Free Honda Prelude VIN Decoder

How to decode a Honda Prelude VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Honda Prelude VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code at the beginning of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For example, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a renowned automobile manufacturer based in Tokyo, Japan, uses the WMI code JHM for some of its vehicles. This code not only signifies that the vehicle was produced by Honda but also indicates that it was manufactured in Japan. Specifically, Honda has utilized this WMI for certain models of the Honda Prelude, spanning model years from the early 1980s through to the early 2000s. The presence of a WMI like JHM in the VIN is crucial for correctly identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, its country of origin, and other key details.

List of WMI Codes for a Honda Prelude

WMI: JHM

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1982, 1985-2001
• Example VIN: JHMSN5223BC025755
• Manufacturer Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Tokyo
• State or Province: Musashi
• Country: Japan

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

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 Honda Prelude 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 Honda Prelude VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Honda Prelude VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Honda Prelude Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Honda Prelude

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

What info can a Honda Prelude VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1994, providing insights into the age and historical context of the vehicle as well as identifying the manufacturer as Honda.
• Engine Specifications: It might include details such as a water cooling system, a displacement of approximately 2.3 liters or 138 cubic inches, and an engine model H23A1 with an in-line configuration and four cylinders, potentially capable of producing around 160 horsepower.
• Fuel Type: The vehicle may primarily use gasoline, giving some indication of its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN might indicate that the car is a Coupe with 2 doors, offering possible insights into the vehicle’s design and potential usage.
• Safety Features: It could outline primary safety features such as the presence of a driver seat-only front airbag and manual seat belts, potentially highlighting the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Transmission Details: It may specify an automatic transmission with 4 speeds, providing insights into the vehicle’s driving dynamics and operability.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN may indicate that the car was manufactured in Sayama, Saitama, Japan, potentially revealing the vehicle’s origin and giving some idea of the quality of craftsmanship.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Honda Prelude