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How do I tell where my Lexus was built?


Understanding where your Lexus was manufactured can provide valuable insights into its quality, features, and even its resale value. Lexus, as a luxury division of Toyota, has production facilities in various locations around the world. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to identify the manufacturing location of your Lexus vehicle.


1. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)


The most reliable way to determine where your Lexus was built is by examining the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a unique code assigned to every vehicle and can be found in several locations:



  • On the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield.

  • On the driver's side door jamb.

  • In the owner's manual or registration documents.


The first character of the VIN indicates the country of manufacture. For example:



  • J - Japan

  • 2 - Canada

  • 5 - United States


2. Look for the Manufacturing Plant Code


In addition to the country code, the VIN also contains a manufacturing plant code. This code can help you pinpoint the specific factory where your Lexus was assembled. For instance:



  • JTH - Lexus vehicles manufactured in Japan.

  • 1G - Vehicles built in the United States.


By cross-referencing the VIN with online databases or Lexus resources, you can find detailed information about the manufacturing plant.


3. Consult Your Owner's Manual


Your Lexus owner's manual often contains information about the vehicle's manufacturing location. Look for a section that discusses the vehicle specifications or features, which may include details about where the car was built.


4. Contact Lexus Customer Service


If you're still unsure about your Lexus's manufacturing location, consider reaching out to Lexus customer service. They can provide you with accurate information based on your VIN and any other relevant details you provide.


Conclusion


Knowing where your Lexus was built can enhance your understanding of the vehicle's heritage and quality. By following these steps—checking the VIN, looking for the manufacturing plant code, consulting the owner's manual, and contacting customer service—you can easily determine the origin of your Lexus. This knowledge not only enriches your ownership experience but can also be beneficial if you plan to sell or trade your vehicle in the future.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell where my car was manufactured?


Using NHTSA's VIN Decoder to Identify a Vehicle's Plant of Manufacture. Among the information NHTSA's VIN decoder provides is information about the vehicle's plant of manufacture. After searching a VIN, you'll see the build plant and country for the vehicle in question.



Are any Lexus made in the USA?


Cambridge, Ontario, Canada is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. This plant is responsible for the Lexus RX and RX hybrid. Finally, the US home to Lexus is Georgetown, Kentucky, United States. At Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc., Americans build the Lexus ES.



How do I tell where my Lexus was made?


World manufacturer identifier (WMI) codes are the first three digits of a VIN. In the case of a Lexus, the first digit indicates the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. If your Lexus has the numbers 2 or 5, it was assembled in North America—either Canada or the United States.



How do I know if my Lexus is Japan built?


First position: country of manufacture
Japan is indicated by the letter J.



What VIN digit tells the country of manufacture?


In this group, the first digit or letter identifies the country of origin. For example, cars made in the U.S. start with 1, 4 or 5. Canada is 2, and Mexico is 3. Japan is J, South Korea is K, England is S, Germany is W, and Sweden or Finland is Y.



Is Lexus made in Japan or USA?


Lexus vehicles are produced primarily in Japan at manufacturing plants in the Chūbu and Kyūshū regions. The Lexus RX 330 was the first Lexus built outside of Japan in 2003, in Ontario, Canada. Find out where Lexus models sold around the world are made: Kitakyushu, Japan — CT, HS, and RX.



How do I find out the details of my Lexus?


In order to view the standard and optional equipment, safety features and technical specifications for your vehicle, simply enter your VIN on our Lexus Owners Site.



Where was my Lexus built?


Where are the Lexus Manufacturing Plants?

Lexus PlantsLexus Models
Georgetown (Kentucky, USA)ES
Cambridge Ont (Ontario, Canada)RX, RX Hybrid
Motomachi (Aichi, Japan)GS, GS Hybrid, GS F
Tahara (Aichi, Japan)LS, LS Hybrid, IS, GX, LX, RC, RC F



What number in the VIN indicates where it was built?


Origin If a VIN begins with a 1, 4 or 5, that means it's a vehicle assembled in the U.S. Many other countries have their own unique identifier. A 2, for example, means the vehicle was made in Canada; a J stands for Japan. Manufacturer The second and third characters indicate the manufacturer.



Which Lexus models are built in Japan?


Toyota Tahara Plant – Tahara, Japan — assembles the Lexus LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC. Toyota Yoshiwara Plant – Toyota, Aichi, Japan — assembles the Lexus LX. Toyota Miyata Plant – Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan — assembles the Lexus IS and ES.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.