If you care about keeping your car-buying dollars close to home, the Cars.com American-Made Index (AMI) is one of the best snapshots you’ll find. Now in its 20th year, the 2025 AMI weighs five major factors (including assembly location and parts sourcing) across roughly 400 model-year vehicles to identify the 99 most “American-made.” Below are the top 11, ranked, so you can check what each brings to the table.
1) 2025 Tesla Model 3
Assembled in Fremont, Calif.
A decade ago, “American-made” and “compact EV” rarely overlapped; now the Model 3 sits at the very top. Built in Tesla’s original California factory, it pairs high domestic content with the brand’s bread-and-butter formula: strong range, quick acceleration, and constant over-the-air tweaks. If you want maximum AMI bragging rights with a sensible price, this is it.
2) 2025 Tesla Model Y
Assembled in Fremont, Calif., or Austin, Texas
The family-friendly counterpart to the Model 3 lands a close second, and it’s built in two U.S. plants to meet demand. Beyond the index score, the Model Y is popular for a reason: roomy cargo space, easy charging integration, and resale strength. If you like the idea of supporting two American factories with one purchase, this crossover checks that box.
3) 2025 Tesla Model S
Assembled in Fremont, Calif.
The original Tesla flagship still matters – especially when it comes to the AMI. With long-legged range and eye-watering acceleration, the S also carries serious domestic manufacturing credentials. It’s a luxury EV that remains unapologetically American in both personality and production.
4) 2025 Tesla Model X
Assembled in Fremont, Calif.
The X adds falcon-wing drama and three-row utility to Tesla’s AMI streak. It’s not cheap, but it’s a compelling blend of tech and practicality for buyers who need people-moving space without ditching performance. If you want a U.S.-built EV with room for the whole crew, the X is the showiest way to do it.
5) 2025 Jeep Gladiator
Assembled in Toledo, Ohio
Jeep plus pickup plus Toledo is about as stars-and-stripes as it gets. The Gladiator keeps its Wrangler DNA – trail chops, open-air experience – and layers on real truck utility. For buyers who want a made-here off-roader that can also haul, it’s a uniquely American recipe.
6) 2025 Kia EV6
Assembled in West Point, Ga.
Yes, a Kia on an “American-made” list – and a high one at that. Built in Georgia, the EV6 backs up its AMI rank with standout charging speed, sharp styling, and genuinely fun handling. It’s a perfect example of how a “foreign” badge can still deliver serious U.S. manufacturing impact.
7) 2025 Honda Ridgeline
Assembled in Lincoln, Ala.
Honda’s unibody pickup has long been a quiet overachiever – comfortable on pavement, surprisingly capable off of it, and easy to live with every day. Being Alabama-built only strengthens its value proposition. If you want a truck that behaves like a refined SUV when you’re not towing, start here.
8) 2025 Honda Odyssey
Assembled in Lincoln, Ala.
Minivans are still the best family vehicles, full stop, and the Odyssey remains a benchmark. With assembly in the same Alabama complex as the Ridgeline, it delivers American factory jobs along with family-friendly cleverness. Road-trip parents, this one’s the pragmatic pick with AMI credibility.
9) 2025 Honda Passport
Assembled in Lincoln, Ala.
Think of the Passport as the ruggedized, two-row sweet spot of Honda’s lineup – simple, spacious, and ready for light adventure. Its strong AMI ranking reflects Honda’s deep U.S. footprint. If you want an American-assembled, no-nonsense SUV that’s easy to own, the Passport is on point.
10) 2025 Volkswagen ID.4
Assembled in Chattanooga, Tenn.
VW’s Tennessee-built EV has matured into a very compelling value: comfortable ride, solid range, and a user interface that’s (finally) friendlier. Its AMI ranking highlights a growing domestic EV ecosystem beyond Tesla. For shoppers chasing federal-credit-eligible EVs with American assembly, the ID.4 deserves a test drive.
11) 2025 Acura MDX
Assembled in East Liberty, Ohio
The MDX wraps premium vibes and three rows in a chassis that actually enjoys curves. Built in Ohio, it brings a luxury badge to the AMI top tier without the ultra-lux price tag. If you want a U.S.-assembled luxury family hauler with athletic manners, this is a smart, satisfying fit.
What This List Really Says About “Buying American”
The 2025 AMI underlines a reality that might surprise some shoppers: American-made isn’t just about the badge. Tesla’s clean sweep at the top shows what deep U.S. manufacturing looks like, but so do Alabama-built Hondas, Georgia-built Kias, and a Tennessee-built Volkswagen. If your goal is to support domestic jobs and supply chains, assembly location and parts sourcing matter more than heritage alone.
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Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.