Originally it was a brand name owned by Murray which is is now Briggs & Straton Outdoor Products
Murray?
MTD
John Deere makes their own lawn tractors(mowers) in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA.
AYP Makes Husqvarna and Craftsman tractors
the tractors are mtd, push mowers not sure
John Deere manufactures their own products
2001 was the last year of production of lawn tractors.
John Deere lawn tractors are manufactured in Horicon, Wisconsin along with their Gator UTVs.
Honda makes them you just can't buy them in the US anymore they priced themselves out of the market and no longer sell in the US
MTD Produces Mastercraft lawn tractors along with many other brand names such as yard man.
Sites such as Consumer Reports often compare lawn tractors. This site does require a membership. WHen I am looking for reviews on any item I always start with Epinions.com. You can also read reviews on lawn tractors at www.consumersearch.com.