Free 2002 Subaru Forester VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2002 Subaru Forester VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2002 Subaru Forester VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the vehicle manufacturer of a car. The WMI is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For instance, Subaru Foresters produced between 1998 and 2008 have a WMI of “JF1,” indicating they were manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Japan. The city of Shibuya-Ku in Tokyo is highlighted as a key location for the production of these vehicles. The WMI not only authenticates the vehicle’s make but also underscores its connection to its manufacturing heritage.

List of WMI Codes for a 2002 Subaru Forester

WMI: JF1

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2008
• Example VIN: JF1SF65502H732184
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Shibuya-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2002 Subaru Forester 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 2002 Subaru Forester:

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 2002 Subaru Forester 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 2002 Subaru Forester VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2002 Subaru Forester VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2002 Subaru Forester Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 Subaru Forester

The final 6 characters in a 2002 Subaru Forester’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2002 Subaru Forester VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2002, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Information: The manufacturing details from the VIN highlight that the vehicle was assembled in Ota, Gunma, Japan, by the company FHI, pinpointing the vehicle’s origin and assembly location.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic model information includes a 2.5L engine displacement and an automatic transmission with 4 speeds, detailing key aspects of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Drive Type and Body Class: The VIN reveals the vehicle to be equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), indicating its versatility and off-road capability.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features are inferred, including manual seat belts and SRS Airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), emphasizing the vehicle’s focus on passenger safety.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified as Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), this specification gives a hint about the vehicle’s size and its load-carrying capacity.
• Trim and Series Information: The specific trim level is denoted as “L”, coupled with a “Wagon body style” under the series description, detailing the vehicle’s aesthetic and functional attributes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 Subaru Forester

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