5 Cars: We Drive the World

"It isn't unpatriotic to want a foreign car," said our friend David. "It's an affirmation of competition, the basis of the free enterprise system."

That's David's story and he's sticking to it. And from a purely economic point of view, he is correct. Capitalism doesn't take geography into consideration; it's all about what the buyer prioritizes as most important. The best product, in his or her opinion, gets the sale. Nothing wrong with that if one isn't particularly jingoistic.

And David is far from alone. While many drivers in this country are all about buying "American" as a show of patriotic pride, an act of loyalty to the construct or out of a belief that U.S.-made cars are the best available, a lot of others prefer cars from companies in countries outside the U.S. Some believe foreign cars generally have superior quality, performance and value—and such a determination is largely subjective, so it doesn't make sense to argue with it.

In the end, it really doesn't matter: A lot of ostensibly foreign vehicles indeed are made in the U.S.A—and a lot of so-called "American" cars are constructed abroad. However, for some, a car they consider as one from another country is just the ticket.

So, for this week's 5 Cars, we'll look at a variety of foreign cars for sale available in Morris County. (No worries, U.S. vehicles will get their due in a future column.)

 Listings and photos come from Cars.com and AOL Autos.

1. 2012 Volvo XC60 T6 - New - $50,725
   
   From Cars.com: Sweden is the home country of this gorgeous, four-door Ice White premium crossover. Another brand known for safety, the XC60 is considered the most safe of all Volvo models. It's also the smallest, making it practical—but it remains super-comfortable for passengers too.  This vehicle comes with "instant traction" all-wheel drive, a Geartronic 6-speed automatic transmission, a 300 horsepower, 3.0 liter turbo-powered 24-volt engine, roll control, trailer stability assist, six airbags, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Ask for Stock# 2792. Available at Prestige Volvo in East Hanover.
   
    
2. 2013 Honda Accord Sport -New - $23,180  
   
   From Cars.com: We know the trusty Honda Accord well; we drive a 13-year-old model named Stella Blue III, and it's one tough little dude. And the 2013 model is truly new: It's the ninth generation of the Japanese model and features a new platform, engine, transmissions, suspension, bodywork, interior, electronics and safety equipment. This four-door sedan comes in Crystal Black, and features front wheel drive, a 6-speed manual transmission, a 2.4 liter engine and more. Ask for Stock# 31454S. Available at Madison Honda in Madison.
   
    
3. 2013 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Quattro - New - $36,615  
   
   From Cars.com: Many people opt for an Audi because of the German creation's reputation for safety, but this is a lovely vehicle to look at too. This four-door A4 sedan comes in elegant Gray and features a 211-horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, a power sun roof, 17-inch aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and more. Ask for Stock# 2131482. Available at Paul Miller Audi in Parsippany.
   
    
4. 2013 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 - New - $44,540
   
   From Cars.com: This ride has Gangnam Style: Korea's Hyundai is a car known for its budget-friendliness, but this four-door Black Noir Pearl sedan boasts luxurious appointments including power heated leather seats, automatic dual-zone climate control and woodgrain trim. The Genesis 3.8 has rear-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 3.8 liter V6  engine, traction control, stability control, panic brake assist and more. (Who are we kidding? They had us at "Black Noir Pearl.") Ask for Stock# H133113. Available at Wayne Automall Hyundai in Wayne.
   
    
5. 2013 Nissan Sentra SV - New - $21,840 
   
   From Cars.com: Japan's Nissan Sentra is the pragmatic choice: It's practical, roomy and economical. The 2013 model is a complete redesign. And this one is so cute! The four-door sedan comes in Graphite Blue and has a six-way manual driver's seat, climate control, an MP3 player, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission. Safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. Ask for Stock# 39212N. Available at Route 23 Automall in Butler.