what cars are made in the usa

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you might be thinking about supporting jobs and manufacturing right here at home. It’s a common goal, but figuring out exactly which cars are built in the USA can be trickier than it seems. A car’s brand name doesn’t always tell the full story of its origin. Many foreign-brand cars are assembled in American factories, while some cars from the “Big Three” are built elsewhere. So, if you’re wondering what cars are made in the usa, it’s all about looking beyond the badge to the assembly plant.

Defining an American-Made Car

For a car to be considered American-made, it’s not just about the company’s headquarters. The key factors are the location of its final assembly and the percentage of its parts that are domestically sourced. Organizations like Cars.com create an “American-Made Index” that ranks vehicles based on these criteria, including where the engines and transmissions are built and the overall U.S. manufacturing workforce involved.

A Guide to What Cars Are Made in the USA

You might be surprised by the variety of vehicles built on American soil. Traditional American brands like Ford, General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac), and Stellantis (Jeep, Ram) have numerous models assembled here. Popular examples include the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Colorado, and the iconic Jeep Wrangler. Furthermore, several international automakers have major manufacturing plants in the U.S. This means you can find a Honda Civic from Ohio, a Toyota Camry from Kentucky, a BMW X-series from South Carolina, and a Hyundai Santa Fe from Alabama.

How to Verify Your Car’s Origins

The easiest way to confirm where a car was built is to check its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the first character is a “1”, “4”, or “5”, it was assembled in the United States. You can also look for the manufacturer’s sticker on the driver’s side door jamb, which will list the final assembly point. When you’re at the dealership, don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson for this information—it’s a perfectly reasonable question for any informed buyer.

Ultimately, choosing an American-assembled vehicle is a fantastic way to support the national economy. By taking a moment to research and verify the origin of your next car, you can feel confident that your investment is helping to sustain jobs and communities across the country.