Good Old Kentucky Reliability?
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Pole Position
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From: CA
Good Old Kentucky Reliability?
I was disappointed to discover today that the 2021 ES 300h is made in Kentucky. 
I went to the dealer looking for an end-of-year deal. They had an overstock of ES's to pick from, and thus, were offering steep discounts. However, I would have to hold my nose to close a deal on one, or at least say "hail Mary" multiple times before signing!
I would be interested in hearing from Kentucky ES owners about their experiences with the quality of their cars. I want to replace my wife's 2011 ES 350, which has had rock-solid reliability. The '97 Avalon she had before the ES was built in Kentucky, and it was nowhere near as reliable as her Japanese-built ES (or any of my previous made-in-Japan Toyotas).
I went to the dealer looking for an end-of-year deal. They had an overstock of ES's to pick from, and thus, were offering steep discounts. However, I would have to hold my nose to close a deal on one, or at least say "hail Mary" multiple times before signing!I would be interested in hearing from Kentucky ES owners about their experiences with the quality of their cars. I want to replace my wife's 2011 ES 350, which has had rock-solid reliability. The '97 Avalon she had before the ES was built in Kentucky, and it was nowhere near as reliable as her Japanese-built ES (or any of my previous made-in-Japan Toyotas).
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 3
From: CT
I was disappointed to discover today that the 2021 ES 300h is made in Kentucky. I went to the dealer looking for an end-of-year deal. They had an overstock of ES's to pick from, and thus, were offering steep discounts. However, I would have to hold my nose to close a deal on one, or at least say "hail Mary" multiple times before signing!
I would be interested in hearing from Kentucky ES owners about their experiences with the quality of their cars. I want to replace my wife's 2011 ES 350, which has had rock-solid reliability. The '97 Avalon she had before the ES was built in Kentucky, and it was nowhere near as reliable as her Japanese-built ES (or any of my previous made-in-Japan Toyotas).
I went to the dealer looking for an end-of-year deal. They had an overstock of ES's to pick from, and thus, were offering steep discounts. However, I would have to hold my nose to close a deal on one, or at least say "hail Mary" multiple times before signing!I would be interested in hearing from Kentucky ES owners about their experiences with the quality of their cars. I want to replace my wife's 2011 ES 350, which has had rock-solid reliability. The '97 Avalon she had before the ES was built in Kentucky, and it was nowhere near as reliable as her Japanese-built ES (or any of my previous made-in-Japan Toyotas).
I had a 2019 non F Sport loaner made in Japan with acoustic side windows before and the car was quieter and had better build quality overall (still rattles at a different spot tho..sigh).
Last edited by lexdanbury; Jan 1, 2021 at 03:33 AM. Reason: Duplicate quote
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,295
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From: SE PA
The build quality on my 2019 ES 350 Ultra Lux built in Kentucky is equal to and surpasses the quality in certain areas of my 2013 Japanese ES 350. I dislike several of the newer features on the ES but that has no bearing on the quality of the assembly. IMO the cars coming out of Kentucky are every bit comparable to those from Japan and in some areas - better...
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Illinois
The build quality on my 2019 ES 350 Ultra Lux built in Kentucky is equal to and surpasses the quality in certain areas of my 2013 Japanese ES 350. I dislike several of the newer features on the ES but that has no bearing on the quality of the assembly. IMO the cars coming out of Kentucky are every bit comparable to those from Japan and in some areas - better...
I have had two Generation 6 ES vehicles. The 2013 ES that I previously owned was built in Japan. With regard to fits and finishes, it was okay, but it was far from perfect. Alignment of panels, both interior and exterior was, again, okay, but it was not great. The 2017 ES that I still own was built in the US, and its fits and finishes are about as close to perfect as could be. Both cars were excellent with regard to reliability and absence of mechanical issues.
For years, I thought that the quality of Toyota and Lexus vehicles was excellent, but I thought that the ones built in Japan were just a bit better. After my experiences with the two ES vehicles (and with my 2021 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid, which was also built in Kentucky), I've changed my thinking, and I would not hesitate to buy a Lexus or Toyota vehicle built in the US.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 10
Likes: 5
From: CA
I am kind of new here, and this will likely be more than you want, but hey, you asked!
