© Ford Motor Company
Most American-Made Cars
Buying an American car is not as simple as it used to be. Years ago, vehicles considered American cars were designed and manufactured in the United States by U.S.-based companies employing workers primarily in the USA. Now that the auto industry has become a global enterprise with manufacturing and parts sourcing from all over the world, traditional American-brand vehicles are sometimes built outside U.S. borders, while many Europe- and Asia-based car companies build vehicles here in America. So, which are the most American-made cars? Digital automotive marketplace Cars.com released its 2021 American-Made Index to address this complicated question.
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The Study
The annual Cars.com AMI study ranks vehicles based on five factors: assembly location, parts sourcing, engine sourcing, transmission sourcing and U.S. factory employment relative to vehicle production — ultimately measuring the impact a vehicle has on the American marketplace. Of the estimated 344 new car models on sale in the USA, 90 of those qualified to be ranked with some level of American economic impact. According to the study, 72 percent of shoppers polled consider a car’s U.S. economic impact when making a purchase decision. Note that study results are proprietary to Cars.com, so no detailed vehicle scores are available. Take a look at the 20 highest-ranked vehicles in the Cars.com study — considered the most American-made cars available in 2021.
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20. Lincoln Navigator
Assembly Location: Louisville, Kentucky
When the Navigator premiered for the 2018 model year, it didn’t stray much from the look of the concept revealed one year earlier. Designed to be luxurious as well as family friendly, Navigator offers multiple USB ports, wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rear-seat entertainment system is also available featuring two 10-inch display screens. This big Lincoln has big power to match — a twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is an impressive 8,700 pounds — more than almost any other luxury SUV.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
19. Lexus ES
Assembly Location: Georgetown, Kentucky
The best-selling sedan in the Lexus lineup, the ES entered its seventh generation with a complete redesign for the 2019 model year. Built on the brand’s new global platform, the new ES received more interior space, fresh styling and improved driving dynamics. In addition to its luxurious interior, the ES is equipped with the latest communication and entertainment technologies that include Amazon Alexa connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ES also has the brand’s Safety System+ 2.0, which includes parent-company Toyota’s most advanced safety features. For 2021 Lexus expands the ES range with the new ES 250 AWD as well as a sporty ES 350 Black Line Special Edition.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
18. Toyota Avalon
Assembly Location: Georgetown, Kentucky
All new for the 2019 model year, the Avalon has styling intended to liven up this traditionally conservative sedan. Designed at the automaker’s CALTY studio in Michigan and built in Kentucky, the Avalon shows Toyota’s commitment to the midsize sedan at a time when other manufacturers are abandoning 4-door sedans in favor of crossovers and SUVs. Available in a range of trim levels, the Avalon comes with the latest high-tech safety features as standard equipment. In addition to a potent V6 powertrain, Avalon can be equipped with Toyota’s next-generation hybrid system providing an optimum mix of performance and efficiency. The Avalon is also now available with all-wheel drive.
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17. Honda Accord
Assembly Location: Marysville, Ohio
Still one of the best-selling cars in America, the Honda Accord underwent a refresh for the 2021 model year with a wider, restyled grille flanked by new LED headlights. Upper-level trims also get new wheel designs. Accord also has updated safety features and an 8-inch display screen is now standard on all trim levels, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Accord is available in a range of trim levels with three different powertrains, including the fuel-efficient Accord Hybrid which gets updates for 2021 to improve throttle response while still delivering close to 50 mpg.
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16. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Assembly Location: Detroit, Michigan
Jeep’s 5-seat SUV continues its tradition of offering impressive off-road capability in an attractive package. Available in several trim levels and 4WD systems, the Grand Cherokee line ranges from the off-road-focused Trailhawk to the luxurious Summit. Jeep also offers the high-performance Trackhawk that possesses a staggering 707 horsepower. Last year Jeep added more standard equipment across the Grand Cherokee lineup, as well as the latest advanced safety features now available on all trims. An all-new 3-row 2021 Grand Cherokee L now joins the lineup with a completely new 2-row version expected to debut later this year.
