© Tesla Motors
Most American-Made Cars
Many new-car shoppers want to “Buy American,” although identifying 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 2022 American-Made Index to address this complicated question.
© American Honda Motors
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 379 new car models on sale in the U.S., 95 of those qualified to be ranked with some level of American economic impact. According to the study, 40% of car shoppers say that buying a car built in America is now more important to them, up 22% from last year. Note that study results are proprietary to Cars.com, so no detailed vehicle scores are available. Take a look at the 25 highest-ranked vehicles in the Cars.com study — considered the most American-made cars available in 2022.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
25. Nissan Pathfinder
Assembly Location: Smyrna, Tennessee
All new for the 2022 model year, Nissan’s redesigned Pathfinder features bold styling influenced by the original model, combined with an attractive interior, more passenger room, new technology and impressive capability. One of the original SUVs when it debuted 35 years ago as a 2-door, truck-based utility vehicle, the Pathfinder evolved over time into a three-row midsize crossover with a smooth ride and luxury amenities.
© American Honda Motors
24. Honda Accord
Assembly Location: Marysville, Ohio
Available in a range of trim levels, the Accord was refreshed for the 2021 model year with updated styling and additional safety features. Inside, an 8-inch display screen is now standard on all trim levels, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fuel-efficient Accord Hybrid gets powertrain updates to improve throttle response while still delivering close to 50 mpg. All 2022 Honda Accords come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, helping to make Accord one of the safest new cars in America.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
23. Toyota Tundra
Assembly Location: San Antonio, Texas
Toyota introduced an all-new Tundra for the 2022 model year with improved performance and fresh styling. Built on a new chassis designed to improve capability and ride comfort, Tundra is available with two new powertrains. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine generating 389 horsepower is standard equipment, or buyers can opt for a hybrid i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 that bumps to 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, allowing Tundra to tow up to 12,000 pounds. Inside, the big truck features some great improvements that put it at the forefront of full-size trucks with the best resale values, including an available 14-inch touchscreen display as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
© Kia Motor America
22. Kia K5
Assembly Location: West Point, Georgia
Many car companies in America have stopped offering a traditional family sedan, going all-in on the increasingly popular crossover. Not only is Kia sticking by the sedan, the automaker is doubling down with the all-new K5. Replacing the Optima at the heart of Kia’s sedan lineup, the K5 gets built on an all-new platform with fresh styling, updated features and a range of powerful, efficient engines. The new Kia K5 is longer, lower and wider than the outgoing Optima, which not only gives it a more aggressive stance but also creates more interior space. The K5 comes well equipped even in base-level trim with a standard 8-inch display screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and materials that provide a premium vibe.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
21. Ford F-150
Assembly Location: Claycomo, Missouri, and Dearborn, Michigan
With annual sales that far outpace the competition, the Ford F-Series pickup extended its streak in 2021 as the best-selling vehicle in America for 40 years — 45 years as best-selling truck. Even though sales are down slightly for 2022, Ford’s large truck easily retains its No. 1 spot with major updates for the 2021 model year. With fresh styling, an updated interior, a new hybrid powertrain, a range of innovative and versatile new features and a class-leading 14,000-pound towing capacity, the Ford F-150 remains quite popular with American shoppers. Later this year Ford will start deliveries of its first all-electric F-150, the Lightning. The 2022 F-150 Lightning is powered by dual three-phase fixed magnet AC electric motors, giving the electric truck the ability to tow up to 10,000 pounds.
© Ford Motor Company
20. 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.
© FCA US
19. Dodge Durango
Assembly Location: Detroit, Michigan
The Dodge Durango has been around since the late 1990s, offering impressive performance as one of the only midsize SUVs to offer V8 power. For 2022 the Durango gets a redesigned front end with a new fascia, slimmer LED headlights, a sculpted hood, a rear spoiler and a range of new wheel options. The interiors have more of a performance-oriented cockpit, as well as Uconnect 5 availability with a 10.1-inch display. Durango is available in a range of trim and performance levels, including the SRT 392 that boasts a 475-horsepower V8 engine with an impressive 8,700-pound towing capacity.
