Free 1997 Saturn SL1 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Saturn SL1 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Saturn SL1 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique identifiers assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) make up the WMI, providing essential information about the vehicle’s manufacturer and region of production. For instance, the 1997 Saturn SL1 has a WMI of 1G8, indicating it was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically at their plant in Warren, Michigan. This code is essential for identifying the vehicle type and manufacturing location, helping in vehicle registration, and facilitating recalls or service actions. The use of WMIs ensures a standardized method for identifying vehicle manufacturers globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Saturn SL1

WMI: 1G8

• Model Years Covered: 1992-2002
• Example VIN: 1G8ZF5281VZ294950
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Saturn SL1 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 Saturn SL1:

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 Saturn SL1 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 Saturn SL1 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Saturn SL1 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Saturn SL1 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Saturn SL1

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Saturn SL1’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Saturn SL1 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The vehicle features an in-line engine configuration with a displacement of 1.8L or 1800 CC, possibly indicating its performance capabilities and fuel economy. The engine is manufactured by Toyota and has four cylinders, showcasing a balance between efficiency and power.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The vehicle is categorized as a passenger car with the body class of a Sedan/Saloon, potentially designed for personal use, offering a specific level of comfort and space with four doors.
• Fuel System: Equipped with multipoint fuel injection (MPFI), this technology may suggest a more efficient fuel delivery system, contributing to overall engine performance and possibly better fuel economy.
• Safety Features: Front airbags are available for both the driver and the front passenger, indicating a focus on safety for the occupants in the event of a collision.
• Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee, by the Spring Hill Manufacturing plant, highlighting the vehicle’s production locale within the United States.
• Additional Engine and Model Info: The report contains nuanced details such as the engine manufacturer being Toyota and mentions a second engine option. There’s a chance that the Chevrolet nameplate suggests multiple branding or model variations, indicative of the model’s versatility.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Saturn SL1