20 Years of Cars.com's American-Made Index: 2025 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Cars.com released its 20th annual American-Made Index (AMI), evaluating over 400 vehicles from 2025 to identify the 99 that contribute most to the U.S. economy. Tesla dominated the rankings, securing the top four positions with Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The Jeep Gladiator ranked fifth as the highest-ranked American-made pickup. The study revealed significant consumer interest in American-made vehicles, with 70% considering them to avoid tariff costs. The index spans 36 factories across the U.S., with 50% in the South and 47% in the Midwest. Alabama leads with 17% of factories, followed by Michigan (15%) and Indiana (14%). The average domestic parts content for top 10 vehicles is 70.3%, down from 83.4% in 2006, highlighting the global nature of auto manufacturing.

Positive

• Tesla dominates the top 4 positions in the American-Made Index, demonstrating strong domestic manufacturing presence
• 73% of shoppers would consider American-built vehicles to avoid tariff costs, indicating strong market demand
• 74% of consumers willing to pay up to 20% more to support U.S. jobs
• Index includes vehicles from 36 out of 47 total U.S. assembly plants, showing robust domestic production

Negative

• Average domestic parts content has declined from 83.4% in 2006 to 70.3% today
• No vehicle has ever reached 100% domestic parts content in the index's history
• Rising tariffs and inflationary pressures affecting consumer purchase decisions
• 51% of buyers accelerating purchase timeline due to concerns over tariff-driven price hikes

Insights

Automotive Industry Analyst

Cars.com's American-Made Index highlights Tesla's dominance while positioning the company as an authority amid rising tariff concerns.

Cars.com's 20th annual American-Made Index (AMI) comes at a pivotal moment when tariffs and domestic manufacturing have taken center stage in consumer purchasing decisions. The data reveals a profound shift in consumer behavior with 73% of shoppers considering American-built vehicles specifically to avoid tariff-related costs, and 74% willing to pay up to 20% more to support U.S. jobs.

Tesla's dominance—claiming the top four positions—showcases the company's successful domestic manufacturing strategy, while traditional automakers like Honda demonstrate remarkable production consistency with five vehicles in the top 20 from a single Alabama facility. What's particularly notable is GM's overall volume leadership across the index.

Beyond the rankings, this report strategically positions Cars.com as an authoritative data source during economic uncertainty. By tracking 36 factories across 47 total assembly plants, primarily concentrated in the South (50%) and Midwest (47%), the company provides valuable manufacturing intelligence that transcends simple vehicle listings.

The historical perspective is equally revealing—the average domestic parts content among top 10 vehicles has declined from 83.4% in 2006 to 70.3% today, highlighting the persistent global interdependence in automotive manufacturing despite reshoring trends. For Cars.com, this annual index represents more than data—it's a differentiating asset that reinforces the company's value proposition as an insights-driven marketplace rather than just a listing platform.

Tesla Takes First Four Spots, Jeep Rounds Out Top Five as 70% of Americans Consider American-Made to Avoid Tariff Costs

CHICAGO, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Car-shopping marketplace Cars.com™ (NYSE: CARS) today unveiled its 20th annual American-Made Index (AMI). Released amid rising tariffs and inflationary pressures, this year's index reflects growing consumer urgency to understand one thing: Where is this car made? Cars.com experts independently evaluated more than 400 vehicles from the 2025 model year to identify the 99 that contribute most to the U.S. economy through manufacturing, parts sourcing and employment. More than just a list, this milestone release marks 20 years of tracking America's evolving auto manufacturing footprint — as consumer behavior and economic policy converge.

Texas-based Tesla leads the 2025 list, claiming the top four spots for the second time since its debut on the index in 2020. After holding the No. 1 position for three consecutive years with the Model Y, Tesla now leads with the Model 3, followed by the Models Y, S and X. Rounding out the top five is the Jeep Gladiator, making it the highest-ranked American-made pickup truck.

Automakers like Honda stand out for consistency and scale. Its Alabama facility produces five of this year's top 20 vehicles — including the Ridgeline, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Acura MDX. GM remains a dominant player with the most vehicles on this year's index. Kia's West Point, Ga., plant builds both the EV6 and Sportage, while Volkswagen's Chattanooga, Tenn., facility produces the ID.4 — one of only two non-Tesla EVs in the top 20. The complete list is available at Cars.com/AMI.

"As import tariffs shake up the auto industry and influence consumer priorities, our 2025 American-Made Index offers a timely snapshot of which vehicles and automakers are truly driving U.S. economic impact," said Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for Cars.com's American-Made Index. "Tesla continues to lead, claiming the top four spots and showcasing its commitment to domestic production. About 25% of the more than 400 vehicles on sale in the U.S. made this year's AMI, and whether a vehicle is No. 1 or No. 99, it contributes to the U.S. economy."

