Is the Lexus ES 350 made in the USA?
The Lexus ES 350 is not produced in the United States; production for this model has historically been centered in Japan for global markets, including the U.S. The exact plant can vary by generation and year. This article examines where ES 350s are built today, how to verify a vehicle’s origin, and what that means for buyers and owners.
Where the ES 350 is built today
To understand whether your ES 350 is U.S.-made, it helps to know the model’s current production footprint. The ES 350 has been produced predominantly in Japan for the global market, including cars sold in the United States. There are no active U.S.-based assembly lines for this model in the current generation. The country of manufacture is generally indicated on the VIN and on the vehicle’s window sticker.
Historical note
Historically, ES models have been produced in various regions as part of Toyota's broader global supply chain. In recent years, the ES 350 has remained primarily Japan-made for the North American market and other regions, reflecting a strategy to standardize the sedan’s luxury and feature set across markets.
Below is a concise overview of where ES 350s have been produced in recent years and how to verify your vehicle’s origin.
- Japan is the primary production region for ES 350s sold in the U.S. and most other markets.
- There is no ongoing domestic (U.S.) assembly line for the ES 350 in the current generation; U.S.-bound cars are imported from Japan.
Conclusion: The ES 350 is not made in the USA; production is centered abroad, and the origin can be confirmed via the VIN.
How to verify a vehicle's country of manufacture
Use these steps to confirm the exact origin of a given ES 350 you are considering or own.
- Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the dashboard near the windshield or the driver’s door jamb. The 11th character often indicates the assembly plant; a code associated with a Japanese plant points to manufacture in Japan.
- Review the Monroney window sticker (the factory window sticker) and any “Made in” label on the car to see the country of manufacture.
- Consult the owner’s manual or dealership documentation for the model’s production details if available.
Knowing the manufacturing origin helps with import status, warranty considerations, and market-specific equipment. The majority of ES 350s sold in the U.S. are imported from Japan rather than built domestically.
What this means for buyers and owners
For shoppers today, the key takeaway is that an ES 350 at a U.S. dealership is typically imported from Japan rather than produced in a U.S. plant. The car’s origin can affect options, pricing nuances, and warranty nuances tied to market-specific specifications. Always verify the country of manufacture for a specific vehicle using the VIN and window sticker before purchase.
Summary
The Lexus ES 350 is not produced in the United States in the current generation. Production has been centered in Japan for global distribution, including U.S.-market models. To be sure, verify the country of manufacture for any individual ES 350 by checking the VIN and the window sticker, as production footprints can shift with model-year updates and regional strategies.
