That sorted the boredom problem pretty fast.
Robin
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I had a 68 AMC Javelin and 79 Firebird.
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Yes, coming previously from

1995 Acura Integra GSR, 1999 Honda Civic EX, 2011 BMW 335i (Current), 2012 Honda Civic EX (Current).

The Model 3 will replace the Honda Civic and a Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is looking to replace the 335i.
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Nissan, Suzuki, BMW, Honda, Scion.

Hell of a first American car. Just gives me more reasons to celebrate
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Yes.
'02 Acura RSX, '05 Subaru WRX, '08 Subaru WRX, '11 Subaru WRX.
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NO, had plenty of American cars. But having said that my wife's cars have been in order : Honda, Nissan then the last 3 have been Lexus. Looking back at all my cars (there have been plenty over 35 years of driving) ALL have been American. In the late 80's and 90's Japanese cars were just better. American cars took a while to catch up but I was planning on a BMW until the Model 3 reveal
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My first car was a Merkur XR4Ti, a European Ford Sierra XR4i sold in the U.S. by Lincoln. After that, I've had mostly Japanese and German vehicles, but my Mercedes SUV's are all built in Alabama with 62% domestic content (AALA) or 42.5% (Kogod).

NHTSA has the official American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) Reports:

Part 583 American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) Reports | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

You may be surprised as what is American and what isn't. An alternative index, which is likely much better is the Kogod School of Business Made in America Auto Index

The Tesla Model S scored 77.5 in 2013 and a Toyota Avalon scored higher at 81 and the Honda Odyssey as well as the Toyota Camera, Tundra, and Sienna was 78.5.

On the other side, note that the Cadillac SRX scored 32 and the Ford Fiesta was 22. The GM Spark is really low at 17. So what does it really mean to be "American" and what that really signifies is not clear.

Note that the Bolt's score is going to be pretty low. The Chevy Trax is a closely related vehicle and only scores 20 in the 2015 index.
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SW2Fiddler said: ?

Which ain't Europe and ain't Asia... so... American!
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Wow, a Texan calling Mexico American? I'm impressed a Texan would admit that North America is not just the US.

It's pretty sad there seem to be more foreign companies building cars in the US than US based car companies.
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Model S was my first American made car. Would have never bought American otherwise as the competition always wins in my opinion
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Been a Ford fan for a while. But my recent purchase was a Honda Odyssey because they make really good family movers. It'll be refreshing to own a Tesla, but I just hope the early issues we encounter when the M3s get delivered won't be too bad.
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I'm new to Tesla, but the Model 3 won't even be my first car made in that factory.

My first car was a 1980 Chevy Impala wagon, built in the GM Fremont factory where Tesla now builds.

My wife's first car was a 1987 Ford Festiva, designed by Mazda for parent company Ford, but built for the American market by Kia in South Korea.

After that, we had:
1992 Oldsmobile Achieva sedan, built in Lansing, Michigan
1999 Pontiac Grand Prix sedan, built in Kansas City, Kansas
1997 Subaru Legacy wagon, built in Lafayette, Indiana
1989 Subaru Justy, built in Japan
2001 Toyota Echo, built in Japan
2008 Toyota Matrix, built in Fremont - after the GM plant closed in 1982, it became the GM-Toyota NUMMI plant from 1984-2010.

So the Model 3 will actually be my 3rd car built at the Fremont factory, haha.
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I voted yes, but I technically had a 76 Camaro project car a while back. I gave it away before I did anything to it, so this would be my first running American car.
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Snow Drift said: ?

Yes.
'02 Acura RSX, '05 Subaru WRX, '08 Subaru WRX, '11 Subaru WRX.
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I had an 05 WRX. I loved that car.
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How do you define American Car? All vehicles built in the US now contain a substantial quantity of parts manufactured outside the US (including the Tesla). I guess "American car" could mean:

- Designed in the US
- More than 50% US content. (Would more than 50% NAFTA content count?)

