With news of a new 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts circulating, many consumers are feeling the pressure to make a move. Take a breath. If you don't need a new car right now, my advice is simple: wait.
The fear of rising prices is real. However, the current financial reality for many car buyers cannot be ignored. Default rates on auto loans are climbing, and lenders are tightening their standards. Buyers with credit scores below the 700+ range may find it difficult to qualify for preferred interest rates. As a result, the overall cost of borrowing could easily outweigh any perceived savings from rushing to beat tariff-related price hikes.
The used car market is also facing unusual pressures. Pre-owned prices are artificially inflated due to tax season, and as tariffs begin to impact the pricing of new vehicles, used vehicle prices are expected to increase even further.
For those who do need a vehicle, there are still smart ways to shop. Start by visiting automaker websites to find current incentives and rebates, which can significantly reduce the purchase price. Not all new vehicles will be affected by the tariff. Many foreign brands manufacture vehicles in the United States, exempting them from the added cost.
It is also important to note that not all American cars are automatically exempt from tariffs. Several vehicles from U.S.-based automakers are built in foreign countries and will be subject to the new tariff policy. Simply buying an American brand does not guarantee the vehicle was assembled in the United States. Final assembly location matters, so it is essential to read the window sticker before making a purchase.
To help you navigate your options, here are two important breakdowns:
Foreign Automaker Vehicles Assembled in the USA (Tariff-Exempt) (As of April 2025 — check window stickers to confirm final assembly)
#Acura (Ohio)
• Integra
• TLX
• RDX
• MDX
#BMW (South Carolina)
• X3
• X4
• X5
• X6
• X7
• XM
#Honda (Ohio & Alabama)
• Accord
• Civic
• CR-V
• Pilot
• Passport
• Odyssey
• Ridgeline
#Hyundai (Alabama & Georgia)
• Santa Fe
• Tucson
• Santa Cruz
• Ioniq 5
• Ioniq 9
#Kia (Georgia)
#Lexus (Kentucky & Indiana)
• ES
• ES
• Hybrid
• TX
#Mazda (Alabama)
• CX-50
#MercedesBenz (Alabama)
• GLE
• GLE Coupé
• GLS
• Maybach GLS
• EQS SUV
• EQE SUV
• Maybach EQS SUV
#Nissan (Tennessee & Mississippi)
• Altima
• Rogue
• Pathfinder
• Murano
• Leaf
• Titan
• Frontier
#Subaru (Indiana)
• Outback
• Ascent
• Impreza
• Legacy
#Toyota (KY, IN, TX, MS)
• Camry
• Corolla
• RAV4 Hybrid
• Highlander
• Grand Highlander
• Sienna
• Sequoia
• Tundra
#Volkswagen (Tennessee)
• Atlas
• Atlas Cross Sport
• ID.4
#Volvo (South Carolina)
• EX90
U.S.-Owned Automaker Vehicles Assembled Abroad (Tariff-Affected) (As of April 2025 — always confirm on vehicle window sticker)
#Ford
Assembled in Mexico:
• Maverick
• Bronco Sport
• Mustang Mach-E
Assembled in Spain:
• Transit Connect
#GeneralMotors
Assembled in Mexico:
• Chevrolet Blazer
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Chevrolet Silverado (some trims)
• GMC Sierra (some trims)
• GMC Terrain
Assembled in China:
• Buick Envision
Assembled in South Korea:
• Chevrolet Trailblazer
• Chevrolet Trax
Assembled in Canada:
• Chevrolet Silverado HD
• GMC Sierra HD
• Chevrolet Express
• GMC Savana
• Cadillac XT4
• Cadillac CT4
• Cadillac CT5
#Stellantis
Assembled in Italy:
• Jeep Renegade
• Fiat 500X
Assembled in Turkey:
• Ram ProMaster City
Assembled in Canada:
• Chrysler Pacifica
• Chrysler Grand Caravan
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Durango
• Jeep Wrangler (some trims)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (some trims)
Assembled in Mexico:
• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Gladiator
• Dodge Journey (fleet/limited export)
• Ram 1500 Classic
Ram 2500/3500 (some trims)
Final Thought: Before signing a loan or rushing to a dealership, take the time to educate yourself. Knowledge is not just power—it's protection against inflated costs. Be strategic, evaluate your real needs, and make your next vehicle decision based on facts, not fear.
Disclaimer: This list is for reference only. Some vehicles may have been inadvertently omitted, and automakers may change production strategies in the future. Always verify a vehicle’s final assembly location using the window sticker or manufacturer’s official information before making a purchase decision.