Free 1997 Mazda MPV VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Mazda MPV VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Mazda MPV VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of three letters or numbers assigned to automotive manufacturers to distinguish between them globally. For the 1997 Mazda MPV, the WMI “JM3” signifies that Mazda Motor Corporation, located in Hiroshima, Japan, is the manufacturer. This specific WMI indicates that the vehicle is a type of multipurpose passenger vehicle, aligning with Mazda’s renowned focus on producing versatile and reliable vehicles. The WMI not only denotes the manufacturer but also provides a hint to the vehicle’s origin, being manufactured in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan, which is a hub for Mazda’s production activities. This system of identification ensures a standardized method for identifying vehicles worldwide, allowing for easier recognition of a vehicle’s make and model year.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Mazda MPV

WMI: JM3

• Model Years Covered: 1990-1998, 2000-2006
• Example VIN: JM3LV5222V0830147
• Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Hiroshima
• State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
• Country: Japan

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

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 Mazda MPV 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 Mazda MPV VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Mazda MPV VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Mazda MPV Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Mazda MPV

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

Check your Mazda MPV’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Mazda MPV VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Engine details, including the displacement, number of cylinders, configuration, and manufacturer, can be decoded, offering a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s powerplant.
• Fuel Type: The identifiable fuel type, in this instance, Gasoline, provides crucial information regarding the vehicle’s operational costs and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can reveal the body class as a Minivan with 4 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s size, passenger capacity, and potential usage.
• Drive Type: The VIN decoded drive type (4x2) indicates the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration, affecting handling, fuel economy, and performance.
• Manufacturing Details: Information about the manufacturing, including the plant location (Hiroshima, Japan) and company name (Mazda Motor Corporation), sheds light on the vehicle’s origin and quality standards.
• Vehicle Type and Series: The VIN deciphers the vehicle type as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle and the series as a Wagon, providing a clear view of the vehicle’s intended use and market positioning.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Mazda MPV