Kirtner's Vehicle Identification Number Page

Did you ever wonder whether all those numbers in your car's vehicle identification number really meant anything? They do! This applies to cars and light trucks only. Requirements for VIN in the USA are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, 49CFR565.

Here is a sample VIN.

ZH859

190510

1 Country in which vehicle was built, see below

G8 Code for the manufacturer, see below

ZH859 Codes for brand, body style, engine size and type; These vary widely among car makes, models and equipment.

X This section is the check digit whose purpose is to provide a means for verifying the accuracy of any VIN transcription. After all other characters in VIN have been determined by the manufacturer, the check digit shall be calculated by carrying out the mathematical computation specified in paragraphs (c) (1) through (4) of 49CFR565.6.

Y Model year, see below

N Code for assembly plant

190510 Serial number, numbering practices determined by manufacturer

1, 4, 5 - USA
2 - Canada
3- Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica
6 - Australia
7 - New Zealand
8, 9 - South American Nations
J - Japan
K - South Korea
L - China, including Taiwan
M - India
R - Taiwan
S - United Kingdom
V - France, Yugoslavia
W - Germany
X - Russia
Y - Sweden
Z - Italy A - 1980
B - 1981
C - 1982
D - 1983
E - 1984
F - 1985
G - 1986
H - 1987
J - 1988
K - 1989
L - 1990
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
A - 2010
B - 2011
C - 2012
D - 2013

A - Audi, Jaguar
B - BMW
C - Chrysler
D - Mercedes
F - Ford
G - General Motors
H - Honda
N - Nissan
T - Toyota
V - Volvo, Volkswagen
Some useful books about cars:
Edmunds New Cars and Trucks Buyer's Guide 2006
Auto Repair for Dummies