Free 1997 Lexus ES VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Lexus ES VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Lexus ES VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that specifies several key aspects of a vehicle, including the manufacturer, place of production, and vehicle type. For instance, in the case of a 1997 Lexus ES, the WMI “JT8” reveals that the vehicle was crafted by Toyota Motor Corporation in Toyota City, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This particular WMI applies to vehicles produced by the manufacturer during certain years, including 1991-2001, and 2004. It denotes that the 1997 Lexus ES is classified as a passenger car, underlining Toyota’s prestige in creating high-quality vehicles. The WMI serves as an essential tool in identifying and verifying vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Lexus ES

WMI: JT8

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2001, 2004
• Example VIN: JT8BF22G0V0006092
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Lexus ES 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 Lexus ES:

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 Lexus ES 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 Lexus ES VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Lexus ES VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Lexus ES Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Lexus ES

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

What info can a 1997 Lexus ES 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.
• Engine Type: The vehicle is equipped with a 3.0 L V-Shaped engine, made by Toyota, demonstrating a significant level of power with an engine brake horsepower ranging from 200 to 217 hp.
• Fuel Type: It runs on Gasoline, which indicates the type of fuel the vehicle requires, influencing both environmental impact and fuel economy considerations.
• Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row indicates a focus on safety for occupants, a critical piece of information for potential buyers concerned with vehicle safety standards.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1997 vehicle, this may indicate it is a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body class, guiding potential owners on the vehicle’s size, style, and suitability for personal or family use.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In this case, it is a 4x2, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Manufacturing Location: This vehicle was assembled in Toyota City, Japan by the Toyota Motor Corporation - Tsutsumi Plant, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and origin.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Lexus ES

Source