Here's an odd relevant point - for years I worked at the Mercedes M-Class (also R-Class, now C-Class and GL classes) assembly plant in Alabama. The car had more than 50% US content, was assembled in US (including fab of the body-in-white)... reasonable people could differ on whether it is an American car. (I guess probably not, but almost all the labor content was supplied by Americans)...
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I have not owned an American car since 1973 - a Pontiac Gran Prix, Black with a White Landau roof!

All Euro/Japanese since then and I am delighted to be back with the US made Tesla!

Honda Civic CVCC

BMW Model 2002

MG Midget

Saab 900 Turbo

Audi 4000 Quattro

Mazda RX7

Porsche 911

Lexus LS 400

Range Rover

BMW X5

Lexus RX 400

Porsche 993

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No, but only because my first car was a used Buick Century. Since then I've had a Hyundai Accent, a Mitsubishi Galant, and now a Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
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I've owned many foreign and domestic new cars. Although in the past it never made me think twice to by a German or Japanese vehicle but I have to admit being pleased and proud this time around to buying an American made/assembled auto.
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Model S was my first American car. All others were BMW's.
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My second car was a used 74 Dodge Dart that I bought in the mid 80s. All others have been Hondas.
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I'd vote yes, although our Toyota Tacoma has a U.S. VIN. Two Hondas (including the hybrid) and two other Toyotas prior.
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As a European I would never ever have considered any american car ever. In my country they are mostly seen (whether deserving or not) as trash on wheels with low build quality and way too expensive.

What cars have I owned:

- VW Transporter (1986)
- Daewoo Lanos (Korean) - suprisingly reliable.
- Renault Megane - Talk about euro-trash, the gearbox blew
- Daewoo Lacetti - (Korean) - very very very reliable and cheap to fix
- BMW 320i (1995) - Such a nice car.
- BMW 320d (2001) - Nice car with more niceness than the 320i. Expensive to fix diesel stuff
- Tesla Model S.

Personally I think the Tesla feels more European than most american cars, but it is a bit too big in Europe.
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mwulff said: ?

As a European I would never ever have considered any american car ever. In my country they are mostly seen (whether deserving or not) as trash on wheels with low build quality and way too expensive.

[...]

Personally I think the Tesla feels more European than most american cars, but it is a bit too big in Europe.
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+1000

Same here. Ask most people in Germany and you would get the almost same sentiment as in Denmark. The only difference being that over here, American cars are not seen as way too expensive, quite the contrary. They are rather seen as cheap trash on wheels. It's a bit like that Top Gear piece where JC tests an F150 and explains why these kinds of cars just don't sell over in Europe (not just pickups by the way).

Tesla cars don't look like what we have come to expect from American cars, and more importantly they don't feel like that either.
Imagine a line of cars:

Audi A7
BMW 6-series
Merc CLS
Tesla Model S
Porsche Panamera
Jaguar XJ
Maserati Quattroporte

Then ask someone from Germany to spot the American car. Most people would have a very hard time, or even think it's a trick question as in there is no American car in that lineup.

Oh and I see I forgot to answer the question, but I guess it's obvious: yes, the Model 3 will be my first car by an American automaker. And actually I am quite happy about that, because a true American car that is also a great car is something very special that not many people over here have (except current Tesla owners of course ).
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mwulff said: ?

As a European I would never ever have considered any american car ever. In my country they are mostly seen (whether deserving or not) as trash on wheels with low build quality and way too expensive.
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Probably the same in Sweden, although not necessarily expensive, just low quality.

But i'm not a big fan of patriotism, i wouldn't be proud if i bought a Volvo only because it was designed/built in Sweden, and i don't really care about Tesla being an american built car. The reason why i like Tesla, and why that is a global thing, is that they're doing this for the right reasons.

Some cynics might think otherwise but just look at Elon and JB on the last shareholder meeting. The passion in what they're doing. You can't fake that.

Maybe i should end this rambling/rant by answering the question, yes, this will be my first Tesla
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first 'new' american car.
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first one: Model S, 2nd will be the Model 3; previously: Fiat, Rover, Nissan, BMW, Toyota, Subaru
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mwulff said: ?

As a European I would never ever have considered any american car ever. In my country they are mostly seen (whether deserving or not) as trash on wheels with low build quality and way too expensive.

...
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Tesla Model 3 won't be my first American electric car. Might not be my first Tesla, I don't know yet.