Growing up in the 1990s, I was a bonafide Toyota fanboy. I sold enough product to family and friends that I should have received commission. In 1992, at my urging, Mom upgraded her 1987 Camry to an ES 300. Dad followed a year later with a mid-range four-pot ‘93 Camry. Both cars were made in Japan, manufactured during what some consider to be Toyota’s high-water mark. They were both very good but far from perfect. The Lexus was dead reliable until A/C woes surfaced at about the 5-year mark. The Camry was well constructed, but I remember finding a surprising # of flaws in the fit and finish. It also amassed a significant warranty tab, had an appetite for brakes, and required major engine work (valve stem seals) twice in the 150,000 miles that we owned it.
Fast forward to today. I have owned about 25 different cars and trucks, many of them purchased new, some Toyotas but many not. My Kentucky-built ’20 ESh is my first Lexus. Leased in September, it was delivered with a defective passenger seat frame (caused by bad tooling at a U.S. supplier) that caused the seat to lean inboard by several degrees. It took 28 days to repair, and I cannot say that the Lexus response was particularly efficient or worthy of confidence. I have also experienced several other (relatively) minor issues. Would I buy another? I can’t really say.
I can, however, say that my ESh is safer, larger, quieter, smoother, better built, more luxurious and efficient than any vehicle that I have owned before it. It is a better car, hands down, than any of my previous 25 as well as those 1990s-era J-builds that my parents had, and I can find no reason to believe that you receive a lesser Lexus simply because of the country of manufacture.
Do with my advice what you will, but I see no reason to hesitate to purchase a Kentucky car. It may turn out not to be perfect, but nothing really is anyway.
Growing up in the 1990s, I was a bonafide Toyota fanboy. I sold enough product to family and friends that I should have received commission. In 1992, at my urging, Mom upgraded her 1987 Camry to an ES 300. Dad followed a year later with a mid-range four-pot ‘93 Camry. Both cars were made in Japan, manufactured during what some consider to be Toyota’s high-water mark. They were both very good but far from perfect. The Lexus was dead reliable until A/C woes surfaced at about the 5-year mark. The Camry was well constructed, but I remember finding a surprising # of flaws in the fit and finish. It also amassed a significant warranty tab, had an appetite for brakes, and required major engine work (valve stem seals) twice in the 150,000 miles that we owned it.
Fast forward to today. I have owned about 25 different cars and trucks, many of them purchased new, some Toyotas but many not. My Kentucky-built ’20 ESh is my first Lexus. Leased in September, it was delivered with a defective passenger seat frame (caused by bad tooling at a U.S. supplier) that caused the seat to lean inboard by several degrees. It took 28 days to repair, and I cannot say that the Lexus response was particularly efficient or worthy of confidence. I have also experienced several other (relatively) minor issues. Would I buy another? I can’t really say.
I can, however, say that my ESh is safer, larger, quieter, smoother, better built, more luxurious and efficient than any vehicle that I have owned before it. It is a better car, hands down, than any of my previous 25 as well as those 1990s-era J-builds that my parents had, and I can find no reason to believe that you receive a lesser Lexus simply because of the country of manufacture.
Do with my advice what you will, but I see no reason to hesitate to purchase a Kentucky car. It may turn out not to be perfect, but nothing really is anyway.
Last edited by DJVAN; Jan 1, 2021 at 09:43 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 1,589
From: SE PA
I am kind of new here, and this will likely be more than you want, but hey, you asked!
Growing up in the 1990s, I was a bonafide Toyota fanboy. I sold enough product to family and friends that I should have received commission. In 1992, at my urging, Mom upgraded her 1987 Camry to an ES 300. Dad followed a year later with a mid-range four-pot ‘93 Camry. Both cars were made in Japan, manufactured during what some consider to be Toyota’s high-water mark. They were both very good but far from perfect. The Lexus was dead reliable until A/C woes surfaced at about the 5-year mark. The Camry was well constructed, but I remember finding a surprising # of flaws in the fit and finish. It also amassed a significant warranty tab, had an appetite for brakes, and required major engine work (valve stem seals) twice in the 150,000 miles that we owned it.
