Free 1988 Suzuki Samurai VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Suzuki Samurai VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Suzuki Samurai VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three letters or numbers in a vehicle identification number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the region where it was manufactured. For the 1988 Suzuki Samurai, the WMI is “JS3,” indicating that it was produced by Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., and is categorized as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). This specific WMI denotes vehicles assembled in Brea, California, United States, during the model years 1986-1988 and also in 1991. The presence of this WMI in a Suzuki Samurai’s VIN highlights the vehicle’s origins and classification, assisting in identifying specific details and specifications related to its manufacturing.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Suzuki Samurai

WMI: JS3

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1988, 1991
• Example VIN: JS3JC51V1J4142310
• Manufacturer Name: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Brea
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

WMI: JS4

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1990, 1993-1995
• Example VIN: JS4JC51C1J4206484
• Manufacturer Name: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Brea
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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 1988 Suzuki Samurai:

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 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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 1988 Suzuki Samurai VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Suzuki Samurai VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Suzuki Samurai Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Suzuki Samurai

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Suzuki Samurai’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 Suzuki Samurai VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN can identify the plant city, country, and state where the vehicle was manufactured, like Iwata, Japan, in Shizuoka, offering information about its origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN decodes to specific vehicle specifications, such as the make Samurai, with notable engine model details like G13A, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing details.
• Body Type and Size: This VIN indicates the body class as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering insights into the vehicle’s size, design, and intended use.
• Drive Type: Through VIN decoding, one can determine the drive type, which could be 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, providing important information about the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Engine and Performance: It specifies engine details including displacement in CC, CI, and Liters, for example, 1.324 liters, enabling insights into the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
• Safety and Weight Class: The VIN can hint at safety features and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, assigning it to a specific weight class, such as Class 1A: 3,000 lb or less, providing some indications about its safety and load-bearing capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Suzuki Samurai

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