If you’re shopping for a new car in 2026, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about where your next vehicle is actually built. With import tariffs reshaping the auto industry and vehicle prices in flux, more Arizona car shoppers are asking the same question: Which vehicles are truly American-made?
The answer may surprise you. And, the good news is that Earnhardt Auto Centers carries many of the top-ranked American-made vehicles 2026 shoppers are searching for.
There’s math involved when it comes to determining which vehicles are the most American-made. So it takes expertise, developed over many years to bring together all the factors and make the final determination about each model.
Each year, Cars.com publishes its American-Made Index (AMI), ranking vehicles based on how much they contribute to the U.S. economy. The most recent edition shows that many of the brands you’ll find at Earnhardt dealerships across Arizona land among the highest-ranked American-made cars in the country.
Now celebrating its 20th year, the Cars.com American-Made Index is the gold standard for measuring how “American” a vehicle really is. It’s not about the brand’s home country or where the logo was designed; it’s about where the vehicle is built and much more.
Let’s break down the results and show you exactly which Earnhardt vehicles earned top marks. Cars.com evaluates every vehicle using five weighted factors:
For the 2025 edition, Cars.com analyzed more than 400 model-year 2025 vehicles. Of those, only 99 made the final ranked list. This means that if a vehicle appears on the AMI at all, it’s already in an elite group. And, of the roughly 400 light-duty models sold in the U.S., about 133 are assembled solely in the United States.
Here’s why this matters now more than ever. Tariffs are impacting automaker costs to the tune of billions of dollars across the industry; so understanding which vehicles are made in America is a smart financial move when you are new car shopping in Phoenix metro.
According to a Cars.com survey of in-market shoppers, 73% said they’d consider an American-built vehicle to avoid added tariff costs. Some 51% of those surveyed said tariffs directly influenced them to seek out American-made options.
Earnhardt Auto Centers carries 15 brands across its 17 Arizona dealerships, and many of them have a strong showing on the 2025 Cars.com American-Made Index. Here’s a brand-by-brand look at where Earnhardt vehicles rank, starting with the highest.
Honda – Three Vehicles in the Top 10
For many years, Honda has been an AMI powerhouse, and 2025 continues that trend. Three Honda models landed in the top 10.
But Honda’s American-made story doesn’t stop there. The brand’s American manufacturing facilities produce five of the top 20 vehicles on the entire list. That’s a remarkable achievement that makes Honda one of the most consistently top-ranked American-made brands year after year.
So what else from this brand ranks? The Honda Pilot is at number 12, the Honda Accord is at number 15, and the Honda Civic is at number 39. Shop Honda models at Earnhardt Honda in Avondale.
Kia – Highest Non-Tesla in the Top 10
The Kia EV6 made a splash this year, debuting at Ranked 6 on the index — the highest-ranked non-Tesla vehicle in the top 10. Assembled at Kia’s West Point, Georgia, plant, the EV6 boasts 80% U.S. and Canadian parts content, the highest of any vehicle on the entire index. That’s an incredible stat for shoppers who want to know their dollars are supporting American manufacturing.
Kia’s presence extends beyond the EV6, with the Sportage at Ranked 17 and the Sorento at Ranked 31. This is proof that Kia’s U.S. manufacturing hub is producing some of the most American-made vehicles on the road today. Explore Kia models at Earnhardt Peoria Kia.
Jeep (CDJR) – The Highest-Ranked Pickup on the Index
The Jeep Gladiator takes the Ranked 5 spot on the 2025 AMI, making it the highest-ranked pickup truck on the entire list. Assembled in Toledo, Ohio, the exciting Jeep Gladiator represents the best of American truck manufacturing.
Jeep and its Stellantis siblings — Chrysler, Dodge and Ram — have a strong presence across the index:
From rugged off-roaders to full-size SUVs, the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram family delivers American-built options across the board. Find your next Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler or Ram at Earnhardt CDJR in Gilbert.
Toyota – Incredible Depth Across the Index
Toyota operates major assembly plants in Kentucky, Texas, Indiana and Alabama, and that U.S. investment shows up across the AMI. Multiple Toyota models earned strong rankings in the 2025 index:
From America’s best-selling sedan, the Camry, to the full-size Tundra pickup, Toyota brings a wide range of American-built options to Arizona shoppers.