© Ford Motor Company
18. Ford Bronco
Assembly Location: Wayne, Michigan
More than 50 years after the introduction of the original Bronco, Ford introduces an all-new family of Bronco vehicles. With styling clearly reminiscent of the original, the new Bronco is available as a 2-door and — for the first time — as a 4-door SUV. This modern-day Bronco is built on an all-new architecture that features a fully boxed high-strength steel chassis. The new Bronco stands out thanks to an available 7-speed manual gearbox, 35-inch tires, a removable roof, and doors that can be stowed onboard. Bronco boasts as much as 11.6 inches of ground clearance and the ability to traverse up to 33.5 inches of water. Earlier this year Ford Performance introduced the 2022 Bronco Raptor, inspired by the Ultra4 Racing off-road series and engineered to excel at both high-speed desert running and low-speed rock crawling.
© Ford Motor Company
17. Ford Ranger
Assembly Location: Wayne, Michigan
Returning in 2019 after an eight-year hiatus, the Ford Ranger features a high-strength steel frame, a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The exterior design features a high beltline, a raked grille, a dual-dome hood, the Ranger name stamped in the tailgate, and short overhangs for off-road clearance. Inside, the pickup offers seating for up to five, a center stack with an 8-inch touchscreen for the available SYNC3 system, and dual LCD screens in the instrument cluster to display vehicle, navigation and audio information. Late last year Ford announced a Tremor Off-Road Package for the 2021 Ranger — a combination of optional equipment and features that the automaker says creates the best Ranger for off-road use ever offered directly from the factory.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
16. Acura TLX
Assembly Location: Marysville, Ohio
Last year Acura introduced the next generation of its midsize TLX sport sedan, which Honda’s luxury brand refers to as the “quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sedan in the brand’s 35-year history.” Strong words. The TLX features new chassis architecture, dynamic styling and a more powerful line of engines. Acura also offers the TLX 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.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
15. Acura RDX
Assembly Location: East Liberty and Marysville, Ohio
Acura introduced an updated RDX a few years ago with styling dominated by the 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 peppy 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 delivers 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
14. Acura MDX
Assembly Location: East Liberty and Marysville, Ohio
Honda’s luxury brand introduces an all-new MDX for the 2022 model year. Built on an all-new platform with bold styling, the MDX features a spacious interior and a wide range of new high-tech features. Powering the 2022 Acura MDX is a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine producing 290 horsepower, teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and paddle shifters. All Acura MDX trims are equipped with the brand’s suite of advanced safety and driver-assist features called AcuraWatch, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and road departure mitigation. Acura also offers the MDX as a Type S for the first time, with bold styling and a high-performance 355-horsepower turbocharged engine to match.
© General Motors
13. 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. Last year the Colorado received 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.
© General Motors
12. 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 Off-Road Performance Edition on the Canyon AT4.
© General Motors
11. 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 ever. 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 straight-line and on-track performance, as well as better responsiveness and sense of control with the driver positioned closer to the front axle. The C8 Corvette comes with a 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. Late last year Chevrolet announced a new Corvette Z06, powered by a new 5.5-liter LT6 V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft design. The unit produces 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
© American Honda Motors
10. 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 2022 Honda adds a new entry-level Pilot Sport to the lineup, as well as the rugged-looking Pilot TrailSport.
© American Honda Motors
9. Honda Odyssey
Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama
One of the most popular minivans in America, the Odyssey offers a range of family friendly features including a “Magic Slide” second-row seating system that offers multiple configurations, an in-car vacuum cleaner, tri-zone climate control, multiple USB ports and an in-cabin child monitoring system called Cabin Watch. Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features is also standard on all Odysseys, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
© American Honda Motors
8. Honda Ridgeline
Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama
Unlike most pickups sold in America, the Ridgeline features unibody construction, which contributes to a comfortable ride more in keeping with a car than a typical truck. 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. Last year the Ridgeline received fresh styling with a new hood, squared-off nose and upright grille with new LED headlights.
