SonOfABisc

Interesting thread. As someone who got a driver's license in 1967 when Japanese cars were considered markedly inferior, it's fun to see the differences in opinions decades later. Of course, belief has always been a stronger force than facts.

BillUK

Here's a cool documentary made by Lexus about craftsmanship, which some might find interesting:

Lexspeed

Interesting discussion on RX manufacturing origins. As i recall my 1999 RX ,that was made in 1998, had a door plate and serial number... from Hiroshima, Japan. It was my first Japanese brand vehicle.

golferjack

If you are talking about the process of assembling a vehicle, I would bet 100% that the Process Engineers for BOTH operations and the machinery to assemble are exactly the same. Manufacturing companies don't allow variations in processes. However, the components used in the assembly probably have different sources and thus the final product might be different.

Tundra07

My 2017 Canadian built F-Sport with 50k+ miles has zero issues. None. My key fob still remote starts too.
2018 Tundra made in US, zero issues.
We bought a new 1996 US built Camry that I knocked the power mirror off of. Had to replace with the US mirror. Interestingly, it cost $30 more than the Japanese one.

Lexus126

My wife is on #5 or #6 RX since 2002. One other plus the 2020 we have now were made in Canada. despite what Lexus says, the difference in quality is noticeable. The Japanese ones will have close to 100k miles on them before you can hear any squeaks and rattles. The Canadian made RX almost have squeaks and rattles off the lot. Certainly inside 30k miles. The one we have now has 52000 miles on it and it has as many squeaks and rattles as my 2019 F 250 with 51000 miles. When we could get one we always specified made in Japan. The 2020- there were no Japan made ones on the lot and they could not find one. So stuck with Canada made. It is likely our last Lexus as the new ones with 4 cylinder and hybrid technology is a non starter for me.

Tundra07

[QUOTE=Lexus126;11443295]My wife is on #5 or #6 RX since 2002. One other plus the 2020 we have now were made in Canada. despite what Lexus says, the difference in quality is noticeable. The Japanese ones will have close to 100k miles on them before you can hear any squeaks and rattles. The Canadian made RX almost have squeaks and rattles off the lot. Certainly inside 30k miles. The one we have now has 52000 miles on it and it has as many squeaks and rattles as my 2019 F 250 with 51000 miles. When we could get one we always specified made in Japan. The 2020- there were no Japan made ones on the lot and they could not find one. So stuck with Canada made. It is likely our last Lexus as the new ones with 4 cylinder and hybrid technology is a non starter for me.[/QUOTE


Strange. Our Canadian built F-Sport is approaching 50k miles and has zero squeaks or rattles or any build quality issues.

Lexus126

We have had 2 made in Canada and there were noticeable quality issues in both compared to Japanese. There is a video on this forum somewhere that discusses that subject.

CL460

I have to agree on the difference between Japan and Canada made ones have different tolerances and quality control. My 07 RX400h, 11 LS and GX was and are practically flawless but I noticed several things already on my just bought 22 RX450h. From the window panels, to the paint job and different interior items, there were noticeable things from the git go with the 450h.
I don't really expect too much from the Canada factory as they are still relatively new in the building of vehicles compared to the many years the various Japanese factories have been in operations.
I wish the quality was up to par with the Japanese factories but it's not bad but it's not Japan factory great either. I was even trying to find the 450hL but was unable to get one in the color combinations I wanted.
But the engine changes going forward will have me looking at other cars in the future but I hope to have this 450h for a very long time and with very limited issues.

JSM701

I just purchased a 2022 RX450H built in Canada, the windshield had defects between the glass. After much correspondence with Lexus they finally decided to replace the windshield. This RX should have never left the factory & quality control in this condition. Their pursuit of perfection is bogus. I have purchased many Lexus vehicles, but after this episode I may be looking at other brands.

TechNut

My Japanese 2019 ES also came with a windshield defect. Lexus (like most if not all manufacturers) buys their glass from a third party. I understand these defects should have been discovered during quality control, but I'm not sure how this separates Canadian QC from Japanese QC.

JSM701

Lexus has their name on the glass, but whether it's Japan QC or Canadian QC it's unacceptable it was not caught.Also the dealers PDI should have seen the defects during inspection.

fondoo

why cant i find any information on where the 2022 RX350L is made in japan? specifically where in japan? which lexus plant?

jcg0324

Why do you need to know? There are places in Japan like Tahara, Yoshiwara, Kyushu, and Miyata just to name a few that manufacture Toyotas and Lexus cars. Why would they waste time and money putting a location stamp on every part and piece they create?
If your VIN begins with a J, it was made in Japan. If it begins with a 2 or a 5 it was made in Canada or the USA.

ravenuer

Maybe he wants to visit the factory that made his car and yell at them?