The trade war with the United States continues to escalate, and this week, automakers felt the sting. The U.S. president, Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs imposed on all imported vehicles to the U.S. went into effect this week, and Prime Minister Mark Carney responded with retaliatory tariffs to match them, leaving the future for automakers in Canada concerning. While there are no solely Canadian-owned mass-market automakers, for years Canada has played a major role in the global automotive industry, with a strong presence in auto manufacturing of both foreign and domestic cars.
Supporting the Canadian auto industry is tricky, it’s intricately entwined with both U.S. and Mexican auto manufacturing. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t buy a car made in Canada. It’s just a matter of determining which cars are built here in our own backyard, so to speak.
Niche Canadian-Owned Car Companies
While there are no mass-produced Canadian-owned car companies, that doesn’t mean there are no Canadian-owned automakers at all. In fact, there are several small niche Canadian automakers developing specialized vehicles. Here’s the car industry data from Made in CA:
- Campagna Motors: This Quebec company produces the Campagna T-Rex.
- Conquest Vehicles: This Canadian business manufactures luxurious, armored sport utility vehicles.
- Felino: Develops high-performance cars and is the creator of the cB7 supercar prototype.
- Edison Motors: Based in British Columbia, this clean-technology company built Canada’s first production hybrid truck.
- GreenPower Motor Company: This Canadian-owned company manufactures electric buses and trucks.
Mass-Market Cars Made in Canada
Despite Canada not boasting any Canadian-owned mass-market automakers, most of the major auto companies have manufacturing plants in Canada, including:
Ford Motor Company: Ford has plants in Oakville and Windsor, manufacturing engines and delivery vehicles.
General Motors (GM): GM has plants in Ingersoll, Oshawa, and St. Cathrines where they produce vehicles and vehicle parts.
Honda: Honda manufactures vehicles in their Alliston plant.
Stellantis: Stellantis manufactures Chrysler vehicles from their plants in Brampton and Windsor.
Toyota: Toyota’s plant in Cambridge produces compact SUVs.
Nine Vehicles Manufactured in Canada
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, here are nine that are made here in Canada that will let you support the Canadian autoworkers:
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and HD
Manufactured in GM’s Oshawa Assembly Plant, the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks in North America. It’s well known for its powerful engine, towing capabilities, and durability. It delivers advanced technology features, versatility in terms of options, including cab size and bed-length, and engine options—consumers can choose between a V6 and V8 depending on their needs.
2. Chrysler Pacifica
Minivans have been a popular vehicle with families for generations, and the Chrysler Pacifica continues the tradition. Built in the Stallantis Windsor plant, the Pacifica is known for its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and plug-in hybrid options. This minivan offers advanced technology that allows for customized entertainment with up to five profiles and versatile seating options, and it has been recognized as the “Best Minivan” for multiple years.
3. Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager is Chrysler’s more affordable minivan option, replacing the Dodge Caravan in 2020. Manufactured in Windsor since its launch, the Voyager’s affordability and versatility make this a popular choice for consumers. It offers excellent features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors, making this minivan a good choice for value for money.
4. Dodge Charger
The Charger has been in production at the Windsor plant since last year. This muscle car is renowned for its high performance and modern technology. It was also the first four-door muscle car. The powerful sedan delivers high horsepower, all wheel drive, and performance features like Drag, Track, Drift, and Donut modes, as well as Line Lock and Launch Control. It offers a vintage aesthetic and multiple options for customization.
5. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has been around since the early 1970s and has been produced in Canada since 1988. Presently manufactured in Honda’s plant in Aliston, the Civic is well known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. It is also one of the all-time best-selling vehicles in the world. It offers performance variants, longevity, and hybrid options.
6. Honda CRV
The Honda CRV was launched back in 1995, but since then, it has become Honda’s best-selling vehicle in the world and the second best-selling SUV worldwide as of 2020. Currently, it is manufactured in Aliston. The CRV is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interior. It offers smooth handling, advanced safety features, and great value for money.
7. Lexus RX
On the market since 1998, the RX is a mix of luxury and Canadian craftsmanship. Produced in Cambridge, the RX and Hybrid RX were the first Lexus vehicles ever to be manufactured outside Japan. Considered the first luxury crossover SUV, the RX is known for its refinement, comfort, and long-term reliability. It is versatile, delivering advanced safety features and hybrid options.
8. Lexus NX
In production since 2014, the Lexus NX falls between the subcompact UX and mid-sized RX. A best sell-model manufactured in Cambridge, the NX was awarded Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It is renowned for its advanced technology, sleek design, and powerful performance. It also provides hybrid options.
9. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a leader in the compact SUV market. Built in Cambridge, Ontario since 2007, it has been on the market since 1994. It has a reputation for dependability, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable interior. Advanced safety features have earned it high safety ratings, and it delivers advanced technology and connectivity features.
Supporting Canadian Auto Manufacturing
Canada’s automotive industry has played a vital role in the economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving innovation. Despite the trade war and increased tariffs, buying Canadian-made vehicles helps to support Canadian manufacturers and contributes to the overall economy.
From fuel-efficient sedans to rugged pickup trucks and luxurious SUVs, Canada manufactures produce some of the most popular and well-made vehicles on the road today. Whatever you’re looking for in a vehicle—reliability, power, or luxury—there is a Canadian-made car to meet your needs.
