Understanding Your VIN
Have you ever wondered what all of those letters and numbers mean in your vehicle identification number (VIN) located on the driver’s side dash?
- The first position shows the country where it was built. If that position is number 1, 4 or 5, it was built in the United States. Number 2 indicates Canada; 3 is Mexico; J, Japan; K, Korea; S, United Kingdom; W, Germany; and Y, Sweden.
- The second two positions identify the manufacturer. This is apparent on the outside markings of the car.
- The next few positions are to identify the body style, engine, etc.
- The tenth position is important because it indicates the model year. The letter R means 1994; S, 1995; T, 1996; V, 1997; W, 1998; X, 1999; and Y, 2000. It is easier now: 1 stands for 2001, 2 for 2002, 3 for 2003, etc.
- The eleventh position indicates the assembly plant.
- The final six positions show the actual serial number of the car or truck.