The Complexity of ‘American-Made’ Vehicles
The days of raw materials entering one end of a factory and finished products emerging from the other are long gone. Modern manufacturing has become a complex, global endeavor driven by efficiency and profit. This complexity makes it challenging to determine what constitutes an ‘American-made’ vehicle.
Automotive journalist Aaron Turpen’s analysis for New Atlas revealed surprising insights into the most American-built vehicles. The results challenge common assumptions about which vehicles are truly ‘made in America.’
The Honda Ridgeline: A Surprise Leader
The Honda Ridgeline takes the top spot as the most American-made pickup truck, with 72.5% of its parts being U.S.-built. Its engine and transmission are manufactured in the U.S., and final assembly occurs at Honda’s Alabama plant. This makes it more ‘American’ than the bestselling Ford F-150.
Ford F-150: Less American Than You Think
Despite being the bestselling vehicle in America for nearly 40 years, the Ford F-150 has a U.S.-built parts content of just 32%. Some of this percentage is shared with Canada, further complicating its ‘American-made’ status.
Other Surprising ‘American-Made’ Vehicles
Turpen’s list reveals other unexpected results:
- The Dodge Durango and Tesla Model 3 tie for first place as the most American-built vehicles at 73% U.S.-made content.
- The Volkswagen ID.4 ranks fourth on the list with 70% U.S.-made content, making it a surprising outlier.
Implications of Tariffs on Vehicle Production
The analysis highlights the potential impact of tariffs on vehicles considered ‘American-made.’ With supply chains crossing multiple borders, the effects of tariffs can be far-reaching and complex.
The Honda Ridgeline’s status as the most American-made pickup truck underscores the need to look beyond a vehicle’s brand or assembly location when assessing its ‘American-made’ credentials. As global supply chains continue to evolve, understanding these nuances will become increasingly important for consumers and policymakers alike.
