The problem is that most domestic car makers are closing USA plants and investing in plants overseas, while many Japanese companies are investing in factories here. It's also difficult to tell what domestic content is actually in the vehicle. The content stickers on the window are useless because of the convoluted laws that govern the accounting were entirely political.
I argue it's next to impossible to research which vehicle will benefit the domestic economy more. Back in 1991, Saturn was a great choice in that regard. Today, with the global platforms and manufacturing, even many Saturns aren't a clear choice for "Buy USA". I was a buy American nut 15 years ago, but it became increasingly difficult to make an informed choice that I gave up and bought my first Japanese car (made in Canada) just over 5 years ago...
While yes many American automakers are closing plants due to a number of reasons. I know GM is closing several plants due to restructuring or discountinuance of a vehicle platform. But, They are also retooling many of those plants for upcoming new vehicle platforms in the up coming years.
I know Ford is closing a lot of their plants with a lot of lay off's. The have fallen on some hard times. But, A lot of this is their fault too. They haven't refreshed their vehicles fast enough with consumer demands. They are slow to get into a vehicle market. Also they fully have not recovered from the whole tire/roll over recall on their SUV's. All companies even forgein automakers do fall on hard times. Ford will rebound just like GM has and has Toyota/Honda/Nissian. I don't wish any of them into bankupty like some people I have meet (not anyone on this site).
Just like all of us want parents to make informed decision on car seats. I also want others to know that we also need to protect our ecomony too.
Just so everyone knows I am not one of these types that does not buy anything foreign. But, My dh & I feel like our 2nd largest investment does need to help support our ecomony.