What is the difference between the Fender Standard Stratocaster and the Fender American Standard Stratocaster?

Can't really add anything much to what Norm said. It's basically American made versus Mexican made, obviously the American made will be more expensive and have better wood and components. That being said the difference between the two is not that great to me. Like all guitars some will play better than others but my Mexican Tele outplays some American Custom Shop models I've played. The MIM Fenders are very good guitars but won't retain the resale value of the American models.