which cars are made in america

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you might be thinking about supporting jobs right here at home. The “American-made” car, however, is a more complex idea than it used to be. Many international brands have major manufacturing plants in the United States, while some classic American nameplates are assembled elsewhere. So, figuring out which cars are made in america is a question of looking at the final assembly location.

A Guide to Which Cars Are Made in America

You might be surprised to learn that some of the most American cars come from brands like Toyota and Honda. They operate massive, state-of-the-art plants across the country, employing thousands of Americans. For a car to be considered American-made, its final assembly must occur in the U.S. Popular models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and the Ford Explorer are all built in domestic factories. It’s always a good idea to check a specific model’s vehicle identification number (VIN); if it starts with a 1, 4, or 5, it was assembled in the United States.

Beyond the Big Three: A Diverse Manufacturing Landscape

While Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) have deep roots here, the landscape is wonderfully diverse. Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia also have significant manufacturing footprints in the U.S., primarily in the South. For instance, BMW’s plant in South Carolina is a major global exporter of its X-model SUVs. This means your choice for an American-assembled vehicle extends far beyond traditional domestic brands, encompassing a wide range of sedans, trucks, and SUVs from various global companies.

Why Buying an American-Assembled Car Matters

Choosing a vehicle built in a U.S. plant has a direct positive impact on local economies. It supports the assembly line workers, engineers, and all the supporting roles within those facilities. Furthermore, many of these factories source parts from American suppliers, creating a ripple effect of economic benefit. It also often means a shorter supply chain, which can be beneficial for getting the specific model you want.

Ultimately, the question of which cars are made in America opens up a world of excellent options. By doing a little research on assembly locations, you can find a vehicle that not only meets your needs but also supports manufacturing and jobs within the country.