Cars.com recently unveiled its 2024 American-Made Index, and it brought some surprises compared to the previous year’s rankings. Tesla’s Model Y managed to maintain its top position, but the Model 3 and Model X saw a drop in rankings, opening the door for Honda’s Passport to make its way up the list.
For those who follow these rankings closely, you may recall the American University Kogod Business School’s 2023 “Made in America” index, which experienced delays due to data issues. This year’s Cars.com list for 2024 showcases some shifts in the manufacturing landscape compared to the previous year.
Unlike the American University list, which often resulted in ties and a large number of entries in the top 10, the Cars.com list provides a more straightforward ranking. The list includes a variety of vehicles from different manufacturers, showing a mix of American-made cars across the industry.
Some notable changes in the rankings include the Tesla Model 3 dropping significantly from second place to 21st place, while the Acura MDX also fell out of the top 10. On the other hand, the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Camry made significant jumps, climbing 19 spots to secure a place in the top 10. The VW ID.4 capitalized on Tesla’s decline to claim the third spot on the 2024 list.
It’s interesting to note that Honda’s assembly facilities in Alabama and Ohio played a significant role in the rankings, with several Honda models making it to the top of the list. The Ram 1500 Classic, the first Michigan-built model on the list, landed at number 19, showcasing the diversity of manufacturing locations across the country.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Nissan Rogue, built in Smyrna, Tenn., was identified as the least American-made car on the list. This highlights the varying degrees of American manufacturing involvement across different car models and brands.
Overall, the 2024 American-Made Index provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of car manufacturing in the United States. As consumer preferences and industry trends continue to shift, these rankings offer a glimpse into the impact of these changes on the production and assembly of vehicles across the country.
