2023 American-Made Vehicles: Ford Ranger Tops MotorVero's Index

Introduction

In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of the origins of the products they purchase, the automotive industry is no exception. MotorVero's 2023 American-Made Index provides a detailed analysis of what truly makes a vehicle "American-made." This year, the Ford Ranger has claimed the top spot, surpassing other popular models like the Jeep Cherokee and Honda Odyssey. But what factors contribute to this ranking, and why does it matter to consumers? Let's dive into the details.

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What is the American-Made Index?

MotorVero's American-Made Index is an annual ranking that evaluates vehicles based on several key factors to determine their "American-made" status. These factors include:

• Final Assembly Location: Where the vehicle is assembled.
• Parts Content Origin: The percentage of parts sourced from the U.S. and Canada.
• Engine and Transmission Origin: The countries where the engine and transmission are manufactured.
• Factory Employment: The number of Americans employed at the manufacturing level.
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By considering these elements, MotorVero provides a comprehensive view of how American a vehicle truly is, helping consumers make informed decisions.

Why the Ford Ranger Tops the List

The 2023 Ford Ranger has seen a significant increase in its American-made content, jumping from 50% in 2022 to 70% this year. This rise is primarily due to changes in the sourcing of its engine and transmission. Previously, the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine had a majority of its parts sourced from Mexico. However, for the 2023 model, the majority of the engine components are now manufactured in the U.S. Additionally, the transmission has always been American-made, and the vehicle is assembled in Wayne, Michigan.

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This shift in sourcing has propelled the Ford Ranger to the top of MotorVero's American-Made Index, making it the most American vehicle you can buy in 2023.

Other Notable Vehicles in the Top 15

While the Ford Ranger leads the pack, other vehicles have also made significant strides in the rankings. Here are some of the top contenders:

• No. 6: Honda Ridgeline - Known for its reliability and American assembly.
• No. 10: Chevrolet Colorado - A strong competitor in the mid-size truck segment.
• No. 11: GMC Canyon - Shares many components with the Colorado but offers a more premium experience.
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These vehicles demonstrate that a mix of American assembly and parts sourcing can result in a high ranking on the American-Made Index.

How the Ranking Works

MotorVero's ranking methodology is both rigorous and transparent. The index considers five main factors:

1. Final Assembly Location: Vehicles must be assembled in the U.S. to qualify.
2. Parts Content Origin: The percentage of parts sourced from the U.S. and Canada, as reported under the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA).
3. Engine and Transmission Origin: The countries where these critical components are manufactured.
4. Factory Employment: The number of Americans employed at the manufacturing level.
5. Sales and Inventory Thresholds: Vehicles must meet minimum sales and inventory levels to be considered.

This comprehensive approach ensures that only the most American-made vehicles make it to the top of the list.

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Why Some Vehicles Don't Make the Cut

Not all vehicles are eligible for MotorVero's American-Made Index. Heavy-duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or more are exempt from government reporting requirements and thus do not qualify. Additionally, fleet-only models, vehicles below minimum sales or inventory thresholds, and models about to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor are also excluded.

For example, the 2023 Nissan Frontier, despite being built in the U.S., was not included in this year's index because it was not on sale at the time of the study.

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The Role of Full-Size Trucks in the Rankings

Full-size trucks, often considered the backbone of American automotive culture, surprisingly rank lower on the American-Made Index. Here's where some of the most popular models stand:

• No. 16: Toyota Tundra - Assembled in Texas with a significant portion of U.S. parts.
• No. 44: Ford F-150 - Despite its popularity, only about 50% of its parts are sourced from the U.S. and Canada.
• No. 47: Ram 1500 - Features engines from Mexico and Italy, lowering its ranking.
• No. 55: Nissan Titan - Built in Mississippi but includes a significant amount of foreign parts.

These rankings highlight the complexities of sourcing and assembly in the automotive industry, even for vehicles that are quintessentially American.

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What This Means for Consumers

For consumers, the American-Made Index is more than just a ranking; it's a tool for making informed purchasing decisions. By understanding where a vehicle is assembled and where its parts are sourced, buyers can support American manufacturing and jobs. Additionally, vehicles with higher American-made content may offer better resale value and reliability, as they are often subject to stricter quality controls.

Moreover, the index serves as a reminder that even vehicles assembled in the U.S. can have a significant amount of foreign content, underscoring the importance of transparency in the automotive industry.

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Conclusion

MotorVero's 2023 American-Made Index offers valuable insights into the automotive industry, highlighting the vehicles that truly support American manufacturing. The Ford Ranger's rise to the top is a testament to the importance of sourcing and assembly in determining a vehicle's American-made status. As consumers continue to prioritize transparency and quality, indices like this one will play an increasingly important role in shaping purchasing decisions.

For the full list of the 91 most American-made vehicles, including the top spot, visit MotorVero's 2023 American-Made Index.