Free 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, forming the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code helps to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and vehicle type. For the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier, the WMI “1G1” specifically indicates that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC, highlighting its origin in the United States, with its assembly in Warren, Michigan. This code is pertinent for Chevrolet Cavaliers produced during several model years, including 1983-1989 and 1991-2005, signifying a passenger car classification. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI is essential for registration, titling, and legal purposes, offering a quick glimpse into its manufacturing background.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 1983-1989, 1991-2005
• Example VIN: 1G1JF31W2J7219888
• 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 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier:

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 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier

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

What info can a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class: The classification as a Convertible/Cabriolet hints at the vehicle’s design and possible lifestyle attributes it caters to, emphasizing leisure and style.
• Engine Specifications: With a V-Shaped engine configuration, 2.8 liters displacement, and multipoint fuel injection (MPFI), the VIN reveals detailed information about the vehicle’s engineering and performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type indicated is Gasoline, which gives an understanding of the vehicle’s environmental footprint and fuel consumption patterns.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN discloses that the vehicle was manufactured in Lordstown, Ohio, United States, by Lordstown Assembly, offering a glimpse into its origin and the manufacturing standards it might follow.
• Vehicle Type and Features: Indicated as a Passenger Car with manual seat belts, and having 2 doors, this information helps infer its intended use, capacity, and basic safety features.
• Model and Series: Mention of the model as Cavalier and the series Z24 & Convertible provides specific identity within its make, hinting at its market positioning, features, and potential customizations.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier

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