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2020 Honda Passport

Ten Most American-Made Cars of 2019

As concerns linger over the possibility of increased auto tariffs, consumers are becoming more aware of what exactly “made in the USA” means. Gone are the days when we just assumed that our car was manufactured and assembled in Detroit. Outsourcing, for a multitude of economic reasons, gradually became the norm, and even the most educated …

As concerns linger over the possibility of increased auto tariffs, consumers are becoming more aware of what exactly “made in the USA” means. Gone are the days when we just assumed that our car was manufactured and assembled in Detroit. Outsourcing, for a multitude of economic reasons, gradually became the norm, and even the most educated auto buyers were sometimes confused and left in the dark about precisely where their vehicles were produced.

In 1994, the American Automobile Labeling Act was established by Congress and requires manufacturers of new automobiles to affix, in a prominent place, on each automobile manufactured after 1992, a label indicating: (1) the percentage (by value) of U.S. automobile equipment on it; (2) the percentage (by man-hour) of labor performed by U.S. workers in assembling it; and (3) the name of any country, other than the United States, where at least one-third of the automobile equipment (by value) in it originated.

The following vehicles are the most American-made cars in 2019 based on the information provided in the American Automobile Labeling Act, as reported by Bloomberg

1. Jeep Cherokee

For the second year in a row, Jeep Cherokee, manufactured in Belvidere, Illinois, tops the list of most American-made cars for 2019. According to Cars.com, Jeep is produced using 72% domestic parts.

Jeep’s models include the Latitude, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, High Altitude, and Overland, with prices ranging from $26,060 to $37.990. 2019 models offer a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with more torque.

2. Honda Odyssey

The state of Alabama holds the distinction of manufacturing four of the top ten American-made vehicles.

Honda Odyssey offers a spacious interior and includes new options of a baby monitor and on-board intercom. Model choices include the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. From standard to fully-equipped, prices range from $31,085 to $47,954.

3. Honda Ridgeline

Considered an all-purpose pickup truck, the compact Ridgeline may offer less towing capacity than competitors but has placed emphasis on a V6 engine with better than average fuel economy ratings.

Ridgeline models include RT, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTL-E, and Black Edition. New for 2019 are powered sunroof and sliding rear window options for RTL and RTL-T. Depending on the choice of model and package, prices range from $30,955 to $44,415.

4.  Honda Passport

Although a more compact version than Honda Pilot, Passport is powered with the same 280-hp V6 and nine-speed automatic. Standard features include the Honda Sensing driver assistance package and full exterior lighting.

Fully redesigned for 2019, prices for Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite range from $31,990 to $43,680.

5. Chevrolet Corvette

From early production facilities in Flint, Michigan to St. Louis, Missouri, to current manufacturing in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Corvette: still the classic sports coupe. With standard V8, 455 hp, Corvette remains one of the most powerful domestic road cars.

2019 Corvette models include the Stingray coupe and convertible, Grand Sport coupe and convertible, with pricing from $55,990 to $125,400.

6. Acura MDX (non-hybrid)

East Liberty, Ohio is home to the production of MDX, a midsize three-row crossover, powered by a 290 hp V6. With high scores from crash-test and safety agencies, the downsides include limited interior space and expensive options.

New in 2019 is an updated nine-speed automatic transmission. Pricing begins at about $44,300.

7. Honda Pilot

Manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, Pilot is Honda’s largest SUV and may be the quintessential suburban family vehicle. Through domestic production of major parts and assembly performed on site, Honda remains on the list of most American cars.

Pilot offers the LX, ES, EX-L, Touring, and Elite models, with prices varying from $32,445 to $49,015.

8. Chevrolet Colorado

Wentzville, Missouri is home to the production of the midsize Colorado pickup. Although lacking features and power available in a full-size pickup, Colorado is fast becoming a favorite of off-road fans and those desiring to remain loyal to GM. New for 2019 is Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system.

Car and Driver refers to this vehicle as the Swiss Army truck, capable of everything from off-road to towing. Prices range from $21,300 to $42,900 for LT, ZT1, and ZR2 models. 

9. GMC Canyon

Canyon, another GM-made midsize pickup from Wentzville, Missouri, offers the best fuel economy rating of its truck series. Of particular interest to GM loyalists may be the news that GM is planning to add 300 part-time auto workers to its Wentzville assembly plant.

Canyon models include the SL, Canyon, SLE, All Terrain, SLT, and Denali, with prices ranging from $23,790 to $45,490.

10. Acura RDX

From East Liberty, Ohio, RDX is ranked #5 in luxury compact SUVs by US News. Considered a midsize crossover, the fully reinvented RDX boasts a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 10-speed automatic.

Competitive in price with others in its class, Acura RDX pricing begins at around $38,452. 

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