I'm in a similar boat but on the other side of the fence. I perceive euro cars as poorly designed, too thirsty, unreliable, and more expensive to maintain.

If a Tesla had a BMW/Audi/MB badge on the grill, I'd never consider it for a second.

Sidebar - Many Daewoos are Chevrolets, many have American drivelines, many have high US content. Daewoo and Chevrolet have always been related AFAIK. Did your Daewoos have American drivelines?

I don't think most countries in the world other than Canada get many real American cars, and if they do, they don't get them at fair market price. Have you even driven late model Corvette? (about 48.500 euros converted, 343kW, 8.11 L/100km, and a solid competitor to a 911 base model around a race course.)

Here's what we see in the way of American built cars in the US:

Full sized pickup trucks.
SUVs in all sizes, shapes, and prices.
Sedans as large or larger than BMW 3xx.
Cheap and powerful performance cars.

Small cars are actually poor sellers in the US, and always have been.
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Nope. I was from a lower-middle class single parent home in the mid-90s.

Pontiac Phoenix, Olds Cutlass, Chevy Cavalier, Chevy Corsica, 4-cylinder Mustang....

EDIT: forgot the Jeep Cherokee, Chevy HHR, OTHER Cavalier, and the Dodge Neon.

This will be the 1st ENJOYABLE American car, though.

All things considered, I think my Audi, Audi, Tesla stretch of vehicles is fairly impressive, when put up against my more *ahem* humble vehicular beginnings.
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Not for me, but it'll be my wife's first .
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Our model S is our first American car, so the model 3 will be our second (or maybe third, if we get a new model S).
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Gotta change my answer! Forgot about the first car I learned to drive on: '97 Pontiac Sunfire. It was my parents' but I used to enough to consider it mine before I got a car of my own. After that: Honda, Subaru, Scion, Infiniti, Nissan, Mazda, Model S, with a couple Japanese motorcycles thrown in.
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Model S was my first American made car, too. 1 Japanese and many Germans.
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This will be my first American car in 30 years. My last was a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (midnight blue with gold bird). Beautiful car, but what a piece of crap. I traded up to a Honda CRX Si in 1986. That little car would move, but then again, it only weighed just over 2000 lbs.

Can we vote on the shittiest American car owned? A 1977 Chevy Vega. Well, my parents technically owned it, but I drove it, unfortunately, until the head gasket blew on me, adding a lovely plume of white smoke to the blue smoke already streaming out of the tail pipe. Enjoyed the ensuing 30 minute drive home in the wrecker.

Since then there were many more Hondas, a few Toyotas and a couple of Mazdas. Can't wait to "drive American" again!! But like a million times better!!
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plankeye said: ?

Can we vote on the shittiest American car owned? A 1977 Chevy Vega. Well, my parents technically owned it, but I drove it, unfortunately, until the head gasket blew on me, adding a lovely plume of white smoke to the blue smoke already streaming out of the tail pipe. Enjoyed the ensuing 30 minute drive home in the wrecker.
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I see your 1977 Chevy Vega, and raise you a 1984 Pontiac Phoenix (not actual picture, as I'm sure the actual car was crushed about 20 years ago).

[/QUOTE]
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ModelNforNerd said: ?

I see your 1977 Chevy Vega, and raise you a 1984 Pontiac Phoenix (not actual picture, as I'm sure the actual car was crushed about 20 years ago).
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Wow, I think you've got me there.

Any AMC Pacer owners out there?!
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A lot of Chevy for me but my daily driver for the last 5 years has been Japanese.

Chevy Cavalier
Nissan Pulsar
Ford Mustang Convertible
Cadillac STS
Chevy Blazer
Chevy Caprice
GMC Jimmy
Pontiac Grand Prix
GMC Envoy - Totaled it after 5 weeks
Chevy S-10 (Extra Vehicle)
Lexus IS (Current Vehicle)
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It would have been my first, but then I couldn't wait and bought a Roadster.
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Nope. Have owned at various times a Pontiac (Fiero), Ford (Probe), Acura (NSX), Audi (A4 and A6), Volkswagen (Jetta), and Tesla (Model S). Yeah, not a lot of brand loyalty in there. But prior to the Model S the last American car I bought was in the 1980s... so make of that what you will!
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Model S is my first American Car in over 20 years of having driver's license
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In the last 26 years:

Me: Oldsmobile, Saturn, Triumph, Audi, Porsche, GMC, Chevrolet, Porsche, Mini (still own last 3) - 44% US
Wife: Saturn, Saturn, Subaru (Indiana built Outback; still own) - 100% US
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mwulff said: ?