© FCA US
7. 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. For the 2022 model year Jeep adds the Cherokee X with a unique front fascia, special graphics and a 1-inch lifted suspension.
© Tesla Motors
6. Tesla Model S
Assembly Location: Fremont, California
The Model S was the first mainstream Tesla to come to market following the original two-seat Tesla Roadster. For many years, the Model S stood alone as the only electric-powered luxury performance sedan in the U.S., offering an impressive driving range in an attractive package. Now one of four models offered by the innovative American car company, the Model S remains the flagship of the lineup. The Model S Dual Motor is both efficient and powerful — total output is 670 horsepower, which will move this luxury sedan to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Tesla also offers the Model S Plaid, a vehicle that boasts more than 1000 horsepower and acceleration to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds. According to Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman, “Tesla is the only major automaker to claim 100% domestic production for all cars it sells in the U.S., well above the industry’s roughly 52% average. An all-American workforce producing cars with major components sourced stateside is what helped earn Tesla the top spots on Cars.com’s 2022 American-Made Index.”
© Tesla Motors
5. Tesla Model X
Assembly Location: Fremont, California
Tesla’s SUV certainly stands out from the crowd in both styling and capability, with impressive performance in both efficiency and acceleration. Featuring aerodynamic styling, innovative Falcon Wing doors and a versatile interior, the Model X is unique within the American crossover market. The Model X Long Range dual-motor all-wheel drive produces 670 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. For those needing a bit more performance, the Model X Plaid with tri-motor all-wheel drive boasts 1020 horsepower and will sprint to 60 mph in an astounding 2.5 seconds; it has a top speed of 163 mph.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
4. Honda Passport
Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama
Honda’s Passport provides an option for shoppers seeking a larger SUV 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. For the 2022 model year, Passport gets fresh styling and adds a new TrailSport edition that possesses more off-road styling although it doesn’t actually have any mechanical differentiation from the standard Passport, with the exception of a slightly wider front and rear track.
© Ford Motor Company
3. Lincoln Corsair
Assembly Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Lincoln has revamped its entire SUV lineup over the last few years, and one of the newest to join the group is the 5-passenger Corsair. Replacing the MKC, the Corsair is easily recognizable as a Lincoln thanks to styling cues borrowed from the larger Nautilus and Aviator models — specifically a similar grille and headlight treatment. However, the Corsair does have an overall style of its own with deep contouring along the side panels, which adds depth to the overall design. The Corsair may be an entry-level model in the Lincoln lineup, but inside it features upscale materials to create a premium feeling within the cabin. A range of new technology can be found in this small crossover; for example, owners will be able to use their smartphones as keys to the Corsair. According to Cars.com, the Kentucky-built Lincoln Corsair moved from the No. 64 spot in 2021 to No. 3 in 2022 thanks to its engine production moving from Spain to the US.
© Tesla Motors
2. Tesla Model 3
Assembly Location: Fremont, California
The third model to join the Tesla lineup following the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 is the most affordable vehicle from the American car company. With a bold level of standard equipment and sleek styling that befits the rest of the Tesla lineup, the more economical Model 3 is designed for high-volume sales. Although Tesla’s entry vehicle, the Model 3 still comes well equipped with upscale features including heated power front seats, a premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, docking stations for two smartphones, and multiple USB ports. Offered in both rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions, the Model 3 RWD offers the highest efficiency while still delivering great performance from a single electric motor that generates 258 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
© Tesla Motors
1. Tesla Model Y
Assembly Location: Austin, Texas, and Fremont, California
The newest model in the Tesla lineup, the Model Y not only ranks as the most American-made vehicle in the Cars.com study, it is also the most fuel-efficient crossover sold in America. Smaller than Model X, Model Y offers optional third-row seating and up to seven occupants. The Model Y Long Range with its dual-motor system provides torque to both the front and rear axles for all-wheel-drive capability, and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Tesla also offers a Model Y Performance that can sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. According to Tesla, the Model Y can recharge up to 162 miles in 15 minutes at Tesla Supercharger locations.
