If the current car buying climate has you wondering where cars are built more than you may have previously, you're not alone. Cars.com says its 20th American-Made Index (AMI) reflects a growing consumer urgency to know where cars are made due to new auto tariffs and inflationary pressures.
In Cars.com's latest AMI, its experts independently evaluated more than 400 vehicles from the 2025 model year to identify the 99 that contribute most to the U.S. economy through manufacturing, parts sourcing, and employment. In its 20th year, Cars.com says this year's index marks a milestone of tracking America’s evolving auto manufacturing footprint — as consumer behavior and economic policy converge.
“As import tariffs shake up the auto industry and influence consumer priorities, our 2025 American-Made Index offers a timely snapshot of which vehicles and automakers are truly driving U.S. economic impact,” said Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for Cars.com’s American-Made Index. “Tesla continues to lead, claiming the top four spots and showcasing its commitment to domestic production. About 25% of the more than 400 vehicles on sale in the U.S. made this year’s AMI, and whether a vehicle is No. 1 or No. 99, it contributes to the U.S. economy.”
Topping the list this year- once again - is Texas-based Tesla. The EV maker claims the top top four spots for the second time since its debut on the index in 2020. There is a bit of a shuffle amongst the Tesla models however. The Model Y - which held the No. 1 spot for three straight years - drops to second behind the Model 3. the only other brand in the top five is the Jeep Gladiator, making it the highest-ranked American-made pickup truck.
Cars.com says automakers like Honda stand out for consistency and scale. Its Alabama facility produces five of this year’s top 20 vehicles — including the Ridgeline, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Acura MDX. GM remains a dominant player with the most vehicles on this year’s index. Kia’s West Point, Ga., plant builds both the EV6 and Sportage, while Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tenn., facility produces the ID.4 — one of only two non-Tesla EVs in the top 20.
Top 20 Vehicles on the 2025 American-Made Index
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model X
- Jeep Gladiator
- Kia EV6
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Odyssey
- Honda Passport
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Acura MDX
- Honda Pilot
- Jeep Wrangler
- Acura RDX
- Honda Accord
- Acura Integra
- Kia Sportage
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Nissan Pathfinder
The complete list is available at Cars.com/AMI.
In-market car shopper survey
Cars.com is also sharing the results of a recent study that found more than half of in-market shoppers (51%) say they’ve accelerated their vehicle purchase timeline to avoid tariff-driven price hikes. While patriotism is a perk, cost consciousness is the driving force. Researchers also found that 73% of shoppers say they’d consider an American-built vehicle to avoid added tariff costs. Some shoppers also said they’d pay extra if that means supporting U.S. jobs, with 74% saying they are willing to pay up to 20% more.
Major Geographic and Strategic Shifts
Cars.com says its 2025 AMI reflects major geographic and strategic shifts. In total, the index includes vehicles produced at 36 factories across the country. That’s out of the 47 total assembly plants in operation — meaning the majority of the U.S. auto production is presented in this year’s ranking. Eleven factories are not represented on the list because they produce vehicles that are specialty, boutique or vehicles that do not fall in the light-duty category.
Among these 36 ranked facilities, 50% are located in the South and 47% in the Midwest, reflecting an overall balance of legacy and emerging manufacturing hubs. Alabama accounts for 17% of all factories on the list, followed by Michigan (15%) and Indiana (14%) These plants are producing high-impact models from automakers like Honda, Toyota, GM, Stellantis, Kia and Volkswagen.
Cars.com says these factory-level investments are about more than logistics — calling them economic engines that serve as anchors for local economies through job creation and the generation of tax revenue.
20 Years of the AMI
Over time, researchers say one trend has become clear: full domestic content is elusive.
“No vehicle has ever reached 100% domestic parts content in the index’s history,” notes Masterson. “Manufacturing is a complex, international process — and even our most American-made vehicles still depend on global supply chains.”
The average domestic parts content of the top 10 vehicles was 83.4% in 2006. Today, it’s lower at 70.3%. While that figure is up slightly in recent years, Cars.com says it underscores how globally integrated auto production has become.