As a European I would never ever have considered any american car ever. In my country they are mostly seen (whether deserving or not) as trash on wheels with low build quality and way too expensive....
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That's OK...I would never consider any car made in Denmark either .
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By brand, 21 foreign, 9 American (includes motorcycles).

23 years since last American car, if you don't count a 2003 Chevy Aveo that I had to give back to Chevy under the Lemon Law.
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My only other american car I have had in the past was a 1984 buick skylark that was such a lemon.
The entire exhaust system fell off the car somewhere along the road behind me only 1 week after I bought the POS.
Then, about 2 weeks later the engine threw a rod-3 weeks later got the car back and then the radiator failed along with alternator.
Drove the car straight into a lake after that. I wonder if it is still there?! Never bought another American car until now.
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p-f-g said: ?

I had a 68 AMC Javelin and 79 Firebird.
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I had a 68 Javelin SST also.
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I've owned American and Japanese vehicles. I'm happy that I will be supporting an American company with American engineers, American foresight, and future American technologies which will lead to future American jobs.
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McRat said: ?

I'm in a similar boat but on the other side of the fence. I perceive euro cars as poorly designed, too thirsty, unreliable, and more expensive to maintain.

If a Tesla had a BMW/Audi/MB badge on the grill, I'd never consider it for a second.
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I don't agree 100% here but i've always wondered why the so called luxury brands (f.e BMW, Audi MB) have such lousy warranties. And i do agree on the expensive maintenance, i used to own an Audi A4 and i won't repeat that mistake.

That's why i currently own a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. 8 year warranty.
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McRat said: ?

Tesla Model 3 won't be my first American electric car. Might not be my first Tesla, I don't know yet.

I'm in a similar boat but on the other side of the fence. I perceive euro cars as poorly designed, too thirsty, unreliable, and more expensive to maintain.

If a Tesla had a BMW/Audi/MB badge on the grill, I'd never consider it for a second.

Sidebar - Many Daewoos are Chevrolets, many have American drivelines, many have high US content. Daewoo and Chevrolet have always been related AFAIK. Did your Daewoos have American drivelines?

I don't think most countries in the world other than Canada get many real American cars, and if they do, they don't get them at fair market price. Have you even driven late model Corvette? (about 48.500 euros converted, 343kW, 8.11 L/100km, and a solid competitor to a 911 base model around a race course.)

Here's what we see in the way of American built cars in the US:

Full sized pickup trucks.
SUVs in all sizes, shapes, and prices.
Sedans as large or larger than BMW 3xx.
Cheap and powerful performance cars.

Small cars are actually poor sellers in the US, and always have been.
Click to expand...

I actually agree that european (in effect german) cars are pretty expensive to maintain in the US. Prices for parts are way different on both sides of the atlantic pond.

Daewoo was actually not asscociated with Chevrolet when I had my cars. They were essentially re-branded Opel cars built in Korea with korean parts. I believe that Daewoo bought all the tooling for the Opel Kadett from Opel in Germany and used that to built the Lanos. Old tech, but very reliable.

Later on GM bought Daewoo and used the cars to reintroduce Chevrolet to the EU market.

I have driven a late model (think 2014) Mustang convertible and it was horrible. The engine was fine but the gearbox was just a slushbox that changed gears slowly and poorly compared to a newish BMW gearbox.

I don't get why small cars never sold well in the US but they do sell well over here.
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James Anders said: ?

