Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

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Are you a “buy American” kind of shopper" Many of us are, especially when it comes to our transportation. While it?s true that today in the U.S., one can choose from various European and Asian-branded vehicles, the “Big 3” (General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) continue to build the cars and trucks Americans want.
While their market share (percentage of total vehicle sales) may be down compared to their heyday, all three companies are healthy and profitable.
When imports started to gain in popularity immediately after World War II, the innovations they brought with them (more efficient engines, radial tires, disc brakes) caused American cars to appear to be at a disadvantage. It became easy to overlook all the contributions made by the American auto industry. We can only briefly summarize all those achievements today. General Motors
General Motors, founded in 1908, purchased a number of other automobile companies and soon had many different brands (Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Cadillac) under its umbrella. By the late 1920s, GM was the largest car company in the world. GM is credited with the idea that each brand could be positioned at a different price point and appeal to a different market segment.
The concept of annual styling changes was a GM innovation.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Photo: General Motors
Ford Motor Company...