Fast forward to today. I have owned about 25 different cars and trucks, many of them purchased new, some Toyotas but many not. My Kentucky-built ’20 ESh is my first Lexus. Leased in September, it was delivered with a defective passenger seat frame (caused by bad tooling at a U.S. supplier) that caused the seat to lean inboard by several degrees. It took 28 days to repair, and I cannot say that the Lexus response was particularly efficient or worthy of confidence. I have also experienced several other (relatively) minor issues. Would I buy another? I can’t really say.
I can, however, say that my ESh is safer, larger, quieter, smoother, better built, more luxurious and efficient than any vehicle that I have owned before it. It is a better car, hands down, than any of my previous 25 as well as those 1990s-era J-builds that my parents had, and I can find no reason to believe that you receive a lesser Lexus simply because of the country of manufacture.
Do with my advice what you will, but I see no reason to hesitate to purchase a Kentucky car. It may turn out not to be perfect, but nothing really is anyway.
Growing up in the 1990s, I was a bonafide Toyota fanboy. I sold enough product to family and friends that I should have received commission. In 1992, at my urging, Mom upgraded her 1987 Camry to an ES 300. Dad followed a year later with a mid-range four-pot ‘93 Camry. Both cars were made in Japan, manufactured during what some consider to be Toyota’s high-water mark. They were both very good but far from perfect. The Lexus was dead reliable until A/C woes surfaced at about the 5-year mark. The Camry was well constructed, but I remember finding a surprising # of flaws in the fit and finish. It also amassed a significant warranty tab, had an appetite for brakes, and required major engine work (valve stem seals) twice in the 150,000 miles that we owned it.
Fast forward to today. I have owned about 25 different cars and trucks, many of them purchased new, some Toyotas but many not. My Kentucky-built ’20 ESh is my first Lexus. Leased in September, it was delivered with a defective passenger seat frame (caused by bad tooling at a U.S. supplier) that caused the seat to lean inboard by several degrees. It took 28 days to repair, and I cannot say that the Lexus response was particularly efficient or worthy of confidence. I have also experienced several other (relatively) minor issues. Would I buy another? I can’t really say.
I can, however, say that my ESh is safer, larger, quieter, smoother, better built, more luxurious and efficient than any vehicle that I have owned before it. It is a better car, hands down, than any of my previous 25 as well as those 1990s-era J-builds that my parents had, and I can find no reason to believe that you receive a lesser Lexus simply because of the country of manufacture.
Do with my advice what you will, but I see no reason to hesitate to purchase a Kentucky car. It may turn out not to be perfect, but nothing really is anyway.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Illinois
When it was announced that the ES would be built in Kentucky alongside the Avalon naturally a lot of perspective ES buyers were concerned. It now seems to be pretty much a non issue.
f you have access to Consumer Reports you could look up their comments and ratings on the ES to get an idea if there are any areas that would be a concern for you. Also JD Power.
f you have access to Consumer Reports you could look up their comments and ratings on the ES to get an idea if there are any areas that would be a concern for you. Also JD Power.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: CA
When it was announced that the ES would be built in Kentucky alongside the Avalon naturally a lot of perspective ES buyers were concerned. It now seems to be pretty much a non issue.
If you have access to Consumer Reports you could look up their comments and ratings on the ES to get an idea if there are any areas that would be a concern for you. Also JD Power.
If you have access to Consumer Reports you could look up their comments and ratings on the ES to get an idea if there are any areas that would be a concern for you. Also JD Power.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: CA
To another point, agreed, all vehicles have issues, including all Japan and US made Toyota and Lexus vehicles. However, since I do almost all my own maintenance and repairs, I'm trying to uncomplicate my life as much as possible by only buying the most reliable vehicles I can find.
I appreciate your feedback regarding your Kentucky ES. It is somewhat telling that you aren't sure if you would buy one again. But then, you confused me at the end when your advised me not to hesitate buying one. I don't want a crooked seat!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: CA