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15. GMC Canyon
Assembly Location: Wentzville, Missouri
The twin sibling of the Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon is GMC’s compact truck contender. Available in three configurations — extended cab, crew cab, or crew cab with a long bed — Canyon offers impressive capability including a tow rating of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. This compact GMC pickup is available in a range of trim levels, highlighted by the ultra-luxurious Denali and the new Off-Road Performance Edition on the Canyon AT4.
© General Motors
14. Chevrolet Colorado
Assembly Location: Wentzville, Missouri
The midsize Chevrolet Colorado debuted as a 2015 model offering an alternative to a full-size truck, possessing more heft and capability than a smaller compact. Built alongside the GMC Canyon, the Colorado is available in a range of powertrains including an optional 2.8-liter Duramax diesel that — in addition to delivering impressive fuel economy — makes the Colorado capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds with 2-wheel drive. For 2021 the Colorado gets fresh styling that includes a new grille, front fascia and tailgate; the truck also has a new infotainment system with an 8-inch color touchscreen as standard equipment on the Colorado LT.
© American Honda Motors
13. Acura TLX
Assembly Location: Marysville, Ohio
Acura has premiered the next generation of its midsize TLX sport sedan for 2021, which Honda’s luxury brand refers to as the “quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sedan in the brand’s 35-year history.” The 2021 TLX features a new chassis architecture, dynamic styling and a more powerful line of engines. Acura has announced the brand will be bringing back the Type S — a high-performance variant that boasts a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, a unique open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille, larger side air intakes, an aggressive front splitter, a decklid spoiler, large quad exhaust outlets and two 20-inch wheel options.
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12. Acura RDX
Assembly Location: East Liberty, Ohio
Acura introduced an updated RDX in 2019, featuring a prominent Acura Diamond Pentagon grille flanked by Jewel Eye headlights that now include seven LED lighting elements, making them among the brightest on the road. Power for the Acura RDX comes from a new VTEC Turbo 2.0-liter direct-injection engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system also received updates, delivering up to 70 percent of available torque to the rear axle while employing dynamic torque vectoring to sharpen performance and handling in all weather and road conditions.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
11. Ford Expedition
Assembly Location: Louisville, Kentucky
The largest SUV in the Ford lineup, the Expedition received a complete redesign a few years ago. Boasting a new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and a redesigned high-strength steel frame, the Expedition is equipped with a powerful turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with standard auto stop-start, teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Expedition excels on- or off-road thanks to an available electronic limited-slip differential when equipped with Intelligent AWD. Expedition has many standard features including wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, power outlets in every row, and a Panoramic Vista Roof.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
10. Toyota Tundra
Assembly Location: San Antonio, Texas
Although Tundra sales numbers don’t even come close to those of American-brand pickup offerings, this full-size truck still brings plenty to the party. Toyota offers nearly 50 different configurations for the full-size pickup, with multiple cabs, bed lengths, powertrains and trim levels. With trims ranging from the basic SR to the luxurious Platinum, Tundra offers impressive capability and Toyota’s reputation for reliability in a very tough truck market. Toyota also offers a TRD Sport version of the Tundra, which features sport-tuned Bilstein shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars, as well as a mesh grille, LED headlights, LED fog lights and a color-keyed hood scoop. Look for a new Tundra to arrive later this year.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
9. Honda Passport
Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama
Honda’s Passport provides an option for shoppers looking for a larger SUV but with 5-occupant seating. Passport shares Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform with the larger Pilot, although Passport is not simply a 5-passenger version of the larger SUV. Passport rides on the same wheelbase but is 6 inches shorter, 1-inch taller and 1-inch wider than the Pilot, providing an overall sportier stance. With high ground clearance as well as aggressive approach and breakover angles, the Passport is designed to excel both on and off the pavement. Passport comes with front-wheel drive, and i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive is an option.
© American Honda Motors
8. Honda Pilot
Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama
Honda gave its midsize SUV a refresh in 2019, providing the Pilot with more aggressive exterior styling, an available hands-free power tailgate, powertrain refinements, and an available new Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Powering the Pilot is a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 engine teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an available all-wheel-drive system. The Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies is standard on all trim levels and includes a collision mitigation system with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. For 2021 Honda adds a new Special Edition to the Pilot lineup that features black 20-inch wheels and wireless phone charging.
