When you think of a car that is “made in America,” you may picture a Ford that is manufactured entirely in the United States and equipped with parts that are stamped in Detroit. However, that image is more wishful thinking than reality in the modern, globalized auto industry. Even though consumers want to support domestic products and jobs, it’s practically impossible to find a car that is actually made in the United States, right down to the bolts.
What does “made in America” really mean these days? And how can buyers make wise decisions?
Let’s dissect it.
‘Made in America’: What Does It Actually Mean?
First, there isn’t a straightforward solution. Even if a car is assembled in the United States, its electronics, engine, and transmission may have been imported. The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA), which mandates that automakers reveal:
Location of the final assembly
percentage of parts from the United States and Canada
Engine, transmission, and country of origin
Although it’s a beginning, even the wording allows for interpretation and the possibility of combining Canadian and American content into a single percentage.
For instance, Kentucky manufactures the Toyota Camry, which uses about 70% U.S./Canadian parts. However, many would still be shocked to learn that it is among the most “American-made” sedans, outperforming some models from well-known American manufacturers.
The most American-made automobiles in 2024, per the data
Every year, Cars.com releases its American-Made Index, which ranks vehicles according to labor, the origin of important components, assembly location, and parts sourcing.
Who will emerge as the victor of 2024? Texas and California build the Tesla Model Y, using domestic suppliers whenever possible and American-made batteries.
Other unexpected candidates are
Honda Passport (made in Alabama)
Tennessee-assembled Volkswagen ID.4
Texas-assembled Toyota Tundra
Yes, you read correctly: German and Japanese automakers produce some of the most “American-made” cars available today.
The Drive for Domestic Manufacturing and Tariffs
To boost domestic production, the U.S. government imposed 25% tariffs on imported automobiles and parts in 2024. The short-term impact has been more complicated, even though the goal is to bring production and jobs back home.
Prices are going up: Using foreign parts affects even American-made automobiles.
Stressed supply chains: Automakers rely on international vendors for transmissions, electronics, and other components. Disruptions harm everyone, including American workers.
Customers are in the middle: It’s more difficult than ever to determine whether a product is American due to rising costs and ambiguous origin claims.
The Reason It’s So Hard
Tens of thousands of parts, frequently sourced from dozens of countries, go into making modern cars. Even American automakers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis source major parts from Mexico, China, Canada, and Europe. It’s just the way the business is now.
Think about it: a car built in Michigan may have software created in India, Korean battery cells, and a German transmission.
It simply means there are no 100% American cars in the world, not that they’re bad.
So, if you want to purchase American goods, what can you do?
Here are some pointers if you care about American manufacturing and jobs:
Look for cars with a high percentage of U.S./Canada parts and final assembly in the United States by checking the AALA label.
Refer to the American-Made Index: Cars.com’s list provides a trustworthy overview of the cars that are most likely to be “American-made.”
Purchase from automakers who make investments in American factories: Volkswagen, Toyota, and Honda all produce their cars in American factories with American workers.
And keep in mind that picking a Detroit-based brand isn’t the only way to support American workers. Regardless of the location of the headquarters, it entails selecting a vehicle manufactured here.
Concluding remarks
“Made in America” used to be a simple label. These days, it is entangled with multinational corporations, global supply chains, and changing political policies. However, that does not imply that consumers have no power. By considering where an automobile is built, who it employs, and how it affects the American economy, you can still make educated decisions and help preserve American jobs.
Just don’t count on finding a car that is completely American-made. That will be as uncommon in 2025 as a paper map in a glovebox.
