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Ford just dropped a major deal that’s sure to grab attention — and save you thousands if you’re car shopping this spring. As new auto tariffs take effect, Ford is flipping the script with its bold new “From America, For America” campaign. What does that mean for you? Starting now, most new Ford and Lincoln vehicles are available at employee pricing — yes, the same deal Ford workers get.
Ford’s promotion is expected to run through June 2, giving shoppers an extended window to snag steep discounts on nearly every model in the lineup. But Ford isn’t doing this purely out of a good gesture. We’ll take a look at how Ford’s inventory situation is ripe for a clearance sale.
Ford’s Inventory Is Piling Up
According to CarEdge Insights, Ford is sitting on a mountain of unsold inventory — over 522,000 new vehicles nationwide in early April, which equals a 122-day supply. More than 194,000 of those are leftover 2024 models, which dealers are eager to move before newer shipments arrive.
Ford’s inventory levels have been well above the industry average for months, and with 25% tariffs on imported vehicles kicking in, the pressure is on. Ford’s North American operations are expected to take a hit, and this employee pricing strategy looks like a smart play to clear out excess inventory quickly — before the market gets even more volatile.
What Is Ford Employee Pricing?
Normally reserved for Ford employees, “A Plan” pricing gives you access to the lowest available price on a new vehicle — well below MSRP. Typically, this is referred to as Ford Invoice Pricing. Now, Ford is extending that deal to everyday buyers in an effort to cut through the confusion as tariffs begin to ripple through the market.
Thousands in savings are now on the table, especially on popular models like the F-150, Escape, Explorer, and even foreign-built Fords like the Maverick, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E.
What’s Included in the Employee Pricing Deal?
Here’s a look at what’s included in Ford’s employee pricing promotion from April to June 2025.
Included models:
Most 2024 and 2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles
Foreign-built Fords like the Maverick, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E
Lincoln Nautilus (yes, even though it’s built in China)
Excluded models:
2025 Ford Expedition
2025 Lincoln Navigator
2025 Ford Super Duty trucks
Ford Raptors
Fleet sales
This is a retail-focused promotion, so it’s aimed squarely at individual car buyers looking to save on a new Ford this spring.
Here’s a real-world example of employee pricing at the dealership, courtesy of one of our CarEdge Car Buying Service customers. The A Plan pricing that Ford is offering is in red:
Ford’s offer is for ‘A Plan’ employee pricing, which you can see above alongside various other incentive levels. Wondering what ‘DB’ is? It’s something the public normally doesn’t see: dealer holdback. Dealer holdback is an amount of money paid to a car dealership from the manufacturer on each new vehicle they sell. As you can see, Ford’s promotion is a great deal, offering rock-bottom prices just as new cars are set to rise due to tariffs.
Why Is Ford Doing This?
In a statement to The Detroit News, Ford execs said they want to bring “clarity and certainty” to buyers amid rising prices and economic uncertainty. With plenty of inventory sitting on dealer lots and consumer sentiment cooling, Ford is hoping this price drop will keep buyers engaged — even as tariffs drive up costs behind the scenes.
“Even after a really strong March, our inventory levels are super healthy across our dealer network,” said Robert Kaffl, Director of U.S. Sales and Dealer Relations at Ford. “This employee pricing adds some certainty to what could be an uncertain situation.”
In other words, Ford has an oversupply of new cars and trucks in 2025. With tariffs casting tremendous uncertainty in the broader car market, and Ford looking to bear the brunt of tariff impacts, Ford is looking to get ahead of the situation with what amounts to a clearance sale. We may even see competing OEMs, notably GM and Stellantis, follow suit to remain competitive.
How Much Can You Save with Ford Employee Pricing?
Employee pricing often means thousands off MSRP, but if you want to know exactly how much you’ll save on the Ford you’ve got your eye on, we’ve got the perfect tool for you.
