Tariffs, Trucks, and Tokyo: Japanese Cars That Call America Home

If you’ve been anywhere near the auto industry news lately, you’ve probably seen the T-word a lot. No, not "turbocharged", we’re talking tariffs. As the U.S. adjusts trade policies and revisits import taxes, car buyers, parts hunters, and even body shops are keeping a close eye. But here’s the thing, not all Japanese cars are shipped across oceans to get here.

Believe it or not, some of your favorite Japanese vehicles are built right here in the U.S. That’s a big deal when tariffs could increase the cost of imported vehicles and OEM parts. So, which Japanese-branded cars are made stateside and potentially insulated from these cost hikes? Let’s take a closer look.

Toyota: Lone Star Legends

• Toyota Tundra - Built in San Antonio, Texas since 2006. Nearly two decades of production with a lot of Texas character.

• Toyota Sequoia - Sharing the same production facility as the Tundra, this SUV has been assembled in Texas since 2010.

These vehicles are more than just built in America, they use a high percentage of North American-sourced parts, which helps ease the impact of any trade fluctuations.

Honda: Midwest Muscle

• Honda Accord-  Produced in Marysville, Ohio since 1982. This car has been on U.S. roadsand built on U.S. soilfor over 40 years.

• Honda CR-V - Manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio and Greensburg, Indiana.

• Honda Pilot -  Built in Lincoln, Alabama since 2003.

With strong domestic production, these Hondas offer great reliability without many of the risks associated with imported parts.

Nissan: Southern Style

• Nissan Rogue -  Built in Smyrna, Tennessee since 2013. It’s one of Nissan’s most popular models.

• Nissan Murano - Assembled in Canton, Mississippi since 2003.

• Nissan Altima - Also built in Smyrna, Tennessee since 1992.

Nissan has invested heavily in American manufacturing, helping ensure parts and vehicles remain more accessible, even when trade policy shifts.

Not All Parts Are U.S.-Made (But Most Are!)

Even though these vehicles are assembled in the U.S., not every part is made here. Components like chips, sensors, and electronics may still be imported. But the majority of the important components - body panels, engines, frames, and suspension parts are sourced from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

This kind of localized production helps reduce delays, manage costs, and keep repairs straightforward.

Why It Matters

If you’re buying replacement parts especially OEM body parts where your vehicle was built can make a difference. U.S.-assembled models are less affected by international tariffs, meaning parts are easier to source and more affordable.

Next time you're browsing ReveMoto for a bumper or hood, take a look at vehicles with domestic roots. You’ll get the performance you want with fewer pricing surprises.

Fun Fact: Toyota's San Antonio plant has an on-site supplier park. That means some parts travel just minutes from fabrication to final assembly.

Wrap-Up

Japanese car brands may come from across the Pacific, but many of their most popular models are made much closer to home. And when trade policies shift, buying a Japanese vehicle with American-made status might just be the practical and cost-effective way to go.