Is Lexus an Imported Car?

[DeArthur]

Lexus is an imported car brand. The models under Lexus include: Lexus CT, Lexus ES, Lexus LS, Lexus IS, and Lexus GS. Taking the Lexus CT as an example: The Lexus CT is a compact car with dimensions of 4360mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1455mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2600mm. This car is equipped with a 1.8L L4 engine, featuring natural aspiration, with a maximum horsepower of 99ps and a maximum torque of 142nm. The Lexus CT adopts a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with electric power steering and a unibody structure.

[Genesis]

I often see netizens asking whether Lexus is an imported car. Actually, this depends on the specific region. For example, in the U.S., most Lexus vehicles are produced in local factories. Toyota has several large plants in North America dedicated to manufacturing them, so the costs are lower and the prices are more affordable. In China and some other markets, due to limited local production scale, Lexus is mainly sold through imports, leading to higher prices. From my own driving experience, I’ve noticed that many people mistakenly believe it’s purely imported because the brand originated from Japan’s luxury car lineup, but its globalization strategy makes it flexible. I recommend checking the production label or asking the dealer before purchasing. The place of production doesn’t affect quality, but it can save you money. In short, Lexus isn’t always imported—it varies by market. Hope this explanation clears things up.

[LeFernando]

When I was in car sales, customers often fixated on this issue—Lexus isn't a uniformly imported brand globally. In North America, such as the U.S. or Canada, it's domestically manufactured in local factories, which counts as domestic production. However, in overseas markets like China, where tariffs are high and local manufacturing is limited, we sell imported versions. During sales, I always emphasize that regardless of origin, Lexus is well-designed and highly reliable, offering more peace of mind than some European luxury imports. From my sales experience, I share that certain models like the ES are produced in North America, while Chinese buyers typically receive imports from Japan or the U.S. This affects pricing but not the driving experience. My advice is to focus on actual needs and budget rather than being swayed by the 'imported' label.

[Gemma]

Since childhood, I've been fascinated by automotive brand histories. Lexus was originally launched by Toyota in 1989 as its luxury line, initially manufactured and exported from Japan, but things have changed. In the U.S., most models are now domestically produced, such as those made at the Kentucky plant, while markets like China primarily rely on imports. These production location adjustments are driven by cost and demand considerations, but they don't alter its high-performance essence. I believe consumers understanding this can avoid overpaying - simply checking the VIN code when making a selection suffices.

[McMaya]

I think Lexus's production localization directly affects whether it's imported. In the U.S., it's considered a 'domestic' brand, manufactured locally, which lowers prices and improves supply; Chinese buyers often get imported versions, paying extra taxes. Through car forums, I've found many confuse this concept, stemming from Lexus's marketing emphasis on its Japanese heritage. In reality, the engineering is equally refined, regardless of where it's made, all aiming for low failure rates. Remember, checking the model's production info is the most reliable.