See what dealers actually paid for any Ford or Lincoln
Compare it to MSRP and employee pricing
Know what’s negotiable before you step foot in the dealership
Invoice pricing is a great estimation of Ford’s employee pricing. It’s simply the price of the vehicle, with all dealership profits removed. If you’re looking to estimate how much you could save with Ford employee pricing, our Dealer Invoice Price tool is what you’re looking for.
Should You Buy Now?
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a Ford, this might be it. With employee pricing available to all and inventory high, Ford dealers are ready to deal. But don’t wait too long — this promotion ends June 2, and exclusions apply to newly launched models.Want to get the best price? Check the dealer invoice price first, then go in with confidence. Happy spring car shopping! We’ll share the best spring car deals as they arrive. We keep track of all of the best manufacturer offers over at CarEdge Best Deals.
With the arrival of automotive tariffs in 2025, the cost of importing vehicles—and the parts they’re made from—is on the rise. For car buyers looking to dodge the steepest price hikes, shopping for a vehicle assembled in the United States could help soften the blow. In 2025, there are 117 new car and truck models with final assembly in the U.S. From SUVs built in the South to pickups rolling off lines in the Midwest, there are plenty of options for shoppers who want to support domestic manufacturing and potentially avoid the worst of the tariff impacts.
But before you jump to conclusions, there are a few important caveats to understand.
Important Caveats About “Made in America”
Automotive supply chains are global, and final assembly is just one piece of the puzzle. While the models listed here are all assembled in the United States, many of their parts are sourced from around the world—especially from our North American neighbors in Canada and Mexico. Some of these vehicles are even produced outside the U.S. for other markets, though we’ve focused only on those assembled for sale here at home.
It’s also important to note that the latest round of tariffs applies to imported car parts, not just fully assembled vehicles. That means even models built in American factories may see price increases if key components are subject to tariffs. So while U.S. final assembly offers some insulation from global trade headwinds, it doesn’t make a car completely immune.
The Complete List of Cars Made in America (U.S. Final Assembly)
Below you will find all 117 cars, trucks, SUVs and EVs with final assembly in the United States of America in 2025. These vehicles are made in facilities around the country, however it’s worth reminding readers that each one of these cars could not be finished without global supply chains.
These are the cars and trucks made in America in 2025:
As tariffs begin to reshape the auto market, shopping for a model with final assembly in the United States is one way to prepare for potential price hikes. These American-made vehicles may be less exposed to the harshest impacts, but they’re not completely shielded. Global supply chains mean that many parts are still imported and subject to new tariffs.
While it remains true that automakers may absorb some of the added costs from tariffs, it’s undeniable that the longer tariffs stay in place, the more likely price hikes are for 2026 models down the road. We may see sub-$30,000 cars vanish from the market if tariffs stick around for too long.
It’s already tough to find a new car under $30,000 — and if new tariffs on imported vehicles go into effect, it’s about to get even harder.
The Trump administration’s new 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts could add thousands to the price of some of America’s most affordable vehicles, according to Bloomberg reporting in Automotive News. Models built in South Korea, Mexico, and Canada — including popular budget models from General Motors, Hyundai, Ford, and Nissan — would be hit hardest. The result? Some of the cheapest new cars on the market might disappear entirely.
Why This Matters
Car prices are already near record highs, with the average new vehicle now costing nearly $48,641 according to the latest market update. For budget-conscious drivers, the small pool of new cars under $30,000 is one of the last affordable options. But about half of those vehicles are built outside the U.S., meaning they’re directly in the crosshairs of these tariffs.
According to Cox Automotive, vehicles assembled in Mexico or Canada could see average price hikes of $5,855 if the tariffs are fully passed on to consumers. And because these tariffs target the very models designed to be affordable, the impact could be especially painful for first-time buyers, younger drivers, and working-class families.
