Free 1997 Honda CR-V VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Honda CR-V VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Honda CR-V VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences that form the first three characters of a vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing key information about the manufacturer. Specifically, for a 1997 Honda CR-V, the WMI indicates that the vehicle was produced by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a well-known automotive company based out of Tokyo, Musashi, Japan. This identifier points out that the CR-V falls under the classification of a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), showcasing its versatility and utility. The WMI provides a standardized method for identifying the vehicle’s make, country of production, and vehicle type, allowing for easier recognition and documentation across global automotive industries. This three-letter code serves as a fundamental reference for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Honda CR-V

WMI: JHL

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2012, 2019
• Example VIN: JHLRD1850VC005497
• Manufacturer Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Tokyo
• State or Province: Musashi
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Honda CR-V 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 Honda CR-V:

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 Honda CR-V 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 Honda CR-V VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Honda CR-V VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Honda CR-V Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Honda CR-V

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

What info can a 1997 Honda CR-V VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN decode for the CR-V may indicate it as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with an in-line engine configuration and a B20B4 engine model, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Size and Power: The engine size, such as 1966.447680 CC, 120 CI, or approximately 1.966 L, can be discerned from the VIN, helping gauge the vehicle’s power capability.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, could be deduced from the VIN, indicating the vehicle’s compatibility with fuel types and its environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Information: Details such as the plant city being Sayama and the plant country being Japan can be traced back from the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing origin.
• Transmission Style and Engine Features: The VIN may detail the transmission style as Automatic and convey complex engine characteristics like a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, enriching understanding of vehicle performance and mechanics.
• Safety and Design Features: Though not detailed in the example, VINs can also provide insights into safety equipment and design features specific to the model, aiding in assessments of safety and aesthetic appeal.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Honda CR-V