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Foreign Automakers Lead 2019 American-Made Index Rankings

Most American-Made Cars: MotorVero's U.S. Vehicle Index

Most American-Made Cars: MotorVero's U.S. Vehicle Index

American-made cars

Explore how your next car can drive American jobs and the U.S. economy

What Makes a Car "American-Made"?

In today’s global automotive landscape, determining which vehicles are truly American-made goes far beyond brand recognition. MotorVero’s American-Made Index evaluates cars based on a variety of meaningful criteria: final assembly location, percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts, origin of the engine and transmission, and U.S. manufacturing workforce relative to sales volume. This multi-pronged analysis paints a clearer picture of each vehicle’s economic footprint within the U.S.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Why the American-Made Index Matters

Amid rising global trade tensions and ongoing tariff disputes, buying American-made isn’t just patriotic — it’s economically strategic. Purchasing a domestically produced vehicle supports American workers, helps stabilize regional economies, and reduces logistical carbon footprints. Informed buyers looking to make an impact with their wallets turn to the American-Made Index to guide their purchase decisions.

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Top 5 Most American-Made Vehicles

  1. Jeep Cherokee – Assembled in Belvidere, Illinois, this SUV tops the index for its high domestic parts content, American labor, and deep roots in U.S. automotive history.
  2. Honda Odyssey – Manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, this minivan’s engine and transmission are also U.S.-sourced, reinforcing Honda’s long-standing American investment.
  3. Honda Ridgeline – Another Alabama-built standout, the Ridgeline combines American engineering with local production to create a highly domestic pickup truck.
  4. Honda Passport – Also assembled in Alabama, this SUV’s recent addition helped boost Honda’s presence in the index by diversifying their domestic product lineup.
  5. Chevrolet Corvette – GM’s iconic sports car is proudly built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, offering performance with a patriotic backbone.

--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--


American Brands Aren’t Always the Most American-Made

It may surprise some that vehicles from foreign-owned automakers dominate the top of the index. Brands like Honda and Toyota have invested billions into U.S.-based manufacturing plants and workforce training programs. Meanwhile, some traditionally American brands assemble popular models outside of U.S. borders. The message is clear: when it comes to supporting American jobs, the badge on the grille doesn’t always tell the full story.

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Perception vs. Reality: What Americans Think

MotorVero surveyed over 1,000 car buyers to understand public perceptions of American-made vehicles. The results reveal a consistent gap between belief and reality. While brands like Ford and Chevrolet are top of mind when thinking “Made in America,” many of their top-selling models are built outside the country or with significant foreign-sourced components.

Despite this, about 66% of respondents stated they want to purchase vehicles that meaningfully support the U.S. economy. This sentiment is particularly strong among buyers aged 35 to 54, followed closely by seniors. Millennials and younger Gen Z respondents are more globally minded, but still show moderate support for American manufacturing.

--THIRD CAR LIST HERE--

Economic Impact of Buying American

Every American-made vehicle purchased supports a network of jobs — from factory line workers to local suppliers and logistics providers. In states like Ohio, Kentucky, and Alabama, auto manufacturing serves as a cornerstone industry. A strong domestic auto industry leads to resilient regional economies and higher reinvestment in infrastructure and innovation.

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Trade Policy’s Ripple Effects on Car Manufacturing

Fluctuating tariffs and trade agreements significantly impact where automakers choose to source components or assemble vehicles. In recent years, many companies have diversified their production to avoid geopolitical bottlenecks. However, ongoing uncertainty keeps manufacturers on edge, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and expanding U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

--FOURTH CAR LIST HERE--

How MotorVero Compiles the Index

Our methodology is both rigorous and transparent. We evaluate over 100 vehicle models assembled in the U.S., weighing factors such as:

  • Assembly location within the U.S.
  • U.S./Canadian parts content by percentage
  • Origin of engine and transmission components
  • Factory workforce relative to sales

This formula offers a comprehensive view into how each model contributes to the American economy.

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Honorable Mentions & Noteworthy Vehicles

Beyond the top five, other vehicles making strong contributions to the American economy include the Toyota Camry, Ford Ranger, and Tesla Model 3. While not topping the list, these models showcase how even globally integrated brands can maintain a robust domestic presence.

--FIFTH CAR LIST HERE--

Looking Ahead: The Future of American Car Manufacturing

With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and advances in automation, the definition of “American-made” will continue to evolve. New federal incentives tied to domestic battery production and final assembly promise to shift the balance once again. Companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Ford are investing heavily in U.S.-based EV plants, signaling a renewed focus on domestic innovation and manufacturing leadership.

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Tips for Buying American-Made Vehicles

If buying American is important to you, here are a few quick tips:

  • Check vehicle window stickers for parts content breakdowns
  • Use MotorVero’s American-Made Index as a buying guide
  • Research factory locations and company investment in the U.S.
  • Ask dealers about sourcing transparency
  • --SIXTH CAR LIST HERE--

Final Thoughts: Why It All Matters

In an increasingly interconnected world, choosing to buy an American-made vehicle is a conscious decision that supports domestic industry, preserves jobs, and fuels long-term economic growth. With MotorVero’s authoritative guide, car shoppers can go beyond branding and make informed, impactful choices that drive America forward — literally and figuratively.

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Last Updated On May, 31-2025

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