Here’s a look at the latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration as of March 28, 2025:
Targeted Countries
Product
Tariff
Status
All imports
Steel, aluminum
25%
Began March 12, 2025
All imports
Semiconductors
25%
Expected in early April 2025
All imports
Pharmaceuticals
25%
Expected in early April 2025
All imports
Cars, auto parts
25%
To begin on April 3 for cars, May 3 for parts
All imports
Copper
Unknown
Unclear
Which Cars Are at Risk?
Here are just a few of the vehicles that could be affected:
Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer – Both built in South Korea, the 2025 Trax starts at $21,795, and the 2025 Trailblazer starts a bit higher at $24,395. GM sold over 200,000 Trax crossovers last year.
Jeep Compass – Made in Mexico, the 2025 Compass starts at $28,895, but is often the subject of large manufacturer incentives.
Ford Maverick – The Maverick is ‘hecho en Mexico’, and is one of the only trucks still available for under $30,000.
Hyundai Venue and Elantra – Both are built in South Korea, and remain the most affordable options from Hyundai. The Venue starts at just $21,650, making it one of the cheapest cars on sale in the U.S., period. The Elantra has seen major upgrades in recent years, and now starts at $23,320.
Kia Soul and K4 – The Kia Soul is the brand’s entry-level SUV, and starts at $21,885. The K4 is the newest model in the Kia lineup, and sells quickly with a base price of $23,165.
Nissan Kicks, Sentra, and Versa – Nissan’s three most affordable models are all assembled in Mexico. The Kicks (from $23,220), Sentra (from $22,730) are both expected to see price increases. The cheapest new car in America, the 2025 Nissan Versa, is likely headed for the graveyard following 2025. With the new tariffs eating into already slim margins, the latest developments are likely the final nail in the coffin for new cars under $20,000.
See if your next car is impacted by tariffs with our free auto tariff checker:
What Might Survive?
There are a few exceptions. Honda and Toyota still build some affordable cars in the U.S., including:
Honda Civic Hatchback – Made in Indiana, starting at $28,600.
Toyota Corolla – Built in Mississippi, with a base price of $23,460.
If these tariffs take effect, these could be the last true “budget” new cars made in America. These two cars are already among the fastest-selling cars in America. With fewer affordable options to come, competition, and even prices, may soon increase.
What Automakers Are Saying
Industry leaders are sounding the alarm. Ford CEO Jim Farley is not mincing words, saying at an industry conference that 25% tariffs would be “devastating” and would “blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we’ve never seen.” Stellantis chairman John Elkann warned that the tariffs could threaten affordability and hurt demand. Even Trump has acknowledged that vehicle prices may rise, though he argues that long-term gains in domestic manufacturing will be worth the short-term pain.
But in the meantime, automakers will face tough decisions. Some may stop importing their most affordable vehicles altogether. Others might simply pass the cost along to buyers.
The Bigger Picture: Affordability Is Already a Crisis
This tariff fight comes at a time when car affordability is already stretched thin. High interest rates and inventory shortages have pushed many would-be new car buyers into the used market. But even there, things aren’t easy.
The average used car now in inventory is over six years old. This marks an all-time high as drivers hold on to their vehicles for longer. The pandemic disrupted production, and we’re still feeling the ripple effects today. Fewer lease returns and a tighter supply of 1- to 3-year-old models have driven up prices on older used cars, too. If tariffs price out would-be new car buyers from the market, we could see used car prices climb higher yet again.
If you’re in the market for a car under $30,000, it may be time to act before prices rise even further. Now is a good time to compare the latest manufacturer incentives, from zero percent financing to cheap lease deals. Unfortunately, some of these models are more likely to disappear entirely due to tariffs eliminating slim profit margins for budget models.
If you’re looking to stretch your budget but you’re not ready to buy, you might find better value in a lightly used car in the months ahead. However, if tariffs stick around for several months or more, even used car prices are likely to be impacted. CarEdge is tracking these developments closely. Check out our Vehicle Tariff Checker to see how your favorite model might be impacted.
