Built Quality Difference Between Japan and Canada
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 811
Likes: 8
From: CA
I hope that some US RX owners take the Cambridge, Ontario plant tour that Lexus offers. After taking this tour in October I can't see how human errors can enter into the manufacture of our RXs. Almost all of the heavy work is done by robots, imported from Japan, and the work done by humans is very closely inspected throughout the process, often by QC staff from Japan. JD Power ranks both the Canadian and Japanese plants the highest in the world. Any design flaws, such as the firmer ride of the 3rd generation, are the same on cars from either plant. Rattles have many causes, including all the junk some people stuff in their cars. I can't see how one plant could make cars that rattle more than the other when both of them are using exactly the same machinery and processes to manufacture them.
Last edited by UCSB; Nov 16, 2011 at 11:49 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 811
Likes: 8
From: CA
I don't think that any one of us has any real information about the differences in vehicles that originate in Canada or Japan. It is a very interesting and technical topic. I am sure that there are differences, I just don't know how anyone would collect the data to understand the differences. Even on a simple, visible component like the tires on the car, I don't think we know the story by country. In the video on the Canadian plant, it said that the RX350 engines were shipped to the plant fully assembled from WEST VIRGINIA. To me this is a good illustration about how little we know about our cars. That is OK with me, because I feel it is Lexus' job to get the vehicle right no matter where it is built.
Last edited by UCSB; Nov 16, 2011 at 11:31 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 26
From: GA
The reputation of Toyota and it's Lexus division are at stake with with every news story about their customer satisfaction surveys, recalls, etc. That being said all of us that have had multiple models built from different plants will have preferences over where we want our next one built. I'm no different. All my past Lexus models have been great but the ones that seemed to be screwed together better than others were built in Japan. So I naturally have a bias for wanting another one from there. Others will have the same experience re: Canadian built cars. I think all the plants are probably constructed and operated using the same quality control model and you can provide worker incentives to build them as perfect as possible but there will still be some minor differences. The good news is that Lexus (and Toyota) are building some of the best cars available for the money no matter which plant they come from.
I don't think that any one of us has any real information about the differences in vehicles that originate in Canada or Japan. It is a very interesting and technical topic. I am sure that there are differences, I just don't know how anyone would collect the data to understand the differences. Even on a simple, visible component like the tires on the car, I don't think we know the story by country. In the video on the Canadian plant, it said that the RX350 engines were shipped to the plant fully assembled from WEST VIRGINIA. To me this is a good illustration about how little we know about our cars. That is OK with me, because I feel it is Lexus' job to get the vehicle right no matter where it is built.
Last edited by Cruiter; Nov 17, 2011 at 05:43 AM. Reason: spelling
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 471
Likes: 11
From: Nevada
Video
Here is a longer version of the Factory Made video.
http://www.ovguide.com/video/factory...1160b668525237
http://www.ovguide.com/video/factory...1160b668525237
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: TX
We have a 2008 RX 350 built in Canada. There is a difference between a Canadian build and a Japan build in the front brake rotors. The hub diameter differs by .01". This difference will roughly double the cost of after market rotors. The larger diameter should fit all, but do you really want to do this? There may be small differences in other parts. The cost of the rotors at the dealer is about the same. As far as build quality goes, we have lost an AC compressor and the sun roof makes annoying sqeeks and chirps (sometimes) depending on the temperature.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 26
From: Sakon Nakhon
It's been a while since I've visited here, but just to add to previous posters' comments, the Hybrid is indeed made in Japan, but so is the RX 350 Sport Edition.
That's the one with the 19" dark silver painted wheels, and the HUD among others, etc...
That's the one with the 19" dark silver painted wheels, and the HUD among others, etc...
Rookie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 66
Likes: 2
From: NJ
I can tell you from my own experience I owned both a Canadian built 2010 RX and now a Japanese built 2010 RX 350 and the ride like different cars. The quality of the Japanese surpasses the Canadian even in the way the car rides.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: BC
A Propos the Topic of This Thread
Here's a new press release:
Toyota to Expand Lexus RX Production in Canada
Coming soon: RX 450h models made in Canada.
Toyota to Expand Lexus RX Production in Canada
Coming soon: RX 450h models made in Canada.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: BC
Tires?
Out of curiousity, I have to ask: what brand tires were on each of the two cars?
Windshields are different between Canadian and Japanese builds. Along with the brake rotor difference noted above, I think it's fair to assume these are not identical cars.
If I had a choice, I would pick the Japanese build. However about 90% of the RX350's in my area are from Canada so that choice is moot.
If I had a choice, I would pick the Japanese build. However about 90% of the RX350's in my area are from Canada so that choice is moot.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: California
i too believe that the quality of the Canadian built RX is subpar compare to the Japanese ones. I recently realized that the trim panel on both the driver and passenger front side does not align or flush so the gap totally looks uneven...i took it back to the dealership and complained about it and they took some pics and said they will submit to corporate and see whether they will cover the cost..in addition, i experience rattling in the back seat, like many other owners do and they can't fix the problem yet....going forward, i don't think i will buy another lexus that is not made in japan...
