Is Lexus ES made in the USA?
No. The Lexus ES is not manufactured in the United States. It is produced primarily in Japan, with some ES models built in China for the domestic Chinese market. US-bound ES vehicles are typically imported from these plants rather than assembled in American factories.
The question matters for buyers who track where their car is made, how tariffs affect pricing, and the broader supply chain of luxury sedans. This article examines where the ES is produced, how production locations have evolved, and what that means for current and prospective owners.
Global production footprint
Below is a snapshot of where Lexus ES sedans are built for different markets. The information reflects the brand's current production network and can vary by model year or regional strategy.
- Japan: The majority of ES units destined for export, including the United States, are manufactured in Japan.
- China: For the Chinese market, some ES models are produced locally through a joint-venture plant to support demand and local sourcing.
In practice, this means that U.S.-spec ES cars are typically imported from Japan rather than built in U.S. factories. VIN or dealer documentation will indicate the vehicle origin, which is useful for buyers tracking manufacturing provenance.
US market and assembly status
There is no current Lexus ES assembly plant in the United States. The model sold in the U.S. is not produced domestically, but imported from its Japanese and, in some cases, Chinese production lines. Toyota maintains U.S.-built Camry production at other facilities, but the ES remains a different part of the supply chain managed by Toyota’s global production network.
For shoppers, this matters in terms of import timing, availability of options, and potential price differences tied to manufacturing location. Always check the vehicle’s VIN or the window sticker for exact country of origin at purchase.
Summary
The Lexus ES is not made in the United States. It is produced primarily in Japan, with some models built in China for the Chinese market. U.S.-bound ES cars are typically imported from these plants, reflecting the model's global production strategy rather than U.S.-based assembly.
Is the Lexus ES still made in 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.
Are any Lexus built in the USA?
Where are Lexus Models Made? Lexus models are made in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Reference the following list to see where your beloved Belleair Lexus model is made and manufactured: Lexington, Kentucky, USA: Lexus ES.
What is the common problem in Lexus ES 350?
This luxury car also has a lower probability of needing a major fix compared to its competitors. But like any other vehicle, the ES 350 can develop problems over time. Some of the most common ones include oil leaks, unintended acceleration, infotainment system problems, and a melting dashboard.
