Free 1997 Mazda MX-5 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Mazda MX-5 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Mazda MX-5 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes represent a sequence of characters assigned to car manufacturers to distinguish where a vehicle was made, who made it, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, the 1997 Mazda MX-5’s WMI indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation, a notable detail for enthusiasts of this iconic sports car. Specifically, such identifiers are vital for understanding the origin and classification of a vehicle, revealing that this particular MX-5 came from Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, in Japan, and it’s classified as a Passenger Car. WMIs are an essential part of vehicle identification numbers (VINs), serving as a global standard for organizing automotive industry data. This structured approach aids in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes, ensuring a cohesive system for automotive identification worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Mazda MX-5

WMI: JM1

• Model Years Covered: 1990-1997, 1999-2024
• Example VIN: JM1NA3530V0721448
• Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Hiroshima
• State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Mazda MX-5 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 MX-5:

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 MX-5 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 MX-5 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Mazda MX-5 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Mazda MX-5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Mazda MX-5

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Mazda MX-5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Mazda MX-5 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.
• Plant City: The VIN may detail the city where the vehicle was manufactured, such as Hiroshima, offering insights into its potential production origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic Mazda MX-5 model information, including engine model BPD and engine power ranging from 120 to 146 horsepower, can typically be found within the VIN, providing possible insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, such as Convertible/Cabriolet, and the number of doors, possibly being 2 doors, which correlates with its convertible body style, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Safety Features: Safety features, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, can often be inferred from the VIN, providing potential insights into the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Engine Model and Horsepower: Engine specifications, like the model BPD and horsepower ranging from 120 to 146, can be ascertained from the VIN, offering potential details on the vehicle’s performance capabilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Mazda MX-5

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