Tesla is the only automaker that assembled 100% of its U.S.-sold cars domestically last year. And only three other companies — Jeep, Cadillac and Dodge — broke 80%.
President Donald Trump wants to change that, boasting in his first joint address to Congress that he’s already brought jobs back to America through Ford, Fiat–Chrysler, and General Motors, among other companies. All three automakers announced plans to create thousands of American jobs in January.
Ford even decided against investing $1.6 billion in a new Mexican assembly plant, though still plans on expanding its Mexican transmission and engine factories—highlighting the complexity in determining whether a car is “American made.”
Read more: How American is your car?
This list orders brands by the percent of their cars which are assembled in the United States, according to a TIME analysis of American University’s 2016 Auto Index. Jeep previously held the top spot, until 2014, when the company began producing the Renegade in Italy, reflecting a growing trend of automakers moving assembly outside of the U.S. to cut costs.
Kristin Dziczek of the Center for Automative Research says that Ford is taking a longer view: “Making investments in plants are long term decisions, outlasting even two presidential terms.” More important than Trump’s tariff threats are potential changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement and corporate tax reforms, she says. “There’s a lot of unknowns, that will probably cause people to sit back and see where the dust settles.”
Overall, out of 17.5 million vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2015, about 65% were produced in the U.S. And with American car factories operating at 95% capacity, according to Dziczek, there’s very little room to expand unless companies invest in new facilities.
As noted in the list, there are ten foreign manufacturers that sell cars in the U.S. but do not make any of them here.
FAQs
If you'd like to keep it simple, you could list the brands currently in production that started life as American-based companies: Buick; Cadillac; Chevrolet; GMC; Chrysler; Dodge; Jeep; Ram; Ford; Lincoln; and Tesla. If only it were that simple.
What vehicle is 100% American made? ›
Is there any car completely made in America? ›
While several automakers got their start making cars in America, you won't find any vehicles on the market that are 100% American-made. Today, manufacturers outsource their car production. So brands with American origins now make their cars in other countries, and foreign brands outsource some production in America.
Who are the 3 major auto producing companies in the United States? ›
The Big Three often refers to the three largest car manufacturers in North America: General Motors, Stellantis (formerly Chrysler), and Ford Motor Company.
Are Toyotas made in America? ›
Clockwise from top left: The Toyota Corolla, Avalon, Camry, and Highlander- all models made in the USA. Clockwise from top left: The Toyota RAV4, Matrix, Sienna, and Tundra- also models made in the USA. Currently, Toyota manufactures 11 customer favorite vehicles in their North American facilities.
Are Cadillacs made in America? ›
If you're eager to take on the Traverse City streets in a brand-new Cadillac, chances are it was produced right here in the U.S! Cadillac models are built in five main facilities, with four of them located in the United States. Discover where Cadillac models are built here: Lansing Grand River Assembly, Michigan, U.S.
What is the #1 American-made car? ›
According to Cars.com, only one American brand made it into the top 10 of its 2023 American-Made Index, and it ain't from Ford, GM or Stellantis. The newly released list puts Tesla at the top of the pack, followed by German and Japanese brands.
Are Ford trucks 100% American-made? ›
Although Ford is recognized as a multi-national auto corporation, it remains an American-made car brand. As of writing, Ford has three major shareholders: William Ford, Mark Fields, and Joseph Henrich. Ford has a total of 65 manufacturing plants worldwide, eight of them situated inside the country.
Is Ford 100% American-made? ›
100% Committed to being 100% Assembled in America*
Ford F-Series® are 100% assembled in America, including in states like Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio.
What is the most American made car brand? ›
Tesla EVs are the most made-in-America vehicles, Cars.com reports
- Tesla Model X.
- Tesla Model S.
- Honda Passport.
- Volkswagen ID. ...
- Honda Odyssey.
- Acura MDX.
- Honda Ridgeline.
- Acura RDX.
No.” Spectrum News reached out to iSeeCars.com executive analyst Karl Brauer to explain the current status of Chinese car imports and their prospects for the future. Currently, there are no Chinese-branded cars for sale in the United States.
What is the best American made car to buy? ›
The 8 best American cars to buy in 2024
- Ford Bronco Raptor. ...
- Jeep Avenger. ...
- Hennessey Performance Venom F5. ...
- Lucid Air. ...
- Ford Mustang Dark Horse. ...
- Tesla Model 3 'highland' ...
- Jeep Wrangler. ...
- Corvette Z06.
Buick was founded in December of 1899 by the Scottish-born American inventor David Dunbar Buick. Thanks to the dissolution of Oldsmobile in 2004, it now stands as the current oldest surviving American carmaker.
Is Ford bigger than GM? ›
Key Takeaways. Ford and General Motors are the two biggest automakers in the United States and are also big players on the world stage. General Motors leads in US market share.
What is Chrysler called now? ›
Stellantis N.V. is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger in 2021 of the Italian–American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group.
Is Chevy made in America? ›
Chevy may have a global presence, but it prioritizes American manufacturing. For instance: The Chevy Colorado is exclusively constructed at a factory in Wentzville, Missouri. Most Chevy Silverados are constructed in Springfield, Ohio, and Flint, Michigan.
Who makes most reliable cars? ›
Lexus ranks highest overall in vehicle dependability for a second consecutive year, with a score of 135 PP100. Among premium brands, Porsche (175 PP100) ranks second and BMW (190 PP100) ranks third. Toyota ranks highest in the mass market segment, with a score of 147 PP100.
Is Subaru American made? ›
The automotive division of Subaru Corp. makes Subaru cars and SUVs. The Japanese multinational conglomerate is the parent to Subaru of America, based in Camden, New Jersey. North American Subaru production takes place at its assembly plant in Indiana.
