American makers make good 1/2 ton and larger trucks, but the same cannot be said about every other class of vehicle that many other people want. When it was time to replace my vehicle a few years ago none of the US automakers even manufactured the vehicle I wanted anymore (4 cylinder small 4x4 pickup), so I had no other option. Others have suggested I just get a full size truck but I get a calculated 24mpg average, haul compost and firewood into and out of the back 40 with ease, transport myself and the wife with 2 large dogs in comfort, get essentially truck offroad capability with car handling, and I haven't had a hiccup in 90k miles with only gas and oil in it. It aint perfect, but it's been a very reliable vehicle and I'll probably buy another one if I still don't have any other similar options in another 100k miles. Guess what? It was made in Louisiana--without double checking I'm pretty sure the sticker said 85% made in USA.
The last guy who gave me grief about my toyota shoots a citori, drives a 2005 Dodge truck and drinks budweiser.
