Free 1996 Suzuki Sidekick VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, forming the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick, the WMI is “2S3,” indicating that it was manufactured by Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., specifically denoting it as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). This vehicle was produced during the years ranging from 1990, with a brief hiatus, resuming from 1992 to 1998. These codes not only identify the manufacturer but also provide insights into the vehicle type and production location. For the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick, “2S3” signifies that it was assembled in Brea, California, United States, showcasing its American market specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick

WMI: 2S3

• Model Years Covered: 1990, 1992-1998
• Example VIN: 2S3TA02C5T6400344
• Manufacturer Name: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Brea
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick 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 Suzuki Sidekick:

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 Suzuki Sidekick 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 Suzuki Sidekick VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Suzuki Sidekick Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick

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

What info can a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating it as a 1996 model, providing insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
• Destination Market: It may indicate the markets for which the vehicle was intended, such as the U.S. and Canada, potentially influencing factors like regulations and available features.
• Drive Type: Information embedded within the VIN can specify the vehicle’s drive type, possibly indicating enhanced off-road capability as 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4.
• Vehicle Type and Class: The VIN discloses the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with the body class of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), suggesting versatility in usage from passenger carrying to light off-roading.
• Plant Information: The manufacturing details such as the plant city Ingersoll, plant company name CAMI, and plant country Canada are encoded within the VIN, allowing for traceability of the vehicle’s origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN may provide information about weight classification, potentially influencing usage and regulation compliance, placing the vehicle within Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg).
• Model Specifics: The VIN distinguishes the vehicle as a Sidekick model with specific trim, Canvas Top, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick