The most American-made cars in 2024 are predominantly models from Ford and Tesla, according to the annual Cars.com American-Made Index. This index evaluates vehicles based on the percentage of parts that are U.S./Canadian-sourced, the final assembly location, and the workforce involved in manufacturing. The title isn't held by a single car but rather a list where domestic brands consistently outperform others.
The American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) requires every new car to display the percentage of U.S./Canadian parts content. However, the Cars.com index goes further by considering the engine and transmission origins, and the overall U.S. manufacturing workforce impact. A high AALA percentage is a key indicator, but it's not the only factor for a truly "American" car.
| Rank (2024) | Vehicle | U.S. Assembly Location | AALA Parts Content % |
|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | Fremont, CA; Austin, TX | 65% |
| 2 | Honda Passport | Lincoln, AL | 80% |
| 3 | Tesla Model S | Fremont, CA | 60% |
| 4 | Tesla Model X | Fremont, CA | 60% |
| 5 | Toyota Camry | Georgetown, KY | 60% |
| 6 | Ford Explorer | Chicago, IL | 70% |
| 7 | Jeep Gladiator | Toledo, OH | 77% |
| 8 | Lincoln Aviator | Chicago, IL | 70% |
It's a common misconception that only the "Big Three" (Ford, GM, Stellantis) make the most American cars. As the table shows, Tesla, Honda, and Toyota have models with high domestic content and significant U.S. manufacturing jobs. The Honda Passport, for instance, is assembled in Alabama with 80% domestic parts. When you're shopping, check the window sticker for the AALA percentage and research where the specific model is built, as it can vary even within the same brand.
