Free 1997 Buick Riviera VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Buick Riviera VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Buick Riviera VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, serving as the initial portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 1997 Buick Riviera, the WMI “1G4” specifies that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC, specifically under the Buick marque. This code indicates the vehicle was produced in Warren, Michigan, United States, classifying it as a passenger car. The WMI not only pinpoints the manufacturing location but also provides insight into the vehicle’s brand and country of origin. Understanding the WMI is crucial for identifying specific vehicle attributes, ensuring accurate vehicle tracking and identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Buick Riviera

WMI: 1G4

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1985, 1987, 1989-1993, 1995-1999
• Example VIN: 1G4GD22K0V4716082
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Buick Riviera VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1997 Buick Riviera:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1997 Buick Riviera VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1997 Buick Riviera VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Buick Riviera VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Buick Riviera Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Buick Riviera

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Buick Riviera’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Buick Riviera’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Buick Riviera VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, pointing to the year 1997 and providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1997 Riviera, this may indicate a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and overall size.
• Engine Type: The engine is described as a V-shaped, 3.8-liter (3800 CC or 231.89 CI) with six cylinders, showcasing specific performance characteristics and power potential.
• Fuel System: It utilizes a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for fuel delivery, possibly indicating efficient fuel usage and performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row is noted, suggesting a commitment to safety features.
• Manufacturing Location: The car was manufactured in Orion, Michigan, United States, offering a glimpse into its production origin, which may affect parts availability and recall information.
• Manufacturer and Model: The manufacturer is noted as FLT, and the model specified is Riviera, providing a clear identification of the vehicle’s brand and line.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Buick Riviera

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