That's OK...I would never consider any car made in Denmark either .
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Neither would I A danish car would look like a million bucks, but the tech would all be custom made and nothing would work that well. Except for the windmill you would deploy to charge it.
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We've had cars by american companies, but not made in the US. The Model 3 will be my first opportunity for something built and designed there too.

mwulff said: ?

danish...tech would all be custom made and nothing would work that well.
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Wow. Hope the same standards don't apply for designs by Copenhagen Suborbitals.
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strykeroz said: ?

We've had cars by american companies, but not made in the US. The Model 3 will be my first opportunity for something built and designed there too.Wow. Hope the same standards don't apply for designs by Copenhagen Suborbitals.
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Lets hope not.
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Thanks for the replies everyone. Based on the poll and comments, it looks like two things are happening:

1. Many people who have avoided US-based automakers for their entire life are willing to break that trend to own Model 3. This may apply to nearly half of Model 3 buyers (though generalizability from the poll is clearly questionable).

2. Many people who long ago abandoned US-based automakers are willing to break that trend to own Model 3.

I fell into category one, and it's pretty clear I am not alone.
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I have a thing for Mustangs. The first one was american made completely...

The second one probably not so much.

I also had a Ford Ranger that was handed down to me

Plus this was my only German car

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mwulff said: ?

I actually agree that european (in effect german) cars are pretty expensive to maintain in the US. Prices for parts are way different on both sides of the atlantic pond.

Daewoo was actually not asscociated with Chevrolet when I had my cars. They were essentially re-branded Opel cars built in Korea with korean parts. I believe that Daewoo bought all the tooling for the Opel Kadett from Opel in Germany and used that to built the Lanos. Old tech, but very reliable.

Later on GM bought Daewoo and used the cars to reintroduce Chevrolet to the EU market.

I have driven a late model (think 2014) Mustang convertible and it was horrible. The engine was fine but the gearbox was just a slushbox that changed gears slowly and poorly compared to a newish BMW gearbox.

I don't get why small cars never sold well in the US but they do sell well over here.
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Two reasons:
1) Gas has been relatively cheap here so better gas mileage hasn't been a big priority
2) Have you seen the size of the average American?
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mwulff said: ?

Neither would I A danish car would look like a million bucks, but the tech would all be custom made and nothing would work that well. Except for the windmill you would deploy to charge it.
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I must say my Danish made eyeglasses are fantastic. So am sure you are correct that it would look good and not only look like a million, but cost that.
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The closest I've gotten to an American car was a '72 Ford with a Germen drive-train, an English engine, and Mexican suspension. The only American parts on my Sprinter are the "Dodge" stickers and I wouldn't be surprised if those were actually Chinese!
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I said no in the poll even though I owned two 70's era Mercury Capris (sold as Fords in their native European market), but they were really German designed-and-built with nearly zero U.S. content. Except for a 626 and a Miata the other 9 cars have all been VW or Audi. There have been lots of American cars I've liked over the years, just none that floated my boat as much as the Germans.
It'll be nice to finally support my friends to the south!
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Yes, first car was a Ford Mustang. I have owned, please don't laugh a Neon (desperate for money at time, should have bought a used Civic), Toyota Sienna and now a standard Civic. The Mustang was fun in my youth, the Civic has been by far the most reliable and cheapest to own. My Model 3 purchase will be by far the most money I have ever spent on a car and I expect the most fun I have ever had on 4 wheels.
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As a Canadian, I prefer not to think about it that way (it feels kind of alienating when people say "Oh, Tesla, American!"). I prefer to think of the Model 3 as my first electric vehicle instead, and how Tesla is accelerating the adoption of EVs. And how much good that will do for everyone on this planet, with the possible exception of oil companies. (We all know they won't last forever so that's okay with me.)
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Actually - serious question. Will the Model 3 be an american car? It will be assembled in America, but if the Model S is 55% made with parts in America (see the monroney sticker), given the battery cost will be a larger percentage of the total cost of the Model 3, the Model 3 would likely be more than 50% foreign content if the battery cells arent made in the Gigafactory! Will be interesting to see what happens.
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CarGuy1340 said: ?

