Determining which cars are “really American” Made in the USA has become increasingly complex in today’s global automotive landscape. No car sold in the U.S. is entirely made in America using only parts made in America. Not one single vehicle. This surprising truth challenges traditional notions of what constitutes an American car.
Tesla’s Model 3 sedan returns to the top spot after abdicating in deferment to the Model Y SUV for 2024 in the Cars.com American-Made Index, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The ranking system analyzes over 400 vehicles across five critical factors to determine automotive “Americanness.”
Understanding the American-Made Index Methodology
The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires detailed disclosure of vehicle origins. Cars.com’s American-Made Index analyzes five major factors to determine just how American your prospective car or truck might be.
These factors include:
- Percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts content
- Final assembly location
- Engine country of origin
- Transmission manufacturing location
- U.S. manufacturing workforce impact
Electric Vehicle Dominance in American Manufacturing
The first time all-electric vehicles have been the majority of the top 10 marks a significant shift in American automotive manufacturing. The Kia EV6 SUV features the highest U.S./Canadian parts content percentage of any vehicle sold in America today at 80%.
Top American-Made Vehicles Data Table
| Rank | Vehicle | % US/Canadian Content | Assembly Location | Brand Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model 3 | 75% | Fremont, CA | USA |
| 2 | Tesla Model S | 75% | Fremont, CA | USA |
| 3 | Tesla Model Y | 70% | Austin, TX | USA |
| 4 | Kia EV6 | 80% | West Point, GA | South Korea |
| 5 | Honda Ridgeline | 70% | Lincoln, AL | Japan |
| 6 | Honda Passport | 70% | Lincoln, AL | Japan |
| 7 | Toyota Camry Hybrid | 70% | Georgetown, KY | Japan |
| 8 | Acura MDX | 75% | Lincoln, AL | Japan |
| 9 | Jeep Wrangler | 68% | Toledo, OH | Netherlands |
| 10 | Volkswagen ID.4 | 65% | Chattanooga, TN | Germany |
Manufacturing Statistics and Economic Impact
Among the 400 light-duty models automakers sell (or plan to) in the U.S. for the 2025 model year, 133 are made solely in the U.S.; 248 are imported; and 19 are split between domestic and imported assembly lines.
The automotive sector’s economic footprint extends far beyond final assembly. Think of the nearly 559,000 additional jobs involving vehicle parts or the more than 1.3 million jobs that are employed in dealership operations both for new and used vehicles.
Foreign Brands Leading American Production
Interestingly, only seven of the top 20 most American-made cars are built by companies headquartered in the U.S., and only three come from Detroit’s Big Three. This data reveals how international manufacturers have invested heavily in American production facilities.
Government Oversight and Consumer Awareness
The AALA mandates transparency in automotive manufacturing origins. However, over 75 percent of consumer survey participants, even those that care deeply about “buying American,” were unaware of the existence of the AALA labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes a car “American-made”?
A combination of U.S./Canadian parts content, final assembly location, engine/transmission origin, and workforce impact determines American-made status.
Q2: Why do foreign brands rank highly in American-made lists?
Many international manufacturers operate extensive U.S. production facilities with high domestic parts content, often exceeding traditional American brands.
Q3: How do tariffs affect American-made vehicle pricing?
President Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts make domestically assembled vehicles more cost-competitive, though global supply chains mean no vehicle is completely tariff-immune.
Also Read:-The New 2025 Triumph Classic Bike Arrives With Tough Military Looks and More Style