Tesla continues to hold the top spot on Cars.com’s 2024 American-Made Index with its Model Y, but there have been some significant changes in the rankings. The Model 3 and Model X have dropped from their previous positions, allowing Honda to drive its Passport through the gap. This indicates a shift in manufacturing trends since last year.
It’s worth noting that there was a delay in the publication of the American University Kogod Business School’s “Made in America” index for 2023 due to data issues. However, when comparing their list to Cars.com’s 2024 index, there is still considerable overlap in the rankings.
One interesting aspect of the American University list is that it often results in ties, with multiple cars occupying the same spot in the rankings. This may contribute to the large number of entries on their “top 10” list, which actually includes 27 vehicles. To provide a more comprehensive view, we’ve included cars ranked 11 through 27 from Cars.com’s list as well.
Looking at the updated rankings, we can see that the Tesla Model 3 has faced a significant drop from second place to 21st place. Similarly, the Acura MDX has fallen out of the top 10, now sitting at 15th place. On the other hand, the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Camry have both made impressive jumps of 19 spots to secure positions in the top 10. Additionally, the Volkswagen ID.4 has seized the opportunity created by Tesla’s slips to claim the third spot on the list for 2024.
Honda’s assembly facilities in Alabama and Ohio seem to dominate this end of the ranking, with several Honda models making appearances in the top positions. The first Michigan-built vehicle on the list is the Ram 1500 Classic at number 19, followed by the Mustang at 31 and the Cadillac CT5 at 37. As for the least American-made car on the list, that distinction goes to the Nissan Rogue, which is built in Smyrna, Tennessee.
These shifts and rankings highlight the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and provide valuable insights into the changing landscape of American manufacturing.