Visit Earnhardt Toyota in Mesa or browse the Toyota inventory now.
Ford – America’s Truck Brand
No conversation about American-made vehicles is complete without Ford. The brand’s presence on the 2025 AMI includes:
The F-150 remains America’s best-selling vehicle, and the all-electric F-150 Lightning continues to climb the AMI rankings thanks to Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan, production. Ford has a deep legacy of American manufacturing, and that commitment is reflected in its AMI showing.
Shop Ford models at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler or Rodeo Ford in Goodyear.
Hyundai – Growing American Manufacturing Investment
Hyundai’s American-made story keeps getting stronger, thanks to the brand’s significant manufacturing investment in Alabama and Georgia:
The Ioniq 5 is one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market, and its U.S. assembly helped it qualify for federal EV tax incentives. Whether you’re looking for a versatile sport adventure vehicle in the Santa Cruz truck or a cutting-edge EV in the Ioniq 5, Hyundai delivers American-built quality. (Note: please check with our staff about the current status of tax incentives.)
Explore Hyundai models at Earnhardt Hyundai locations in Avondale, Gilbert and North Scottsdale.
Chevrolet – From Sports Cars to Work Trucks
Chevrolet brings a diverse lineup to the AMI, headlined by two standouts:
The Silverado 1500 also appears on the full 99-vehicle index, and General Motors has the most total vehicles on the AMI of any automaker. That’s a testament to GM’s broad American manufacturing footprint. From midsize pickups to iconic sports cars, Chevy is built in the USA. Check out the Chevy lineup at Earnhardt Chevrolet in Queen Creek.
Lexus – Luxury Meets American Manufacturing
Earnhardt’s luxury Toyota brand has a noteworthy entry on the AMI. The popular Lexus TX 350 is ranked 34. The TX is a three-row luxury SUV built right here in the U.S., offering Earnhardt customers a premium American-made option for families who want space, style and substance. Experience Lexus at Earnhardt Lexus in Phoenix.
GMC – Built Alongside Chevy’s Best
The GMC Canyon shares its Wentzville, Missouri, assembly plant with the Chevrolet Colorado, and it is ranked 38. The Chevrolet Sierra 1500 also appears on the full index, reinforcing GMC’s place in the American-made truck conversation.
Visit Earnhardt Buick GMC in Mesa to shop the GMC lineup.
Genesis – Making the Cut Among America’s Best
Earnhardt’s luxury Korean brand earns a spot on the AMI with the Genesis GV70 at Ranked 95, assembled in Alabama. Out of more than 400 vehicles analyzed, only 99 made the final list — so making the cut at all puts the GV70 in rare company. Genesis continues to grow its American manufacturing presence, and Earnhardt customers can be proud to drive a luxury vehicle that supports U.S. jobs.
Discover Genesis at Genesis of Chandler or Genesis of Scottsdale.
Buick and Cadillac – GM’s Luxury Legacy
Rounding out the Earnhardt brand portfolio, GM’s luxury names also have a presence on the AMI. The Cadillac CT5 ranks in the mid-40s on the full index, and other GM-platform vehicles like the GMC Yukon family also appear. As part of General Motors’ expansive American manufacturing network, Buick and Cadillac benefit from one of the largest domestic production footprints in the industry.
Shop Buick models at Earnhardt Buick GMC in Mesa, and explore Cadillac at Earnhardt Cadillac locations in Chandler and Scottsdale.
With 15 brands and 17 dealership locations across Arizona, Earnhardt Auto Centers is your one-stop destination for American-made vehicles. Whether you’re drawn to Honda’s top-10 dominance, Kia’s record-setting parts content, Jeep’s legendary off-road capability or Ford’s iconic truck legacy, there’s an American-built vehicle waiting for you at Earnhardt.
Visit your nearest Earnhardt dealership to explore American-made vehicles today. Schedule a test drive at any of our Arizona locations and discover why so many of the most American-built vehicles on the road are right here on our lots.
Explore our American-made inventory online or call your local Earnhardt store to learn more about the top-ranked models available near you.
