It’s that season again. The grass is vibrant, the sun is blazing, and the automakers are preparing for the 2027 model year. This signals the start of our yearly surge of “American Made” rankings. If you anticipated that two years of protectionist measures would have tilted things toward America, the 2026 rankings may offer a somewhat mixed picture.
If you’re keen on marching to Sousa behind a true American vehicle, your criteria may require some adjustments. Out of the top 10 cars in the 2026 Cars.com American Made Index, merely four—two Teslas and two Jeeps—originate from classic American manufacturers. The other six include purely Toyotas and Hondas.
- Tesla model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Jeep Gladiator
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Odyssey
- Lexus TX 350
- Honda Accord
- Acura MDX
- Honda Passport
Several entries here don’t come as a shock. Honda has been manufacturing the Accord here for decades, and it frequently appears in lists of vehicles made in America with domestic parts; its traditional rival, the Toyota Camry, dropped to #11 this year—unceremoniously displaced by the list’s most notable climber: the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which previously ranked #70. Eliminating the plug-in hybrid 4xe model (and its internationally sourced battery) likely played a significant role in that leap.
Jeep’s Wrangler only appears on the list at #23 (one spot below the Ford Mustang, which often finds itself near the top). The first “large” SUV on the list is the Lincoln Navigator at #12, succeeded by the Ford Expedition at #13. The GM full-size SUVs are positioned between #36-39, while the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is last at #44.
Of the roughly 350 cars available in the U.S. in 2026, Cars.com narrowed the selection to just 86 that are manufactured or assembled within the country. If you’re taken aback by the absence of major, American trucks in the top 10, you’re not alone:
“When consumers were asked from a range of vehicles which they believed was produced in the U.S., the vast majority identified the Ford F-150, with 71% of people thinking it was American-made,” the summary of the report noted.
The F-150 isn’t even the most-American full-size pickup in the rankings; that title belongs to the Toyota Tundra, which is ranked at #16. The F-150 sits at #27 and #26 (Hybrid and Non respectively), while the Ram 1500 is listed at #55. Meanwhile, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado are far down at #78 and #82, respectively, hanging out with vehicles like the Genesis GV70 and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (both produced in Alabama).
“This year’s list reflects the ongoing evolution and diversification of American-made vehicles,” stated Patrick Masterson, Cars.com’s chief researcher. “Remarkably, nearly two-thirds of this year’s entries were produced by foreign automakers, similar to 2025, while the Detroit Three possess about one-third of the vehicles.”
“The automakers contributing the most vehicles to the AMI might catch many by surprise, with Toyota contributing a total of 14 and Honda 13. The traditional giants follow next — GM, Ford, and then Stellantis with 13, nine, and six, respectively. Notably, by state, Michigan still boasts the most AMI-ranked factories, but overall, half are situated in the South, which is 7% more than in the Midwest.”
However, even in the deep South, numerous operations are channeling their profits abroad.
“Of the 46 auto plants based in the U.S., 25 are operated by foreign-owned manufacturers and 21 by domestic companies,” it observed.
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**Honda and Toyota Lead 2023 ‘American-Made’ Vehicle Rankings with Six of Ten Spots**
In 2023, Honda and Toyota have cemented their roles as frontrunners in the American automotive sector, claiming six of the top ten slots on the annual ‘American-Made’ Vehicle Rankings. This list, created by the University of Michigan’s Center for Automotive Research, assesses vehicles based on criteria such as domestic parts content, assembly location, and overall contribution to the American economy.
**Key Highlights of the 2023 Rankings**
1. **Leading Contenders**: Honda and Toyota vehicles consistently rank highly due to their dedication to manufacturing in the United States. The list features models like the Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, and Toyota RAV4, presenting a mix of sedans and SUVs that cater to various consumer needs.
2. **Manufacturing Presence**: Both companies boast extensive manufacturing facilities in the U.S., which not only produce vehicles but also generate thousands of jobs. Honda has operations in Ohio, Alabama, and Indiana, while Toyota’s significant factories are located in Kentucky, Texas, and Indiana. This local manufacturing boosts the American economy and benefits local communities.
3. **Domestic Parts Sourcing**: The vehicles included in the rankings are analyzed for their domestic parts content, indicating the percentage of parts sourced from U.S. suppliers. Honda and Toyota have significantly invested in procuring components from American suppliers, further solidifying their positions in the ‘American-Made’ rankings.
4. **Consumer Trends**: The prominence of Honda and Toyota in the rankings mirrors shifting consumer trends toward reliability, fuel economy, and resale value. Both brands have established a reputation for producing vehicles that satisfy these demands, making them favored choices for American consumers.
5. **Sustainability Efforts**: Beyond their economic contributions, Honda and Toyota are acknowledged for their commitment to sustainability. Both companies have made progress in the creation of hybrid and electric vehicles, in line with the rising demand for eco-friendly options.
6. **Future Prospects**: As the automotive industry continues to adapt to technological advancements and a shift towards electric vehicles, Honda and Toyota are well-situated to uphold their leadership. Their continuous investment in research and development and dedication to American manufacturing suggest they will remain significant players in the U.S. market.
**Conclusion**
The 2023 ‘American-Made’ Vehicle Rankings underscore Honda and Toyota’s vital roles in the U.S. automotive landscape. With six out of ten vehicles featured in the rankings, these manufacturers not only contribute to the economy through job creation and local sourcing but also align with American consumers’ preferences. As they persist in innovating and adapting to market dynamics, Honda and Toyota are poised to maintain their position as leaders in the American automotive industry for the foreseeable future.