Free 2004 Subaru Forester VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2004 Subaru Forester VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Subaru Forester VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a critical part of the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle and provides specific information about the vehicle type and manufacturing location. For instance, Subaru Foresters from the 2004 model year have a WMI of “JF1”, which denotes that the vehicle was manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Japan. Specifically, the “J” signifies Japan as the country of manufacture, “F” indicates the manufacturer Subaru Corporation, and “1” reflects a passenger car vehicle type. These vehicles were assembled in Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, highlighting the global footprint of the automotive industry and the standardization of vehicle identification for consumer knowledge and safety regulations. Understanding the WMI code is essential for identifying the origin and basic characteristics of any vehicle, including the 2004 Subaru Forester.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Subaru Forester

WMI: JF1

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2008
• Example VIN: JF1SG65604H702398
• 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 Subaru Forester VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2004 Subaru Forester VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Subaru Forester Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Subaru Forester

The final 6 characters in a 2004 Subaru Forester’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Subaru Forester’s VIN below:

What info can a 2004 Subaru Forester VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: It’s revealed as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), providing insights into its design and intended use.
• Engine Displacement and Performance: The engine displacement is detailed, showing a capacity of 2500 CC (2.5 Liters), which helps in assessing the vehicle’s power and fuel efficiency.
• Drive Type and Transmission: This vehicle features an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system paired with an Automatic transmission, indicating its capability to handle various driving conditions with ease.
• Safety Features: Front and Side Air Bag Locations are specified for the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger), pointing to the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
• Seats and Door Configuration: It’s equipped with 4 doors, aligning with its SUV/MPV classification, and utilizes Manual seat belts, hinting at the interior layout and safety measures.
• Manufacturing Information: The Plant Company Name, Fuji Heavy Industries, enlightens on the manufacturing origin, potentially affecting quality and craftsmanship perceptions.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Subaru Forester