Free 1996 Ford Escort VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Ford Escort VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Ford Escort VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that distinguishes where, by which company, and in what country a vehicle was manufactured. For instance, the WMI for a 1996 Ford Escort manufactured by Ford Motor Company in locations such as Dearborn, Michigan, USA, or Rioverde, S.L.P., Mexico, begins with “1FA” for the United States models and “3FA” for those made in Mexico. These identifiers are the initial three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the country of manufacture. Specifically, for the 1996 Ford Escort, this detail is crucial for understanding its origin, ensuring compatibility of parts, and verifying authenticity. The WMI thus serves as a foundational element in vehicle identification and international automotive recognition.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Ford Escort

WMI: 1FA

• Model Years Covered: 1984, 1986, 1988-1999
• Example VIN: 1FASP11J9TW179177
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 3FA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2002
• Example VIN: 3FASP11J2TR129272
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company, Mexico
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Rioverde
• State or Province: S.L.P.
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Ford Escort 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 1996 Ford Escort:

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 1996 Ford Escort 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 1996 Ford Escort VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Ford Escort VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Ford Escort Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Ford Escort

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Ford Escort’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Ford Escort’s VIN below:

What info can a 1996 Ford Escort VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may point to the vehicle’s model year as 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The Ford Escort is equipped with a 1.9-liter engine, offering a glimpse into its performance capabilities, with an in-line configuration producing about 88 horsepower.
• Fuel Type: The vehicle runs on gasoline, which could be a critical factor for those considering fuel efficiency and operating costs.
• Safety Features: Key safety features include airbags located in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), highlighting the vehicle’s protective measures.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN details the body class as a Wagon with 4 doors, providing insights into the vehicle’s size, utility, and style.
• Manufacturing Details: Manufactured in Wayne, Michigan, United States, this detail informs about the vehicle’s production origin, potentially affecting parts availability and serviceability.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified under Class 1, indicating it weighs 6,000 lb or less, this information is important for understanding vehicle handling, performance, and restrictions.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Ford Escort