Yes, many cars are made in America. While the global auto industry is interconnected, a significant number of vehicles sold in the U.S. are assembled in domestic factories. The key is to look beyond the brand's country of origin and investigate the final assembly point. For instance, brands like Toyota and Honda have extensive manufacturing plants in the U.S., while some models from American brands like Ford or Chevrolet might be assembled elsewhere.
A vehicle's "American-ness" is often measured by the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) standard, which requires a window sticker showing the percentage of U.S./Canadian parts content and the final assembly location. A more comprehensive measure is the Kogod Index, which also factors in where the company's profits go and where the research and development occurs.
Here are some examples of popular models assembled in the U.S.:
| Vehicle Model | Brand Origin | Primary U.S. Assembly Plant Location |
|---|
| Tesla Model Y | American | Fremont, California; Austin, Texas |
| Ford Mustang | American | Flat Rock, Michigan |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | American (Stellantis) | Detroit, Michigan |
| Toyota Camry | Japanese | Georgetown, Kentucky |
| Honda Accord | Japanese | Marysville, Ohio |
| BMW X5 | German | Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | South Korean | Montgomery, Alabama |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | German | Vance, Alabama |
Choosing a car with high domestic content and assembly supports the U.S. economy and manufacturing jobs. It's also a myth that American-made cars are lower quality; many plants in the U.S., particularly those run by Japanese and German brands, are recognized for their exceptional build quality and efficiency. When shopping, always check the Monroney sticker (the window sticker) for the AALA information to make an informed decision based on where your money is going.