© American Honda Motors
7. Honda Odyssey
Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama
One of the most popular minivans in America, the Odyssey ranks highest among Cars.com’s determination of American-made minivans. This innovative people mover features a “Magic Slide” second-row seat system that offers multiple seating configurations and third-row access options. The center second-row seat can be removed, or the outboard seats can be moved laterally between five positions for third-row access. Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine creating 280 horsepower. Advanced connectivity and entertainment features include CabinWatch, CabinTalk and streaming video with 4G LTE Wi-Fi.
© American Honda Motors
6. Honda Ridgeline
Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama
Unlike any other pickup truck currently sold in America, the Ridgeline features unibody construction, which contributes to a comfortable ride more in keeping with a car than a typical pickup. Other unique features include a dual-action tailgate and lockable in-bed trunk. Every Ridgeline comes equipped with the latest high-tech safety features and tri-zone climate control, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For 2021 the Ridgeline gets fresh styling with a new hood, squared-off nose and upright grille with new LED headlights. Inside, the 2021 Ridgeline brings back the volume knob (!) and adds wireless phone charging.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
5. Chevrolet Corvette
Assembly Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
After years of rumors about a mid-engine Corvette, Chevrolet introduced the eighth generation of this legendary sports car in 2019 and it is indeed the first mid-engine Corvette in history. This revolutionary design for America’s sports car offers more performance, technology and luxury than any previous generation. The new car features better weight distribution with a rear weight bias to improve both straightline and on-track performance, as well as better responsiveness and sense of control with the driver positioned closer to the front axle. Although Chevy pundits say there will likely be other power options in its future, the new C8 Corvette currently sports the all-new LT2 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. No manual transmission is offered — instead, the engine gets teamed with a quick-shifting dual-clutch 8-speed automatic gearbox.
© FCA US
4. Jeep Cherokee
Assembly Location: Belvidere, Illinois
The Jeep Cherokee received an update for 2019 that included a more vertical 7-slot grille, a new fascia, new headlights and a lightweight aluminum hood. Like all Jeeps, this popular SUV delivers legendary off-road capability with available features including a lifted off-road suspension, skidplates, tow hooks, Selec-Terrain traction control, and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. An 80th Anniversary Edition based on Latitude LUX includes a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels with Granite Crystal finish, power front seats with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, Uconnect with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium leather seats with Light Tungsten stitching, Anodized Gun Metal interior accents and Berber floormats.
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3. Tesla Model Y
Assembly Location: Fremont, California
The newest model at Tesla, the Model Y is not only the best-seller in the lineup, but also the most fuel-efficient crossover sold in America. Smaller than Model X, Model Y offers optional third-row seating that enables the vehicle to carry up to seven occupants. The dual-motor system provides torque to both the front and rear axles for full-time all-wheel-drive capability. According to Tesla, the Model Y can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 145 mph. The Model Y can recharge up to 158 miles in 15 minutes at Tesla Supercharger locations.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2. Ford Mustang
Assembly Location: Flat Rock, Michigan
Easily one of the most recognizable cars on the road, the Ford Mustang has the distinction of continuous design evolution and production since the car’s introduction in 1964. With proper pony car styling, the Mustang is available as a hardtop or convertible and always with rear-wheel drive. The Mustang can be equipped with a wide variety of powertrains ranging from a turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower to the track-ready GT 500 that boasts a supercharged V8 delivering 760 horsepower, making this perennial Ford favorite the company’s most powerful production car ever.
© Tesla Motors
1. Tesla Model 3
Assembly Location: Fremont, California
The third model in the Tesla portfolio, the eponymously named Model 3 gets billed as a more affordable offering from the American car company. With an enviable level of standard equipment and sleek styling that befits the rest of the Tesla lineup, the more economical Model 3 was designed for high-volume sales. Although the Model 3’s standard battery delivers a 263-mile range, the Long Range trim features a larger battery that bumps range to 353 miles. Performance is impressive — the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model 3 sprints to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
