Top 15+ Best and Popular Handbag Brands In The U.S - Made in America Top 15+ Best and Popular Handbag Brands In The U.S - Made in America
Top 35 Famous US Brands, But No Longer Made in America Top 35 Famous US Brands, But No Longer Made in America
Is Any Car Really 100% American? The Real Story Behind “American-Made” Cars
The Tesla Model Y, assembled in Fremont, California and Austin, Texas, ranks #1 as the most "American" car

With President Donald Trump reinstating a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and proposing tax breaks for buyers of U.S.-made cars, many Americans are asking a fundamental question:

What actually qualifies as an American-made car—and does a truly “100% American” car even exist?

From automakers to everyday drivers, the label “American-made” is often misunderstood. In today’s globalized economy, even cars made by Detroit’s Big Three can contain more foreign content than you'd expect—while some Japanese or German brands build their vehicles right here in the U.S.

Read more: Top 10 Most 'American' Cars in 2025: Built in the USA, Powered by Pride

This article breaks down the truth about American-made cars in 2025 and explains why the answer is more complicated than ever.

What does it really mean when a car is “American-made”?

There is no single legal definition of an American-made car. The U.S. American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) requires automakers to disclose:

Final assembly location

Percentage of U.S./Canada parts content (by value)

Engine and transmission origin

But these numbers can be misleading—and even confusing.

For example:

The 2025 Honda Acura ADX, a front-wheel drive SUV assembled in Mexico, still qualifies for 30% U.S./Canada parts content, according to NHTSA.

Meanwhile, the Cadillac CT4, a sedan assembled in the U.S. by GM, has just 15% domestic content, with nearly half (49%) of its parts from Mexico.

This shows that assembly location alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Is it even possible to buy a 100% American car today?

No, it’s not.
Out of nearly 500 vehicle models listed in the 2025 NHTSA dataset, every single one had at least 20% of its parts imported from outside the U.S. and Canada.

Even vehicles that are designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S. rely on:

→ Semiconductors from Asia

→ Batteries and raw minerals from China, Australia, and South America

→ Interior components and wire harnesses from Mexico

→ High-strength steel and aluminum from Canada or South Korea

♦ There is no such thing as a 100% American car—not in 2025.

Read more: Top 10 Largest Automakers with the Factory in the U.S. - American-Made Cars

So which cars are most American in 2025?

To help consumers understand which vehicles contribute most to the U.S. economy, Cars.com publishes its annual American-Made Index (AMI). The rankings consider:

→ Final assembly in the U.S.

→ U.S./Canada parts content

→ Engine and transmission origin

→ U.S. manufacturing workforce

For the third year running, Tesla leads the list. The Tesla Model Y, assembled in Fremont, California and Austin, Texas, ranks #1 as the most "American" car by these criteria.

Other top entries in 2025 include:

  • Honda Passport (Alabama)

  • Volkswagen ID.4 (Tennessee)

  • Toyota Camry (Kentucky)

  • Jeep Gladiator (Ohio)

These cars support thousands of U.S. jobs—even if their parts aren’t entirely domestic.

What is Trump’s 25% auto tariff really trying to do?

President Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles is aimed at reviving domestic production and bringing back U.S. auto jobs. He’s also floated tax deductions for interest on loans for U.S.-built vehicles, further incentivizing American consumers to buy domestically produced cars.

But here’s the dilemma:

Even cars made in America aren’t fully American.

Tariffs may protect U.S. factories, but they don’t eliminate the need for foreign parts. The modern car is an international product, and automakers rely on global suppliers to stay cost-effective and competitive.

What should American car buyers know in 2025?

If you're serious about buying American, here’s how to make an informed decision:

• Check the AALA label (usually on the driver’s side window) for U.S./Canada parts content and final assembly location.

• Review the Cars.com American-Made Index – it ranks vehicles by their actual U.S. impact.

• Look beyond the badge – a Ford made in Mexico might contain less U.S. content than a Toyota assembled in Kentucky.

• Support U.S. workers – consider vehicles built in American plants, regardless of the brand’s country of origin.

Final Thoughts: Can we still call any car truly American?

The term “American-made” still matters—but in 2025, it’s more a spectrum than a black-and-white label. No car is 100% American anymore. But some come closer than others in terms of supporting U.S. workers, assembly plants, and parts suppliers.

Whether you're buying to support the economy, take advantage of tax incentives, or avoid tariffs, the best you can do is stay informed. Look at the facts—not just the logo—and you’ll find vehicles that reflect American values, even if they’re built with global hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What qualifies a car as "American-made"?

A car is considered “American-made” based on several factors: where it’s assembled, the percentage of U.S./Canada parts, the origin of its engine and transmission, and how many American workers are involved. Final assembly in the U.S. is important, but not the only factor.

2. Is there any car that is 100% American-made in 2025?

No. According to the 2025 NHTSA data, every vehicle sold in the U.S. contains at least 20% foreign parts. Even models assembled in the U.S. by American brands rely on international supply chains for electronics, metals, and other components.

3. Are Tesla vehicles truly American-made?

Tesla ranks highest on the American-Made Index because of its U.S.-based factories, workforce, and engineering. While not 100% American, Tesla vehicles like the Model Y are among the most American-built cars available today.

4. Can a foreign brand car be more “American” than a U.S. brand?

Yes. For example, a Toyota Camry built in Kentucky may have more U.S. parts and local labor than a Ford SUV assembled in Mexico. Brand nationality doesn’t always reflect manufacturing location or domestic content.

5. How can I check how American a car really is?

Check the AALA label (usually on the driver’s side window) for U.S./Canada parts content and final assembly location. You can also use the Cars.com American-Made Index, which ranks vehicles by their true impact on the U.S. economy.

Top 10 Highest Quality Tire Brands Made In America Top 10 Highest Quality Tire Brands Made In America

Talking about tire, Michelin is the most famous brand. What tire brand is popular in Europe? Check out our list below!
Top 15 Best and Famous American Luxury Brands Top 15 Best and Famous American Luxury Brands

Are you familiar with these top 15 well-known and upscale American brands? They are well-known everywhere, not just in the US. Look at the list ...
Top 7 Most Popular and Best Washing Machine Brands Made In America Top 7 Most Popular and Best Washing Machine Brands Made In America

A washing machine is in approximately 85% of American households. With such a high demand for washing machines, it's easy to see why some companies ...
Top 10 Highest Quality TV Brands That Made In the USA Top 10 Highest Quality TV Brands That Made In the USA

We get a lot of questions concerning American-made televisions. To find out if any televisions are made in the United States, we have looked online, ...