I know that the Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura are "American" named brand. So I suppose it makes some sense that they are built in America.

I thought I recently saw the Toyota factory in Japan (I forgot what city it was) that builds Lexus cars (i don't know which model) and ship them "back" to America for sales.

Is it true that the Lexus cars are now built in Japan? If so, which model? When did this happen? but I don't think that is true because I just got back from the Lexus dealer to check out the cars and according to the paper tag it says they are built in Portland, OR. I didn't check all models but just about every model I have checked says Portland, OR.


Can I get a clarification on what brand and what models are built in Japan?????? I know my Acura is built in America too. It says that the engine is from America and the transmission is from Japan. And the entire car is built in Marysville, OH USA. I thought Lexus cars are built in Japan.....

 

I believe
Lexus- the ES models are built here and maybe the RX but I'm not sure but its always been Lexus cars have been built in Japan

Infiniti- only the QX56 is built here as far as I believe its always been Infiniti cars have been built in Japan

Acura- I think most of them are built in America now

the easy way to tell is look at your VIN number and if it starts with a number its built in the good 'ol USA and if it starts with a 'J' its built in Japan

 

Look at the window sticker. They will tell you the engine, gearbox origin, the % breakdown, and final assembly point.

The Lexus RX is assembled in Cambridge, Ontario, and has been since the switchover to the RX330 years ago. I believe the ES has always been and still is made in Japan. The rest of the Lexus lineup is still made in Japan.

However, most Toyota models are assembled in the US or Canada. Same goes for Honda, except for models like the Fit, Civic Hybrid, and s2k.

Most Acuras are US built. The Acura TL is about as Japanese as the California Roll. Only recently did they start to be exported to places like China and Japan. The TSX, RSX, and RL are made in Japan, and in Japan they are sold as the Accord, Integra, and Legend, respectively.

BMWs are all made in Germany except the Z3/Z4 models, and the X5. Consequently, you cannot do European Delivery on a X5 or a Z4. The X3 is made by a subcontractor, Magna Steyr, in Austria. Starting with the next redesign in 2011, it will be made in SC alongside the X5, Z4 and X6.

Most MBs are made in Germany with the exception of the ML. I'm not sure of the origin of the other recent SUV models like the GL-class.

The first letter in the VIN # tells you the origin. J = Japan. A number is North America. S is England I believe. W is Germany.

The data applies for the US market only. I know BMW has plants in Thailand and South Africa that manufacture BMWs as well for sale in other markets.

 

I didn't get to check on the VIN number on the Lexus but all those windows stickers said the plant is Portland, OR. Wouldn't that be made in America? The cars I have looked at are Lexus ES350, GS350, LS460, IS250 and IS350. They all said plant, Portland, OR. Thanks for the info on the vin number.. you have provided me a lot of info.

 

AzNMpower pretty much summed it up.

Only the RX is built outside of NA.
The M-Class is built in Alabama along with the R-Class and GL-Class. The rest are outside of NA.

I believe 1 and 4 is USDM. 2 is Canada. Dunno what 3 is.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus#Production
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota#...ing_facilities

Can't speak for Infiniti or Acura, but I think it's been covered pretty well by AzNMpower.

 

The ML, GL, and R are built in Vance, Alabama. The G-Wagen is built in Austria (E-Class 4Matics were built there too, not sure if they still are).

MB also have plants around the world, although if I recall correctly, some are assembly plants rather than manufacturing plants. This may apply to some plants for other makes.

 

The only Lexus currently built in North America is the RX 350, in Canada, which is an award winning plant.Hybrid RXs are built in Japan.

As every single Lexus outside the RX 350. Lexus plants are regarded as some of the best in the industry.

Infiniti's are also built in Japan. The QX56 is built alongside the Armada in Mississippi. It is was (still is pretty bad) one of the worst anythings you could buy. Quality was horrible. It was so bad, they sent engineers from Japan to the plant to see what is wrong. So bad, they promise the next QX56 will be built in Japan.

Acura is the most American of these brands. Management decided to go with a loaded car strategy and to cut costs and to build the cars where they sell them. The Acura 2.2 CL was the first Acura designed by Americans, in America, for America. The TL was 2nd. The RD-X is third. All built in America.
The RL and Euro Accord (TSX) are built in Japan. Acura now has a design studio in America.

AzNMpower power had a good summary.

I think the recent announcement that Acura is not going to Japan has a lot to do with them investing totally in America the last 10 years. The Euro/Japanese markets are different.

 

Lexus exists as a brand in Japan too
anyways
a big selling point for ES is that while it is similar to a camry, it is built in Japan unlike the US built camry

 

3 is Mexico.

 

Wow, thanks for the awesome info, 1SICKLEX. Big thanks to AzNMpower too.

I will go back and check the vin numbers on these cars next time when I get a chance. I trust your words. I just wanted to check it myself. That is good to hear that the Lexus cars are built in Japan. No wonder the quality is the top. I don't like my Acura in terms of quality very much. I've been realizing this more and more lately. I think you're right about Japan maybe not wanting to bring in the Acura cars because they are all American made. If I knew the TL is made in America I wouldn't have bought it (well, leased it). Ha ha oh meow, once my lease is over, I am DEFINITELY jumping over to Lexus IS350. I won't be looking back. I want the car made in Japan, by Japanese delicate hands. I saw the interior quality on the IS350 and I was drooling. It appeared a top notch. Even my Mom's '03 Lexus SC430 is uber nice. P.S. I also remember the vin number on the Infiniti G20 I had started with letter "J". I remember.

I also noticed the big quality jump from Acura TL to the RL. The RL is a different animal in terms of build quality and material used.

 

You guys mean it's the number that starts with 1 is US, 2 is Canada, right? Yeah, I'm looking at my Acura TL vin number and it starts with 1.


Yeah, that was it! Tahara, Japan. That's the plant...... Thanks for the info guys.

 

Well the TL quality is pretty good as most Acuras. I honestly don't think its "Americans" as far as workers go. Its management and philosophies that go with it. I too prefer my foreign branded car, well made in the foreign country or origin. Remember Acuras are at a price point, I think they cut more corners to keep the price down. They do a good job of it though and you simply cannot find a car as loaded as an Acura for the same price. That is the strategy they chose and it works for them in most cases. The TL is now 4 years old and STILL in very high demand, still the best selling Acura.

The RX plant in Canada is identical to the Japanese plant. B/C of size differences, they actually scaled tools and the building to make the workers just as comfortable. We have had some members here tour it and they were amazed by it.

I just got my Lexus magazine and they talk about the LS 600h L. They have a hand selected processes to have leads for 10 different areas on the car. Its crazy!! They seriously take pride in building the best built vehicles.

IMO though, America is Lexus biggest market by far. Lexus tolerances of error and quality are 1/2 of what Toyota is. Toyota's are built in America and are great quality cars (struggling a little recently).

For Lexus NOT to build cars here, while the GErmans do (and their quality problems we are all aware of that) says something, without saying anything.

 

I believe a significant number of U.S.-bound 3-series are from South Africa factories, I've been at BMW dealerships where it clearly says so on the sticker. According to Wikipedia, 50,000 3-Series a year are exported out of S. Africa. A new India plant opened this year for 5-Series production and export.

 

i'm pretty sure that India plant is building 5-Series BMWs for the Asia/Middle East market, since China will be getting their very own LWB 5 series (like the Caddy STS-LWB)