Just purchased a $13 Fram air filter for my '06 Chevy Impala 3.5L V6 at Walmart today (CA10014). It was made in China, and is very well constructed. Very sturdy, and all pleats are uniform. I looked at it before buying it and was actually very impressed with the quality. I do not use Fram oil filters, but have no issue with Fram air filters and have been using them for over 20 years with no issues. The Fram "fresh breeze" cabin air filters are a good product as well.
When it comes to standard "disposable" air filters, they are pretty much all similar (OEM, Purolator, Fram, etc.) They may have slight design differences, but if the filter fits/seals correctly in the air box, and is designed for the engine it is being installed in, it will do what it is supposed to. The key is making sure it is replaced before the filtering media gets clogged with dirt. I have found the Fram filters will go about 15,000 miles before really approaching the need to be replaced.