It is not enough to carry an emblem of an American brand to be considered a vehicle made in America. The reality of the modern automotive industry is much more complex and depends on an extensive network of factories, suppliers and assembly centers spread across different countries.

Read also: Powerful Chinese brand prepares a 725 km electric sedan

That is precisely why every year the American-Made Index generates so much attention, the study prepared by Cars.com that analyzes which models contribute the most to the American economy and automotive production. The 2026 edition once again left Tesla at the top of the rankings.

You can read: 10 cheap cars that can be expensive: the hidden cost of maintaining and repairing them

The big winner was once again the Tesla Model 3, which retained first place for the second consecutive year. The electric sedan stood out for its high local content and a manufacturing strategy that maintains much of its production within the United States.

How to determine how American a car is

The ranking is not limited to identifying where a vehicle is assembled. The methodology takes into account different variables related to the production chain.

Among the factors analyzed are the place of final assembly, the origin of engines and transmissions, the percentage of components manufactured in the United States and Canada, as well as the amount of local labor involved in the process.

For the 2026 edition, 379 vehicles were evaluated. However, only 86 met all the necessary requirements to be part of the final classification.

Tesla dominates, but Honda gains prominence

Tesla's presence on the list continues to be strong. In addition to the Model 3, the Model Y occupied one of the highest positions thanks to the company's strong integration in its plants in California and Texas.

However, the surprise was not only in Elon Musk's brand. Honda achieved outstanding representation within the top ten places with models such as Ridgeline, Odyssey, Accord Hybrid, Acura MDX and Passport.

The ranking also left room for other manufacturers with a strong industrial presence in the United States. Jeep placed the Grand Cherokee and Gladiator among the top spots, while Ford appeared with the Explorer and Expedition. Lincoln, for its part, maintained a relevant position thanks to the Aviator and the Navigator.

Fewer models on the list

One of the most striking data in the report is the reduction in the total number of classified vehicles. While the previous edition included 99 models, the 2026 edition remained at 86.

Part of this drop is related to changes in the strategy of several manufacturers and the temporary disappearance of some models. One of the most notable cases was the Volkswagen ID.4, which in recent years had achieved prominent positions thanks to its production in Tennessee.

The temporary suspension of that productive program ended up directly affecting its presence within the ranking.

Local production continues to gain importance

The report also reflects an increasingly visible trend within the industry. Various manufacturers are strengthening their production in the United States to reduce logistical risks and respond to new trade policies.

Although electric vehicles continue to occupy a prominent place in the ranking, the study reminds us that the economic impact of a car goes far beyond the plant where it is manufactured. Dealers, workshops, spare parts distributors, transport companies and logistics centers are also part of a chain that generates millions of jobs throughout the country.

For now, Tesla maintains the lead. But the progress of brands like Honda, Jeep and Ford shows that the competition to manufacture closer to the US market is just beginning.