Here are the highest-rated vehicles from our test group that were manufactured in the USA. Additionally, we'll explore some automobiles with surprisingly foreign origins.
By Jeff S. Bartlett
Have you ever pondered where automobiles are manufactured? In past decades, car production occurred at facilities situated within the same nation as the automaker. Brands such as those from America Ford And General Motors manufactured most of their vehicles in the U.S., whereas Japanese brands like Honda and Toyota constructed their facilities in Japan, and so forth. However, nowadays, the automotive sector is genuinely international, sourcing thousands of components from various countries and featuring brands with manufacturing sites across the globe.
Possible import duties might have direct or indirect impacts on the manufacturing locations and processes for automobiles, as well as influence what American buyers will shell out for a brand-new car. Besides offering interesting facts for car owners, understanding which country constructed your particular model could play a role in upcoming purchasing choices. Therefore, we examined our collection of test vehicles to determine their place of assembly.
Details regarding where a vehicle was manufactured can easily be located on the Monroney label (also known as the window sticker) and on the driver’s side door jamb. Additionally, it might be unscrambled from the vehicle identification number The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be seen at the bottom of the windshield and on the Monroney sticker. If the VIN starts with 1, 4, or 5, this indicates that the vehicle was assembled in the United States.
Similar to numerous buyers, we were intrigued by the manufacturing origins of the vehicles in our evaluation group. Every year, Consumer Reports acquires approximately 50 automobiles, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks for testing purposes. Upon reviewing the 67 models bought during the 2024 and 2025 model years, we discovered that roughly one-third originated from American plants. The remaining units came from facilities located across various countries worldwide.
Here’s a compilation of the vehicles we've recently evaluated that were made in the U.S. and performed well in our tests, making them worthy recommendations. This differs from our other list. top vehicles from U.S. manufacturers , with many coming from far distances to reach this place.)
The Tesla Model 3 window sticker shows just how global even “American” vehicles can be, as 40 percent of its components come from China.
Photo: Consumer Reports
Where CR’s Testing Vehicles Were Manufactured
Here's the distribution showing where 67 of our test vehicles from the 2024 and 2025 models were assembled. We checked every vehicle's initial window sticker to ascertain their place of final production.
| Country | No. of Cars |
| U.S. | 22 |
| Mexico | 11 |
| Germany | 10 |
| Japan | 9 |
| Korea | 9 |
| Italy | 2 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| Canada | 1 |
| China | 1 |
A significant number of our test vehicles were assembled in their respective brands' home countries—an example would be a BMW manufactured in Germany or a Hyundai produced in South Korea. However, despite this localization, the production processes often span several nations, as key parts such as engines are transported internationally, crossing both borders and seas. Our examples include models made in California. Tesla Model 3 It is a globally distributed item. As indicated by the window sticker on our 2025 model, 40 percent of its components come from imports originating in China.
Certain vehicles, nonetheless, emerged from production facilities located distant from their brands' principal headquarters. In the mix of Consumer Reports’ vehicle lineup were several global surprises:
• Our Lincoln Nautilus hybrid was built in China.
• Our Buick Envista and Chevrolet Trax were constructed in South Korea.
• Our Volvo C40 was built in Belgium.
• Our BMW 330e PHEV , Honda Prologue , and Volkswagen Taos were built in Mexico.
• Our Mini Cooper S was constructed in the United Kingdom, but our Mini Countryman Gasoline and electric SUVs were manufactured in Germany.
A lot of these unexpected models stem from corporate ownership and collaborations. Take the classic British Mini for instance; it’s now under BMW's control and produces certain products together with BMW models in German facilities. Similarly, when Honda teamed up with General Motors for their initial electric SUVs, they also utilized shared manufacturing plants. (To learn more about this topic, click here.) Who is the owner of each automobile brand? .)
The origins of the Volvo C40 are quite intricate. This vehicle is manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, where 45 percent of its components originate from Poland. Additionally, the Swedish Volvo marque has become part of the China-based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is put together in Alabama; however, the window labels indicate that a greater number of components originate from Korea compared to those sourced from Canada and the U.S.
Photo: Consumer Reports
Recently Tested American-Made Cars
These vehicles have been recommended by CR and manufactured in the U.S. Recently, they underwent our comprehensive testing procedures on regular streets as well as our private racetrack. These models achieved impressive Overall Scores based on data gathered from CR’s driving tests, dependability reports, customer contentment levels, and security assessments. The list is organized alphabetically.
We'll expand this list as we acquire and assess additional vehicles. BMW X3 (fabricated in Spartanburg, N.C.) and Mazda CX-50 The Hybrid models (manufactured in Madison, Alabama) are currently undergoing testing. X3 and CX-50 first-drive reviews.)
Built in Lansing, Michigan
Constructed in Flat Rock, Michigan.
Built in Montgomery, Ala.
Built in Montgomery, Ala.
Built in Princeton, Ind.
Built in Princeton, Ind.
Built in Freemont, Calif.
Built in Georgetown, Ky.
Built in Princeton, Ind.
Survey: Vehicle Purchasing and Manufacturing Site
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• What Are the Top Brands for Quality Used Cars?
• What Are the Automotive Brands with the Top Road Test Ratings?
• Who Controls Different Automotive Brands?
• Automobile Manufacturers Ordered by Servicing and Fixing Costs
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