In an era of renewed focus on domestic manufacturing, Tesla has once again claimed the title of the most “American” car brand, topping Cars.com’s 2025 American-Made Index with the Tesla Model Y for the third consecutive year. The list evaluates vehicles based on assembly location, U.S. parts content, engine and transmission origin, and the automaker’s contribution to the U.S. manufacturing workforce. Notably, the ranking comes as national discussions around tariffs and American-made products resurface.
As consumers increasingly turn to domestic options and lawmakers push for incentives favoring U.S. manufacturing, the American-Made Index sheds light on how much of a car is truly built at home. While President Donald Trump has long emphasized the need for more American-made vehicles—proposing measures such as a 25% auto tariff and tax-deductible loan interest for domestically produced cars—none are entirely made in the United States.
Even so, the index helps determine which models contribute most significantly to the American economy. According to this website with the Gate of Olympus game, which tracks broader economic trends including manufacturing footprints, Tesla’s dominance is part of a larger narrative highlighting shifts in U.S. production priorities.
Tesla Dominates the Rankings
Tesla’s Model Y, assembled in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas, stands out for its all-American production pipeline. It has topped the list since 2023, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to U.S.-based operations under CEO Elon Musk, who also serves as the Department of Government Efficiency lead. Tesla’s strategic location choices, vertically integrated supply chain, and investment in American labor have helped it consistently earn the number-one spot.
Also featured in the top ten are two more Tesla models: the Model S and Model X, both assembled in Fremont. This marks Tesla as the only automaker with three vehicles in the top ten for 2025, further underlining the company’s leading role in American automotive manufacturing.
Foreign Brands Assemble Locally
Interestingly, several foreign automakers have secured high rankings thanks to their commitment to U.S. manufacturing. The Honda Passport, Odyssey, and Ridgeline—all assembled in Lincoln, Alabama—claim second, fifth, and sixth places, respectively. Honda’s strong presence in American manufacturing has long been a benchmark for global automakers seeking to localize production.
Volkswagen’s ID.4, an electric SUV built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, lands in third place, showing the brand’s increasing U.S. investment as it transitions to EVs. Toyota and Lexus also make the list, with the Toyota Camry (assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky) ranking seventh, and the Lexus TX (assembled in Princeton, Indiana) in the tenth spot.
The Jeep Gladiator, produced in Toledo, Ohio, ranks eighth—representing the only traditional American brand besides Tesla on this year’s list. While Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, remains a global manufacturer, Jeep’s historical identity as an American brand helps maintain its domestic credibility.
Methodology of the American-Made Index
The American-Made Index evaluates cars based on five weighted criteria:
- Final assembly location
- Percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts
- Country of origin for the engine
- Country of origin for the transmission
- Size of the automaker’s U.S. manufacturing workforce
With thousands of car models available on the market, the list narrows down those that not only offer value and performance but also contribute meaningfully to the domestic economy. In the case of Tesla, all models ranked were found to have significant U.S.-based content and a robust manufacturing footprint on American soil.
Policy Push and Public Sentiment
The American-Made Index gains particular relevance amid Trump-era policies that seek to reshape the landscape of global auto production. Proposals like tax breaks for buyers of domestically assembled vehicles and potential tariffs on foreign-made cars aim to incentivize local production and employment.
Yet, despite political momentum and public sentiment favoring “Made in America” goods, the reality remains complex. Most vehicles today rely on a global supply chain, from electronics sourced in Asia to drivetrain components manufactured in Europe. Still, automakers like Tesla and Honda have demonstrated that significant localization is not only possible but increasingly standard.
Full List: Top 10 Most American Cars in 2025
- Tesla Model Y – Fremont, California / Austin, Texas
- Honda Passport – Lincoln, Alabama
- Volkswagen ID.4 – Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Tesla Model S – Fremont, California
- Honda Odyssey – Lincoln, Alabama
- Honda Ridgeline – Lincoln, Alabama
- Toyota Camry – Georgetown, Kentucky
- Jeep Gladiator – Toledo, Ohio
- Tesla Model X – Fremont, California
- Lexus TX – Princeton, Indiana
As debates continue over what truly defines an “American-made” product, the American-Made Index provides consumers with transparency, helping them make informed decisions at the dealership. Tesla’s strong showing not only highlights its production strategy but also sets a benchmark for competitors aiming to claim a greater share of American loyalty—and dollars.
