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The Best (and Worst) American-Made Cars and Trucks

Last updated May 28, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Top Picks Built in the USA – The 2025 Lexus TX Hybrid, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek stand out for reliability, fuel economy, and long-term value.

  • Trouble with Some Big SUVs – Models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cadillac Escalade struggle with reliability and high ownership costs.

  • CarEdge Value Ratings Reveal More – Our expert ratings help uncover which U.S.-built cars are truly worth your money in 2025.

When you think of American-made cars and trucks, you might picture muscle cars, pickup trucks, and 3-row SUVs. But not all vehicles built in the U.S. are created equal. At CarEdge, we’ve analyzed the latest data from CarEdge Research and Consumer Reports to highlight which American-assembled models are worth your money in 2025, and which are best avoided. No matter what you’re shopping for, this list will help you separate the winners from the letdowns.

The Best American-Made Cars

The best American-made cars: Lexus TX

It’s surprising to see only one of the Big Three automakers represented here. Aside from a lone Cadillac, General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (CDJR) are missing from the list of the most recommendable American-made cars. While it’s no shock that Toyota and Honda dominate, many might not realize that much of their top-selling inventory is built right here in the United States.

Without further ado, here are the 10 best American-made cars in 2025:

2025 Lexus TX Hybrid

Where It’s Made: Princeton, Indiana

CarEdge Value Rating: A+

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 85

Why It’s Great: Owners praise the smooth ride, luxurious interior, and impressive MPG for a vehicle of its size.


2025 Honda CR-V

Where It’s Made: Greensburg, Indiana

CarEdge Value Rating: A

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 78

Why It’s Great: Drivers love its comfort, flexibility, and low cost of ownership.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

Where It’s Made: Lafayette, Indiana

CarEdge Value Rating: A

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 80

Why It’s Great: Many drivers appreciate the ride height and versatility, especially in snowy or rainy areas.


2025 Acura RDX

Where It’s Made: Marysville, Ohio

CarEdge Value Rating: A

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 75

Why It’s Great: Owners love its responsive turbo engine and upscale interior at a competitive price point.

2025 Toyota Camry

Where It’s Made: San Antonio, Texas

CarEdge Value Rating: A-

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 82

Why It’s Great: Drivers often highlight how comfortable and fuel-efficient the Camry is for daily commuting, especially with a hybrid powertrain now standard.

2025 Honda Accord

Where It’s Made: Marysville, Ohio

CarEdge Value Rating: A-

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 78

Why It’s Great: Owners say it feels more premium than its main competitor, the Toyota Camry.

2025 Kia K5

Where It’s Made: West Point, Georgia

CarEdge Value Rating: A-

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 76

Why It’s Great: Drivers like the sporty design and user-friendly tech inside the cabin for well under $30,000. The K5 was recently joined by the similar but smaller K4, which replaces the Forte in the lineup.

2025 Acura Integra

Where It’s Made: Marysville, Ohio

CarEdge Value Rating: A-

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 73

Why It’s Great: Owners enjoy its agility and the available manual transmission, a rarity in 2025.

2025 Subaru Outback

Where It’s Made: Lafayette, Indiana

CarEdge Value Rating: B

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 85

Why It’s Great: Owners highlight the Outback’s practicality, comfort, and confidence in all driving conditions. However, it’s not as fuel efficient as many competitors. 

2025 Cadillac CT5

Where It’s Made: Lansing, Michigan

CarEdge Value Rating: B

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 70

Why It’s Great: Drivers appreciate its powerful engine choices and luxurious highway ride.


The Worst American-Made Cars

The worst American-made cars: Jeep Grand Cherokee

When it comes to the worst American-made cars in terms of reliability, driver satisfaction, and overall value, Stellantis takes the crown. However, General Motors and Ford aren’t far behind. Here are the ‘Made in America’ cars we can’t recommend in 2025:

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Where It’s Made: Detroit, Michigan

CarEdge Value Rating: F

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 52

What drivers say: Owners frequently report quality control issues and reliability concerns, despite liking the SUV’s design and off-road potential.

2025 Chevrolet Suburban

Where It’s Made: Arlington, Texas

CarEdge Value Rating: F

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 59

What drivers say: While praised for its size and towing, many drivers complain about high ownership costs.

2025 Dodge Durango

Where It’s Made: Detroit, Michigan

CarEdge Value Rating: F

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 63

What drivers say: Durango owners say the V8 is fun, but outdated tech and frequent maintenance needs are major downsides.

2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Where It’s Made: Warren, Michigan

CarEdge Value Rating: F

Consumer Reports Overall Score: N/A

What drivers say: Many drivers love the luxury features but are disappointed by poor fuel economy and persistent reliability issues.

2025 Ford Expedition

Where It’s Made: Louisville, Kentucky

CarEdge Value Rating: F

Consumer Reports Overall Score: N/A

What drivers say: Owners enjoy the spacious cabin but report frustrating issues with infotainment and build quality.

2025 Nissan LEAF

Where It’s Made: Smyrna, Tennessee

CarEdge Value Rating: D+

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 55

What drivers say: Some appreciate the affordable EV entry point, but many express dissatisfaction with range limitations and outdated charging tech. It’s basically 2012 technology in a 2025 model.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Where It’s Made: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

CarEdge Value Rating: D+

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 56

What drivers say: While luxurious, the American-built GLE is often criticized for inconsistent quality and expensive repairs.

2025 Nissan Murano

Where It’s Made: Canton, Mississippi

CarEdge Value Rating: D

Consumer Reports Overall Score: N/A

What drivers say: Owners describe it as comfortable but outdated for the near-luxury price point. However, the 2025 refresh may change that. It’s too soon to tell. 

2025 Cadillac Escalade

Where It’s Made: Arlington, Texas

CarEdge Value Rating: D-

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 56

What drivers say: Escalade owners love the presence and luxury but report recurring electronic issues and poor fuel economy. Expect a very high total cost of ownership.

2025 Lincoln Aviator

Where It’s Made: Chicago, Illinois

CarEdge Value Rating: D-

Consumer Reports Overall Score: 56

What drivers say: Drivers say it looks and feels luxurious, but real-world reliability and frequent service visits are a common complaint.

Conclusion

Also 👉 Every Car, Truck, and SUV Built in America

Cars like the Lexus TX and Honda CR-V prove that reliability, comfort, and affordability can come from domestic factories. On the other hand, models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cadillac Escalade show how costly ownership and reliability issues can outweigh even the flashiest features. Before you buy, check whether your next car truly delivers on value, no matter where it’s built. 

For the most-trusted car buying help in America, check out CarEdge Concierge, now featuring more affordable options. Or, learn more about DIY car buying tools to save time, money, and hassle when you buy or lease. 

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