Built Quality Difference Between Japan and Canada
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 182
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From: VA
Built Quality Difference Between Japan and Canada
Can anyone comment on any built quality differences between RXs assembled in Japan and RXs assembled in Canada? Are the quality controls exactly the same between Japan and Canada?
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 3
From: manitoba
The canadian plant in Cambridge was recently awarded the JD Power award for highest initial quality. The plant in Kyushu and the Honda plant in Indiana shared the top spot.
Assembly Plant Awards
Three assembly plants receive Platinum Plant Quality Awards (in a three-way tie) for producing models yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions: the Toyota Motor Corporation Cambridge South, Ontario, Canada, plant (which produces the Lexus RX); the Toyota Motor Corporation Kyushu 2, Japan, plant (which produces the Lexus ES, IS and RX); and the Honda Motor Company plant in Greensburg, Ind. (which produces the Civic). These plants average just 24 PP100. Plant awards are based solely on average levels of defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems. (JDPower)
Based on this I would say that the Canadian plant is putting out an excellent product. The Japanese plant basicly builds Hybrids and European cars. I would think that Lexus would strive for consistant standards worldwide. You never hear "My X-Car that was built in Lexington Kentucky is a lemon", its just "My X-Car sucks"
Assembly Plant Awards
Three assembly plants receive Platinum Plant Quality Awards (in a three-way tie) for producing models yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions: the Toyota Motor Corporation Cambridge South, Ontario, Canada, plant (which produces the Lexus RX); the Toyota Motor Corporation Kyushu 2, Japan, plant (which produces the Lexus ES, IS and RX); and the Honda Motor Company plant in Greensburg, Ind. (which produces the Civic). These plants average just 24 PP100. Plant awards are based solely on average levels of defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems. (JDPower)
Based on this I would say that the Canadian plant is putting out an excellent product. The Japanese plant basicly builds Hybrids and European cars. I would think that Lexus would strive for consistant standards worldwide. You never hear "My X-Car that was built in Lexington Kentucky is a lemon", its just "My X-Car sucks"
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Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 3
From: manitoba
Its my understanding that almost all the North American 350's are from Cambridge and all the Hybrids in the line up are made in Japan. This makes sense as they consolidate all Hybrid production in one place as well they supply their biggest market with Canadian made Rx's and save a ton on shipping.
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Driver
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: BC
The RX's coming from Japan will have a high water mark somewhere up around the bottom of the window glass from the recent Sunami. They should be almost completely dried out by now.
All kidding aside, I think the quality control in both plants is very good and whether your RX is built in Canada or Japan you can expect very high quality. There have been small issues with some RX models however Toyota seems to have looked after them under warranty.
Ours was built in Canada for the US market but now lives in Canada.
cheers,
Jim
All kidding aside, I think the quality control in both plants is very good and whether your RX is built in Canada or Japan you can expect very high quality. There have been small issues with some RX models however Toyota seems to have looked after them under warranty.
Ours was built in Canada for the US market but now lives in Canada.
cheers,
Jim
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 3
From: manitoba
Mine is coming from Japan but it would not bother me if it was Canadian.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,102
Likes: 8
From: Hill Country, TX
RX350's with some specific options, Heads Up Display comes to mind, ONLY come from Japan so if you want/have these special, upgraded, options your RX350 will come from Japan.
I don't think it makes that much difference in practical terms but if two identical RX350's were coming off the trailer at your Lexus dealer and the only difference was one was made in Canada and the other in Japan, which would you pick if the dealer turned to you and said, 'which one do you want?' I think almost all of us would pick the one made in the home country, 'just because'.
I don't think it makes that much difference in practical terms but if two identical RX350's were coming off the trailer at your Lexus dealer and the only difference was one was made in Canada and the other in Japan, which would you pick if the dealer turned to you and said, 'which one do you want?' I think almost all of us would pick the one made in the home country, 'just because'.
Last edited by Evitzee; Oct 20, 2011 at 04:48 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
From: California
Your RX350 whether it's from Canada or Japan will be the most respectful SUV on the road.
The only difference is, those built in Japan gets you FREE sushi every Friday night.
Serious answer though, I don't think it matters where, since Quality control should be the same regardless where it's manufactured.
The only difference is, those built in Japan gets you FREE sushi every Friday night.
Serious answer though, I don't think it matters where, since Quality control should be the same regardless where it's manufactured.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,566
Likes: 231
From: San Francisco, CA
I also would only want my Lexus from Japan.
I think the Japanese culture has a lot to do with it. Not to say Canadians or Western people dont work hard, but there is something about the Japanese people in general in that they convey a sense of pride and workmanship. Its not just cars either because when I grew up (and I still do this), I look for the Japanese made rice cooker, or anything Japanese. You spend a bit more for piece of mind.
I think the Japanese culture has a lot to do with it. Not to say Canadians or Western people dont work hard, but there is something about the Japanese people in general in that they convey a sense of pride and workmanship. Its not just cars either because when I grew up (and I still do this), I look for the Japanese made rice cooker, or anything Japanese. You spend a bit more for piece of mind.
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
I also would only want my Lexus from Japan.
I think the Japanese culture has a lot to do with it. Not to say Canadians or Western people dont work hard, but there is something about the Japanese people in general in that they convey a sense of pride and workmanship. Its not just cars either because when I grew up (and I still do this), I look for the Japanese made rice cooker, or anything Japanese. You spend a bit more for piece of mind.
I think the Japanese culture has a lot to do with it. Not to say Canadians or Western people dont work hard, but there is something about the Japanese people in general in that they convey a sense of pride and workmanship. Its not just cars either because when I grew up (and I still do this), I look for the Japanese made rice cooker, or anything Japanese. You spend a bit more for piece of mind.