Buying a vehicle made in the United States is essential to many consumers.

According to Cars.com, about half of the car buyers in the United States say they will pay more for a vehicle that creates U.S. jobs. Additionally, 24 percent of Americans believe a manufacturer has to be headquartered in the U.S. to qualify as "substantially contributing to the U.S. economy."

Tesla holds the top four places in the 18th annual American-Made Index announced by Cars.com.

Jenni Newman, the editor-in-chief of cars.com, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. We discuss consumers' preferences for cars made in the United States.

Co-host Bruce Aldrich is away this week, so I interview Newman, a repeat guest, about the online publication's 18th annual American-Made Index (AMI). The index independently evaluates and ranks the highest-contributing vehicles to the U.S. economy for manufacturing, parts sourcing and employment.

The Honda Odyssey is a mainstay on the American-Made Index announced recently by Cars.com. Image © James Raia/2016.

Newman speaks to the methodology behind the compilation of the list, the disconnect between consumer understanding and the American-made automotive market.

This year, the AMI consideration set comprises 388 vehicles. Only 100 made the cut with Tesla sweeping the first four spots, joined at the top by mainstay Honda and returning Acura. Volkswagen is debuting in the Index’s top 10.

Here's the list, Nos. 1-10 on this year's AMI list:

Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model S, Honda Passport, Volkswagen ID.4, Honda Odyssey, Acura MDX, Honda Ridgeline, Acura RDX.

Please join me as Newman and I examine the AMI list and further discuss its relevance in today's automotive marketplace.

All of the cars.com podcasts:

#266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index

#224, Cars.com editor reports on EVs, NY Auto Show

#202, Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com talks future of EVs

#200, Few Carmakers Get Top Grades in Car Seat Installation