The “Most American” Car is a Honda Accord
The “Most American” car is not a Chevy, and not a Ford. It’s a Honda. There’s no surprise that a non-American brand made it to the top of this list, seeing as many US-based auto makers construct their vehicles in Mexico, Canada, and even overseas. But American-born drivers from New York to Los Angeles choose Honda and the all new Accord for this coveted award.
What’s the other “Most American” car on the list? Toyota Camry. So, how do two Japanese automobiles become more American than Americans?
The list, compiled for automotive aficionados at Cars.com is part of their annual American-Made Index – ranking the most-American vehicles. Each is based on the percentage of their parts made domestically, where they are assembled and how many are sold to US customers.
Toyota’s Camry and the all new 2011 Honda Accord both are made with 80% of their parts coming from US manufacturers. Most are assembled in the US – Camry in Georgetown, KY., and Accord in Lafayette, Ind.
“In today’s global economy, there’s not an easy way to determine just how American a car is,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor in chief. “Most cars built in the U.S., for example, are assembled using at least some parts that come from somewhere else. Additionally, many U.S. automakers assemble vehicles in Canada and Mexico, while foreign automakers have opened plants on U.S. soil. Our index is another resource that car buyers can use to help guide their purchase decision.”
God Bless Japan… I mean, America!
Source (ironically enough): USA Today
It’s interesting that Honda and other import models are considered to be ‘most American’. While the distinction of being American according to this article is based on manufacturing standards, Honda’s branding surely helps too. Hondas are so ubiquitous on American highways that one can easily forget that their corporate ownership originates outside the US.