President Trump’s administration has consistently voiced a strong desire to see more vehicles manufactured within the United States. This initiative, underscored by tariff discussions and proposals for incentivizing loans for American-made cars, aims to encourage automakers to shift production to the U.S. While the notion of a completely “American-made” car is complex in today’s globalized automotive industry, some vehicles are significantly more domestic than others.
To provide clarity on this topic, Cars.com developed the American-Made Index. This index serves as a definitive ranking, highlighting vehicles that contribute most significantly to the U.S. economy through various factors of production. For several years running, one brand has consistently dominated the top spot: Tesla.
What Makes a Car “American Made”?
The Cars.com American-Made Index doesn’t just look at where a car is assembled. It uses a comprehensive methodology based on five key criteria to determine a vehicle’s “Americanness”:
- Assembly Location: Where the final vehicle is put together.
- Parts Content: The percentage of parts originating from the U.S. and Canada.
- Engine Origin: Where the engine is manufactured.
- Transmission Origin: Where the transmission is manufactured.
- U.S. Manufacturing Workforce: The number of U.S. factory workers employed in the vehicle’s production.
By considering these factors, the index offers a nuanced perspective on which vehicles truly support the American economy, going beyond simple assembly location.
Top 10 American Made Cars According to Cars.com
Here are the top 10 vehicles from the Cars.com 2024 American-Made Index, showcasing leaders in domestic automotive production:
- Tesla Model Y: This all-electric SUV, assembled in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas, tops the list. Tesla’s commitment to domestic manufacturing is evident in its high ranking.
- Honda Passport: Assembled in Lincoln, Alabama, the Honda Passport SUV demonstrates a strong U.S. manufacturing footprint for a foreign automaker.
- Volkswagen ID.4: Representing the growing electric vehicle segment, the Volkswagen ID.4 is assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, marking VW’s increasing investment in US production.
- Tesla Model S: Another Tesla vehicle, the Model S sedan, also assembled in Fremont, California, reinforces the brand’s top position in American-made rankings.
- Honda Odyssey: The Honda Odyssey minivan, produced in Lincoln, Alabama, further exemplifies Honda’s significant US-based manufacturing operations.
- Honda Ridgeline: Rounding out Honda’s strong presence on the list, the Ridgeline pickup truck is also assembled in Lincoln, Alabama.
- Toyota Camry: A perennial favorite sedan, the Toyota Camry, assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, shows Toyota’s long-standing commitment to US manufacturing.
- Jeep Gladiator: The Jeep Gladiator truck, assembled in Toledo, Ohio, represents a classic American brand with significant domestic production.
- Tesla Model X: Tesla’s Model X SUV, assembled in Fremont, California, secures another spot for the electric vehicle manufacturer in the top 10.
- Lexus TX: Assembled in Princeton, Indiana, the Lexus TX luxury SUV demonstrates that even luxury brands are contributing to American automotive manufacturing.
President Trump discussing tariffs on imported vehicles, aiming to promote American made cars.
Tesla Leads the Charge in American-Made EVs
Tesla’s dominance in the American-Made Index is undeniable. With three models in the top 10, including the top spot, Tesla demonstrates that electric vehicle production can be a significant contributor to the American economy. Their focus on domestic assembly, parts sourcing, and workforce contributes to their high ranking.
Honda and Toyota’s Strong US Manufacturing Presence
Beyond Tesla, brands like Honda and Toyota also showcase a strong commitment to US manufacturing. Their multiple models assembled in American plants highlight the complex global nature of the automotive industry, where foreign brands invest significantly in domestic production, contributing to American jobs and the economy.
Conclusion
Understanding what constitutes an “American-made car” is more nuanced than simply looking at a brand’s origin. The Cars.com American-Made Index provides a valuable tool for consumers interested in supporting vehicles with significant U.S. economic contribution. While no car is entirely domestic, the vehicles on this list represent the leaders in American automotive manufacturing, reflecting the ongoing efforts to promote and sustain car production within the United States.
