The Last American Made Automobile to Use Body-on-Frame Design
The transition from body-on-frame to unibody construction in American automobiles marks a significant shift in automotive engineering. Not long ago, the Chevrolet Suburban was the last to stick with a body-on-frame design before moving to a unibody approach during the 2021 model year. This change reflects broader industry trends towards improved handling, safety, and fuel efficiency.
However, it is important to clarify that some American vehicles still use a body-on-frame design today. This article explores the history and current state of body-on-frame versus unibody designs in American automobiles.
Body-on-Frame vs. Unibody Designs
Body-on-frame construction involves a separate frame that supports the body of the vehicle. This design provides excellent durability and allows for easy access to the chassis for maintenance and repair. However, it can weigh more than unibody designs and might offer less precise handling. In contrast, unibody construction integrates the frame and body as a single unit, which can lead to better stability, fuel efficiency, and improved overall vehicle performance.
The Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban, along with its siblings like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, was the last full-size SUV from General Motors to use a body-on-frame design. The 2020 model year of the Chevrolet Suburban was the last to feature this construction, followed by a transition to a unibody platform starting with the 2021 model year. This move reflects a broader industry trend towards unibody designs for improved handling, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Body-on-Frame Design in Modern Era
Although the Suburban's transition marked the end of body-on-frame construction for General Motors, other American manufacturers still use this design for certain vehicles. For instance, mainstream SUVs and pickup trucks still employ body-on-frame designs due to their robustness and durability. These vehicles often offer a mix of off-road capability and on-road comfort, making them popular choices for various uses.
Popular Sedans and their Body-on-Frame Construction
When it came to sedans, the last American-made vehicle to use a body-on-frame design was the Ford Crown Victoria and the Lincoln Town Car. These vehicles were based on Ford's Panther platform, which featured a body-on-frame with a live axle and a V8 engine, similar to the 1990’s Mustang. The final models of these sedans were sold in the early 2010s, emphasizing the longevity and reliability of this design. Grandpas and grandmas often swore by these old cars because of their consistency and durability, but the market shift towards younger, more fuel-efficient vehicles eventually led to their decline.
Current Use of Body-on-Frame Design
Despite the move towards unibody designs, some American manufacturers still use body-on-frame construction for certain vehicles. This includes pickup trucks and some SUVs, which require the robustness and durability offered by body-on-frame designs. For example, the Ford F-150 pickup truck, known for its longevity and reliability, continues to use a body-on-frame design. Such construction is particularly suitable for vehicles that need to handle heavy loads and off-road conditions.
Conclusion
The last American-made automobile to use a body-on-frame design was the Chevrolet Suburban in 2020, transitioning to a unibody construction in 2021. While other manufacturers still use this design for certain vehicles, the trend towards unibody construction is clear. This shift reflects a move towards improved handling, safety, and fuel efficiency, while still maintaining the reliability and durability that body-on-frame designs offer.