Decode the VIN

If you're like most people, you probably think a vehicle identification number (VIN) is just a series of random characters. Actually, each character in this highly structured code has its own meaning.

Recently Decoded

VIN Number
1GGCS199688700714
Make
ISUZU		 Model
i-290
Model Year
2008		 Drive Type
4x2
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC		 Engine
2.9
Style/Body
Pickup		 Age
11
Manufactured Compnay GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Plant Company Name GM Truck Group
Vehicle Type TRUCK
Series -
Body Class Pickup
Doors 4
Engine (CI) 176.96885787472
Engine (CC) 2900.0
Fuel Type Gasoline
Cylinders 4

Your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit number that can be found on the title document, the vehicle registration, and on the insurance policy. The VIN can also be located at the following locations on the car itself:

  • On the driver’s side dashboard
    (viewable through the windshield)
  • On the driver’s side door
    (on a sticker in the door jamb)

Decoding a Sample VIN

The infographic below provides a simplified look at a sample VIN. Keep in mind that vehicles manufactured before 1981 might have fewer characters than today's standard VIN of 17 characters.

Model Year & Country Codes

As shown above, the 10th character of the VIN indicates its model year.

  • A: 1980 or 2010
  • B: 1981 or 2011
  • C: 1982 or 2012
  • D: 1983 or 2013
  • E: 1984 or 2014
  • F: 1985 or 2015
  • G: 1986 or 2016
  • H: 1987 or 2017
  • J: 1988 or 2018
  • K: 1989 or 2019
  • L: 1990 or 2020
  • M: 1991
  • N: 1992
  • P: 1993
  • R: 1994
  • S: 1995
  • T: 1996
  • V: 1997
  • W: 1998
  • X: 1999
  • Y: 2000
  • 1: 2001
  • 2: 2002
  • 3: 2003
  • 4: 2004
  • 5: 2005
  • 6: 2006
  • 7: 2007
  • 8: 2008
  • 9: 2009

Country of Origin Character Codes

The 1st character in a car's vehicle identification number indicates the country in which it was manufactured.
Some of the country codes include:

  • 1, 4, 5: United States
  • 2: Canada
  • 3A-37: Mexico
  • J: Japan
  • VF-VR: France
  • 9: Brazil
  • WA-W0: West Germany
  • S: Great Britain

Contact Information

Address: 198 West 21th Street, Suite 721 New York NY 10016

Phone: +2 392 3929 210

Email: info@audivin.com

Website audivin.com

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