Vehicles Our American Neighbours Cannot Buy (But We Can!)

By Michael Schlee

It’s not a well known fact to the general public.  But we in Canada have access to vehicles not sold in the USA. What’s more, it may come as a surprise to even a gear head that there are currently 14 vehicles on sale in Canada that our American neighbours cannot purchase (unless they make a trip up north, eh!).

Acura CSX

Some of the vehicles in this article are available in South America, Europe or Asia, but for the context of this story I am sticking with the difference between the USA and Canada; two seemingly identical automotive markets.

There are differences in our markets driving a need to sell these vehicles. Canada prefers smaller, fuel efficient cars compared to the USA (The Honda Civic has been the perennial best selling vehicle in Canada for years).

Usually, the unique vehicles fall into 3 categories:

1. Rebadged cars – these are essentially the same as an American counterpart. i.e. Chrysler Intrepid, Chrysler Neon, Ford Grand Marquis.

2. Platform twins – vehicles based on a well known counterpart with little modifications to help penetrate a lucrative market. i.e. Pontiac Firefly, GMC Tracker, Asuna Sunrunner.

3. Completely unique – these are vehicles that are designed just for Canada, or came overseas for the Canadian market only. i.e. Acura 1.7EL, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Echo Hatchback

Below are the 14 current unique vehicles on sale in Canada along with 6 others that have recently ended production.  Click on them to see more details.  Enjoy!