President Trump has signed sweeping new auto tariffs for vehicles built outside of the U.S., marking a significant escalation in the administration’s ongoing trade battle. The move could directly impact car prices across the board, including the vehicle you might be shopping for in 2025.
Check if the car you’re considering is impacted by the new tariffs with this free Auto Tariff Calculator.
What We Know So Far
On March 26, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on vehicles manufactured outside the United States, set to begin on April 3, as outlined in a March 26 executive order from the White House. In addition to vehicles, specific auto parts—such as engines, transmissions, and key powertrain and electrical components—will also face the 25% tariff. These tariffs on auto parts will take effect by May 3.
The new tariffs are part of Trump’s broader “reciprocal tariff” strategy, officially set to begin April 2. However, the president signaled earlier this week that auto-specific levies would come sooner — and now it’s happening. Markets reacted swiftly to the news, with auto stocks taking a dive following Bloomberg’s initial report that new tariffs were arriving early.
“We’re going to apply a 25 percent tariff to all cars not built in the United States,” Trump said during a White House press conference. “We’re raising the base rate from 2.5 percent to 25 percent.”
Limited Exceptions
According to the March 26 executive order, there are few exemptions for the new tariffs on imported cars and components. Parts that qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from the new tariffs—at least until the Commerce Department creates a system to apply the tariffs solely to the non-U.S. portion of those parts. For vehicles from Canada and Mexico that meet USMCA requirements, the tariffs will apply only to the value of their non-U.S. content.
Who Will Be Hit the Hardest by New Auto Tariffs?
These price hikes could significantly reduce car sales in the U.S. and trigger job losses across major auto manufacturing states like Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, South Carolina, and Alabama, as well as in Ontario, Canada.
However, the policy also drew praise from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which called it a “historic” win for American labor. UAW President Shawn Fain said the tariffs help reverse decades of “harmful” free trade deals that hurt working-class communities. In a statement, the union urged automakers not to pass the added costs on to consumers and expressed support for legislation requiring them to absorb the impact. The UAW also called for federal aid to protect workers from any disruptions caused by reshoring efforts.
With nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024 coming from overseas, and $474 billion in automotive imports last year alone, the economic ripple effects could be far-reaching. Key exporters to the U.S. include Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Germany.
What It Means for Car Buyers in 2025
Whether you’re eyeing a new Honda, BMW, Hyundai, or even a Jeep or Ford, today’s announcement could raise prices across the board. Even U.S.-assembled cars aren’t immune if they rely on imported parts or manufacturing partnerships abroad. However, some cars will be impacted more severely than others.
The new auto tariffs are expected to sharply increase new car prices, according to the Anderson Economic Group. CEO Patrick L. Anderson told Automotive News that buyers and workers alike could feel the effects within weeks, with vehicle costs projected to rise by $4,000 to $10,000—even for many models considered “American.”
President Trump argues the tariffs will strengthen the U.S. auto industry by pushing production stateside. On Monday, he touted Hyundai’s $21 billion U.S. expansion as proof that his approach is working. Still, the global auto market is deeply interconnected, and relocating manufacturing isn’t something that happens overnight.
Automakers — including executives from Ford and Stellantis — have warned the administration that sudden tariffs could stall production, threaten U.S. jobs, and create more uncertainty in an already fragile supply chain.
Stay Informed
Whether you’re planning to buy new, lease, or even wait it out, it’s more important than ever to know how these tariffs could affect the price of the vehicle you’re considering. Even the used car market will see impacts as some new car buyers shift their buying plans.
For car shoppers, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s coming next. Use our free Auto Tariff Calculator to find out if the car you’re shopping for is likely to be hit by these new tariffs.
We’re keeping a close eye on what comes next — and we’ll update you as the situation unfolds. In the meantime, make sure you go into your next car deal with eyes wide open.
Spring car buying season is here, and that means so are some of the best car deals we’ve seen in months. 2025 models are filling dealer lots, yet many automakers are struggling to offload last year’s inventory. That means more negotiating power for you, if you know where to look.