Actually - serious question. Will the Model 3 be an american car? It will be assembled in America, but if the Model S is 55% made with parts in America (see the monroney sticker), given the battery cost will be a larger percentage of the total cost of the Model 3, the Model 3 would likely be more than 50% foreign content if the battery cells aren't made in the Gigafactory! Will be interesting to see what happens.
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The 20070 cells for the Model 3 will be made in the Gigafactory by the Panasonic equipment. If you saw the shareholders meeting you'd know that over the years Tesla has consolidated to move much of the production and manufacturing to the US to both reduce costs and complexity with regards to shipping and making sure things are done correctly.

The chassis is made here, the motor, battery pack, final assembly, painted here... etc.

Do you really care if trunk carpet were to come from Mexico? I don't really think that makes it any less of an American car. I don't think that since Elon Musk wasn't born in the United States that he's any less American. He's the real life Iron Man achieving his dreams!
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CarGuy1340 said: ?

Actually - serious question. Will the Model 3 be an american car? It will be assembled in America, but if the Model S is 55% made with parts in America (see the monroney sticker), given the battery cost will be a larger percentage of the total cost of the Model 3, the Model 3 would likely be more than 50% foreign content if the battery cells arent made in the Gigafactory! Will be interesting to see what happens.
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When I started this thread, I had in mind cars from US automakers. I realize that the global market and actual manufacturing of vehicles complicates the meaning of "American cars." Anyhow, given that Tesla is a US automaker, then yes the Model 3 will be an American car in the mind of many. But your point is well taken.
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int32_t said: ?

As a Canadian, I prefer not to think about it that way (it feels kind of alienating when people say "Oh, Tesla, American!"). I prefer to think of the Model 3 as my first electric vehicle instead, and how Tesla is accelerating the adoption of EVs. And how much good that will do for everyone on this planet, with the possible exception of oil companies. (We all know they won't last forever so that's okay with me.)
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Totally agree. First and foremost, I think of owning Model 3 in the very same way that you do. My interest in the post topic takes a distant back seat to the greater meaning of owning a Tesla.
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Will be the first "American" car for me. My current is Japanese and the one previous was also japanese. Go Honda!
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Xenius said: ?

Will be the first "American" car for me. My current is Japanese and the one previous was also japanese. Go Honda!
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... but hondas are slow
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JeffK said: ?

... but hondas are slow
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My S2000's pretty peppy.
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SpiceWare said: ?

My S2000's pretty peppy.
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Hehe I had an 98 HP 1989 manual honda accord with a broken muffler and it was a ton of fun to drive. I was just joking about honda referring to the 2015 formula one season.
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Chargedmr2 said: ?

Thanks for the replies everyone. Based on the poll and comments, it looks like two things are happening:

1. Many people who have avoided US-based automakers for their entire life are willing to break that trend to own Model 3. This may apply to nearly half of Model 3 buyers (though generalizability from the poll is clearly questionable).

2. Many people who long ago abandoned US-based automakers are willing to break that trend to own Model 3.

I fell into category one, and it's pretty clear I am not alone.
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I don't really fall into either category. In 49 years of driving, I've only owned 7 vehicles, 3 of which were purchased new. Every time I've been in the market, I spend a year or so looking cars before buying. On a couple occasions, "American" cars made the last round, but lost to Japanese or European cars for various reasons. I use quotes on "American" because so few vehicles are mostly American parts and assembled here. One of my neighbors, who is a dye in the wool redneck 'merican, drives a Toyota Tundra, because, at the time, it had the highest American content of any pickup truck.
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Hondas, Mazdas (RX4) and Nissans. Two American cars since 1964. Corvairs and a 2007 Chev trailblazer
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I really don't see the point of this since Tesla isn't a typical American car company.... Chevy/Dodge/Ford hardly compare. Amazing thread though, very thought provoking. Here are some more that are very interesting.

How old are you when you place Model 3 reservation

If You're Reserving -what car are you coming from?

Poll: demographic distribution for Model 3 customers

-What will be the 1st song you play in your Model 3-

Just curious about the age of forum members here

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First American car for me other than my Hamilton, ON built Studebaker
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first for me too....but here in france we don't have so many american cars...

come from Honda (3 prelude, 2 civic and an accord)
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teslamotorclub

Thứ Tư, 1 tháng 2, 2017

Will Model 3 be your first American car? part 1

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