Loading

How to tell if Lexus is made in Japan?

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. All Lexus vehicles are manufactured in Japan, with the exception of a few models that are produced in other countries. To determine if a Lexus is made in Japan, you can look for specific indicators on the vehicle or its documentation.


Identifying the Country of Origin for Lexus Vehicles


Here are some ways to tell if a Lexus is made in Japan:



  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The VIN, which is typically located on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb, will indicate the country of origin. For Lexus vehicles made in Japan, the 11th digit of the VIN will be the letter "J".

  • Manufacturer's Label: Lexus vehicles sold in the United States will have a manufacturer's label, also known as a "build plate," that lists the country of origin. This label is typically located on the driver's side door jamb.

  • Owner's Manual: The owner's manual for a Lexus vehicle will specify the country of origin, usually in the introduction or specifications section.

  • Dealership Information: When purchasing a Lexus, the dealership should be able to provide information on the vehicle's country of manufacture.


It's important to note that while the majority of Lexus vehicles are made in Japan, the company does produce some models in other countries, such as the Lexus ES, which is also manufactured in Kentucky, USA.


Reasons for Lexus Manufacturing in Japan


Lexus is Toyota's luxury brand, and the company has maintained a strong commitment to manufacturing its vehicles in Japan. There are several reasons for this:



  • Quality Control: Japan is known for its meticulous attention to quality and craftsmanship, which aligns with the Lexus brand's reputation for excellence.

  • Expertise and Efficiency: Toyota's manufacturing facilities in Japan have decades of experience and expertise in producing high-quality vehicles, which helps ensure efficiency and consistency in the Lexus production process.

  • Brand Identity: Lexus is closely tied to its Japanese heritage, and manufacturing vehicles in Japan helps reinforce the brand's identity and connection to its roots.


While Lexus does produce some models in other countries, the majority of its vehicles are still manufactured in Japan, reflecting the company's commitment to quality and its Japanese heritage.

How do I know if my Lexus is made in Japan or Canada?


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. Japan is indicated by the letter J.



Where is my Lexus made?


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 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.



How do I know if my car was made in Japan or the USA?


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.



What Lexus is built in the USA?


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



How do I tell where my Lexus was built?


The first character of a VIN is the country code indicating where the car was assembled. Inside the driver's door frame is a VIN label that spells out the car's manufacturing location. A new vehicle's window sticker shows the source of its parts and the final assembly point.



Which Lexus models are made 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.



How do I know if my car is Japan built?


Vehicles with VINs that start with "J" were produced in Japan.



How do I tell if my Lexus was made in Japan?


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. Japan is indicated by the letter J.



Which Lexus models are made in USA?


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


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.