Based on current market trends, these five automakers are most likely to roll out the biggest discounts, low-APR offers, and lease specials in April 2025.
Jeep – Zero Percent APR Isn’t Going Anywhere
Jeep continues to lead the pack when it comes to excess inventory, and that means buyers can expect another month of strong incentives.
Here’s why Jeep will likely offer big deals in April:
165,000 new Jeeps are sitting on dealer lots, equal to 144 days of market supply—that’s 62% above the industry average.
There are still 28,000 leftover 2024 models, including many Grand Cherokees, Wagoneers, and Gladiators.
Dealerships in the Upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest have the highest supply — and likely the most negotiable prices.
Jeep’s move upmarket hasn’t worked out as planned. As a result, premium models like the Grand Wagoneer and the all-new Wagoneer S electric SUV are being deeply discounted. Expect 0% APR offers and aggressive lease specials across Jeep’s SUV lineup in April.
Nissan’s U.S. outlook is shaky, and its overstocked lots reflect that. With warnings about Nissan’s financial challenges growing more urgent, it’s not clear if the automaker will survive to see the next decade. But for now, slowing sales equals bigger incentives for buyers in 2025.
Here’s why we expect Nissan to offer some of the best deals in April:
129-day supply of vehicles heading into April.
Around 12,000 leftover 2024 models remain unsold.
Key models like the Altima, Armada, and Frontier each have ~160 days of supply.
The Murano and Armada just received facelifts, but plenty of older inventory still needs to sell.
Nissan’s deep incentives might not help their bottom line, but they’re great for shoppers. Expect continued 0% APR offers on models like the Rogue and Altima, plus lease and finance specials to help move aging stock.
Mazda is facing inventory pressure it hasn’t seen in years. If sales don’t catch up, expect Mazda to start rolling out more aggressive deals in April.
Why Mazda could be a top pick for April savings:
142-day supply — nearly 3.5 months of unsold inventory.
Mazda is not accustomed to this level of supply, so incentives are likely to ramp up quickly.
To compete with Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai, Mazda may lean heavily on financing deals.
In March, Mazda offered 0.9% APR for 36 months across much of its lineup. For April, we’re watching for a return to 0% APR for 60 months on models like the CX-50, CX-90, and Mazda 3.
Ram is sitting on a mountain of trucks, and dealers are eager to make room for 2025 models. With slowing demand and rising prices, April could be one of the best times to buy a truck.
Current Inventory Snapshot:
144 days of supply, with 114,000 trucks available nationwide.
27% of Ram inventory is made up of leftover 2024 models.
3,457 unsold 2023 trucks are still on lots in 2025.
Ram sales have declined three years in a row.
Ram’s problem is affordability. Many of their trucks are priced near or above $80,000, and that’s tough to finance in today’s high-interest-rate environment. In March, Ram offered 1.9% APR for 72 months and up to $6,500 in cash allowances. April deals could be even better.
Ford is heading into April with bloated inventory, especially for its most popular SUVs and trucks. That’s a sign that bigger deals are on the way.
Ford’s Inventory Situation:
134 days of market supply heading into April.
The Escape, Bronco, Maverick, and F-150 are among the most overstocked.
Ford dealers in the Upper Midwest have the highest inventory levels.
So far, Ford has focused the best incentives on EVs. However, if gas-powered inventory keeps piling up, expect larger discounts and better APR offers on SUVs and trucks in April.
April 2025 is shaping up to be a great month for car shoppers, especially if you’re flexible about the brand or model. Jeep, Nissan, Mazda, Ram, and Ford are all under pressure to move vehicles quickly. That gives you the upper hand in negotiations.
For car buyers, that means:
Lower interest rates on financing deals
Hefty cash discounts on slow-selling models
More negotiability as dealers work to clear out old stock
🚗 Before you buy, make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Use CarEdge’s Free Car Buyer’s Guide to compare offers, track inventory trends, and negotiate with confidence.
CarEdge Insights
