Are all Lexus ES made in Japan?
No. Lexus ES models are produced in multiple countries around the world, with a significant portion assembled outside Japan—most notably in the United States at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant for North American markets. The exact factory can vary by model year and market, so checking the VIN or door sticker is the most reliable way to confirm where a specific car was built.
This article examines where the ES is produced globally, why production locations change over time, and how buyers can verify a vehicle’s country of manufacture.
Global production footprint
The following overview highlights the major production hubs used for the Lexus ES in recent years. The actual plant for a given vehicle depends on model year, trim, and target market.
- United States — Most Lexus ES models sold in North America are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (Georgetown, KY).
- Japan — Some ES units are still produced in Japan for domestic sales and certain export allocations; the share has declined as production shifted toward U.S. facilities for the NA market.
- Other markets — In various regions, local plants or regional joint ventures help supply the ES to that market, ensuring regional compliance and timely delivery.
Conclusion: The country of manufacture for a given Lexus ES can vary; the vehicle’s VIN and the door sticker will reveal the exact origin.
What this means for buyers
Understanding the production footprint helps explain pricing, supply dynamics, and potential options. Warranty coverage remains global for Lexus, but local content and tax policies may differ by country or region.
How to verify the factory origin of a specific vehicle
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, which often includes the manufacturing country code, and inspect the window sticker or owner's manual for the factory location. When shopping, you can also request a build sheet from the dealer or look up the VIN on official Lexus/Toyota portals.
Summary
Not all Lexus ES models are made in Japan. The ES is built across a global production network, with substantial output in the United States and periodic production in other regions to meet regional demand. For any individual vehicle, verify the factory of origin via VIN or official documentation.
Are all Lexus ES built in Japan?
So you've bought a new or used Lexus near Glen Cove, but now you might ask yourself, “Where are Lexus cars made?” Lexus is mainly manufactured in Japan while a few are made in Canada and America.
How to tell if a Lexus is built in Japan?
You can tell if a Lexus was built in Japan by checking the first character of the VIN. A "J" at the beginning of the VIN indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Japan. Alternatively, you can look at the sticker in the driver's side door jamb, which may explicitly state the manufacturing location.
Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Find the VIN: The VIN is a 17-character serial number found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's side door jamb.
- Check the first character: The first character of the VIN indicates the country of origin.
- Look for "J": If the VIN starts with the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan.
- Other letters: Other letters or numbers at the start of the VIN indicate manufacturing in other countries. For example, a "2" or "5" can mean the vehicle was assembled in North America (Canada or the U.S.).
Using the door jamb sticker
- Locate the sticker: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker on the door jamb.
- Read the label: This sticker often contains a phrase like "Manufactured by Honda in Japan" or "Built in Japan by Honda," leaving no doubt about its assembly point.
Is Lexus ES production moving to Japan?
Production of the Lexus ES and ES hybrids will shift to Japan before the end of 2025, the spokesperson said. Toyota's Kentucky factory is its largest global manufacturing facility and has been producing the Lexus ES since 2015.
Is the Lexus ES made in the USA?
The Lexus ES was the first Lexus model built in America. The TMMK plant is the largest Toyota Motors North America manufacturing plant globally. The ES 350 is a popular model that has redefined what a luxury sedan is supposed to be. This was the first major move by Lexus to have luxury manufacturing in America.