Top 20 Vehicles on the 2025 American-Made Index
Rank	Model	Rank	Model
1	Tesla Model 3	11	Acura MDX
2	Tesla Model Y	12	Honda Pilot
3	Tesla Model S	13	Jeep Wrangler
4	Tesla Model X	14	Acura RDX
5	Jeep Gladiator	15	Honda Accord
6	Kia EV6	16	Acura Integra
7	Honda Ridgeline	17	Kia Sportage
8	Honda Odyssey	18	Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
9	Honda Passport	19	Chevrolet Colorado
10	Volkswagen ID.4	20	Nissan Pathfinder

Global complexity is now front and center for car shoppers. According to a recent Cars.com survey, more than half say they've accelerated their vehicle purchase timeline to avoid tariff-driven price hikes. This year's AMI is more than just a ranking¹. According to a Cars.com survey of in-market shoppers, 51% say tariffs¹ have influenced them to seek out American-made vehicles; patriotism is a perk, but cost consciousness is the driving force. With tariffs making headlines and shoppers more motivated than ever to understand where their vehicles are built, the AMI provides a clear, data-driven picture of how automaker production strategies align with evolving consumer values.

That motivation runs deeper, with 73% of shoppers saying they'd consider an American-built vehicle to avoid added tariff costs. And some shoppers said they'd pay extra if that means supporting U.S. jobs, with 74% saying they are willing to pay up to 20% more¹. In today's market, "American-made" isn't just a preference — it's becoming a strategy.

Where America Builds — and Why It Matters

The 2025 AMI reflects major geographic and strategic shifts. In total, the index includes vehicles produced at 36 factories across the country. That's out of the 47 total assembly plants in operation — meaning the majority of the U.S. auto production is presented in this year's ranking, but there are still 11 factories not represented on the list because they produce vehicles that are specialty, boutique or vehicles that do not fall in the light-duty category.

Among these 36 ranked facilities, 50% are located in the South and 47% in the Midwest, reflecting an overall balance of legacy and emerging manufacturing hubs. Alabama accounts for 17% of all factories on the list, followed by Michigan and Indiana with 15% and 14%. These plants are producing high-impact models from automakers like Honda, Toyota, GM, Stellantis, Kia and Volkswagen.

These factory-level investments aren't just about logistics — they're economic engines. They create jobs, generate tax revenue and serve as anchors for local economies.

20 Years of the AMI: Evolving with the Industry
"No vehicle has ever reached 100% domestic parts content in the index's history," notes Masterson. "Manufacturing is a complex, international process — and even our most American-made vehicles still depend on global supply chains."

Over time, one trend has become clear: full domestic content is elusive. The average domestic parts content of the top 10 vehicles was 83.4% in 2006; today, it's 70.3%. While that figure has risen slightly in recent years, it underscores how globally integrated auto production has become.

Methodology

Cars.com's American-Made Index ranks cars based on five factors: assembly location, parts sourcing as determined by the American Automobile Labeling Act, U.S. factory employment relative to vehicle production, engine sourcing and transmission sourcing. For more information on the 2024 Cars.com American-Made Index, including a deeper dive into the data and methodology, visit Cars.com/AMI.

¹Cars.com Consumer Survey; May 28-June 6, 2025; 997 respondents

ABOUT CARS.COM^®

Cars.com is the No. 1 most recognized automotive marketplace visited by nearly 30 million in-market consumers each month. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, Cars.com empowers shoppers with the data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions and seamlessly connect with automotive retailers. Cars.com is the flagship offering from Cars.com Inc. d/b/a Cars Commerce Inc., an audience-driven technology company empowering automotive that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars. Learn more at www.carscommerce.inc.

 

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SOURCE Cars.com Inc.

FAQ

Which vehicles topped Cars.com's 2025 American-Made Index?

Tesla dominated with Model 3 at #1, followed by Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The Jeep Gladiator rounded out the top 5 as the highest-ranked pickup truck.

How many vehicles did Cars.com evaluate for its 2025 American-Made Index?

Cars.com evaluated more than 400 vehicles from the 2025 model year, identifying 99 that contribute most to the U.S. economy through manufacturing, parts sourcing and employment.

What percentage of U.S. car shoppers would consider American-made vehicles to avoid tariffs?

73% of shoppers said they would consider an American-built vehicle to avoid added tariff costs, with 74% willing to pay up to 20% more to support U.S. jobs.

Where are most American-made vehicles manufactured according to the 2025 AMI?

The index includes 36 factories, with 50% located in the South and 47% in the Midwest. Alabama leads with 17% of factories, followed by Michigan (15%) and Indiana (14%).

What is the average domestic parts content for top American-made vehicles in 2025?

The average domestic parts content for the top 10 vehicles is 70.3% in 2025, down from 83.4% in 2006, reflecting the global nature of auto manufacturing.