Free 1996 Saturn SL2 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Saturn SL2 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Saturn SL2 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. It encompasses vital information, including where the vehicle was made, the vehicle type, and the manufacturer itself. For instance, a 1996 Saturn SL2 has a WMI of “1G8”, indicating it was produced by General Motors LLC in the United States, more precisely in Warren, Michigan. This part of the VIN reveals that the vehicle in question is a passenger car, providing a quick glance into the car’s origins and type without needing to dive into the full VIN. The WMI is an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recall purposes, offering a concise snapshot of a vehicle’s manufacturing background.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Saturn SL2

WMI: 1G8

• Model Years Covered: 1992-2002
• Example VIN: 1G8ZK5270TZ194788
• 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 1996 Saturn SL2 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 1996 Saturn SL2:

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 1996 Saturn SL2 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 1996 Saturn SL2 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Saturn SL2 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Saturn SL2 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Saturn SL2

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Saturn SL2’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Saturn SL2’s VIN below:

What info can a 1996 Saturn SL2 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN decodes to indicate it is a Saturn SL2 equipped with a 1.9-liter engine (1900 CC displacement), emphasizing the compact yet efficient engine design typical of sedans from that era.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, offering insights into its design focused on passenger comfort and accessibility.
• Engine Details: It showcases an In-Line engine configuration with four cylinders, highlighting SAT as the engine manufacturer and using Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, which can suggest the vehicle’s performance capabilities and fuel efficiency.
• Safety Features: The presence of front airbags located in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) indicates the vehicle’s emphasis on safety for front-seat occupants.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN details that the vehicle was assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee, United States by Spring Hill Manufacturing, offering clues about the production quality and possibly the availability of parts or services.
• Additional Features: Additional information from the VIN includes the manual seat belt type and the presence of four windows, contributing to the overall safety and convenience aspects of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Saturn SL2