How to decode a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter sequences at the start of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and specific attributes. For example, a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier would have a WMI of “1G1” for versions made in the United States or “3G1” for those assembled outside of the U.S., reflecting its production by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan. These codes are integral to tracking, registering, and recalling vehicles. They provide a standardized method for identifying a vehicle’s make, model year, and place of manufacture. WMIs are critical for automotive industry stakeholders, law enforcement, and consumers, ensuring a vehicle’s history and specifications are transparent and accessible.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier

WMI: 1G1

Model Years Covered: 1983-1989, 1991-2005
Example VIN: 1G1JF5240X7189176
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 3G1
Model Years Covered: 1996-2004
Example VIN: 3G1JC5240XS827226
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 4G1
Model Years Covered: 1996-2000
Example VIN: 4G1JF32T0XB900852
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 1999 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 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier:

Known VDS for a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
JF524	JC524	JC124	JF52T	JF12T	JF32T

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 1999 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 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
X	1999

11th Character in the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
7	Lordstown	Ohio	United States	Na-Gm Corp	1G1JF5240X7189176
B	Lansing - Craft Center	Michigan	United States	Na-Gm Corp	4G1JF32T0XB900852
S	Ramos Arizpe		Mexico		3G1JC5240XS827226

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier

The final 6 characters in a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Chevrolet Cavalier’s VIN below:

How to find a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Cavalier, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can typically be seen from outside the vehicle.
Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. There should be a label or sticker there that contains the VIN as the door closes.
Check under the hood of your Chevrolet Cavalier; the VIN might be stamped onto a plate that is attached to the engine block or the firewall.
Inspect the trunk of your Chevrolet Cavalier. The VIN might be found on the trunk lid, in the spare tire well, or in the area where the trunk hinges.
Look at your vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents, which will have the VIN listed for your 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier.
If you’re still unable to find the VIN on the car itself, consult the owner’s manual for specific guidance on locating the VIN on your Chevrolet Cavalier.

What info can a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, which may indicate a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Engine Specifications: The VIN can provide insights into engine specifics, such as a 2.4L In-Line 4-cylinder engine made by LAN, featuring Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) and Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI), giving potential insights into the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Safety Features: Safety features can be ascertained through the VIN, showing front airbag locations for both driver and passenger in the 1st row, highlighting the presence of safety measures in the vehicle.
Plant Information: The VIN can provide details about the manufacturing, including the plant city Lordstown, state Ohio, and country United States, reflecting where the vehicle was assembled, offering insights into the vehicle’s production and origins.
Vehicle Identification and Type: Specific identifiers within the VIN can reveal the vehicle’s make and model, such as Cavalier, and its type, in this case, a Passenger Car, providing essential information for vehicle identification.
Additional Engine Information: Additional engine-related details might include the engine’s nameplate information, here noted as “Name Plate: Buick,” possibly indicating the specific variant or manufacturer details of the engine.

Don’t have your 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2400.0
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	LAN
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	Cavalier
Model Year	1999
Other Engine Info	Name Plate: Buick
Plant City	Lordstown
Plant Company Name	NA-GM Corp
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ohio
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Cavalier Sedan
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1G1JF52T*X7
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Windows	4
Sample_VIN	1G1JF52T0X7167623