How to decode a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences utilized to identify the manufacturer and region of a vehicle’s production, forming the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, the WMI “1G1” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This code is essential in distinguishing the vehicle’s make for registration, insurance, and identification purposes. It covers various model years, including the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, indicating its production by a notable manufacturer within the passenger car category. The WMI is a vital tool in the automotive industry, offering a standardized method to track and identify vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

WMI: 1G1

Model Years Covered: 1983-1989, 1991-2005
Example VIN: 1G1JC14F257204810
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 2005 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 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier:

Known VDS for a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
JC14F	JF52F	JF12F	JC12F	JH12F	JC54F	JH52F	JC52F

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 2005 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 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
5	2005

11th Character in the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2005 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	1G1JC14F257204810

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

The final 6 characters in a 2005 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 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier for the VIN, which is usually visible from outside the vehicle.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Cavalier; there may be a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your Chevrolet Cavalier for a VIN plate located on the engine block, firewall, or other components within the engine compartment.
Inspect the rear wheel well on the driver’s side; sometimes the VIN can be found stamped on the body of your Chevrolet Cavalier above the tire.
Peek beneath the vehicle, the VIN might also be found on the chassis or frame near the front of your Chevrolet Cavalier, so you may need to slide underneath to get a good view.
Review your Chevrolet Cavalier’s vehicle documentation, such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, where the VIN is typically recorded for reference.

What info can a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating it is a 2005 model, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN also provides information about the assembly location, in this case, Lordstown, Ohio, United States, showcasing how VINs can pinpoint production specifics.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the vehicle is a Cavalier with a sedan/saloon body class, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Engine Type: The VIN provides comprehensive engine specifications, revealing it is equipped with a GM L61 engine with an in-line configuration, 2.2 liters displacement, and a starting horsepower of 170.
Fuel System: The VIN indicates the vehicle uses gasoline as its primary fuel type and leverages a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for fuel delivery, emphasizing the type of fuel system utilized.
Safety Features: Safety features encoded in the VIN include front airbags for both driver and passenger, as well as side airbags in the 1st row, indicating the extent of safety measures.
Weight Class: The VIN specifies the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating falls within Class 1, which is 6,000 lb or less, providing insights into vehicle size and weight category.
Additional Features: The VIN also notes additional features such as manual seat belts, a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train, and a window count of 4, demonstrating the breadth of vehicle features that can be deciphered.

Don’t have your 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Search License Plate

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2200.0
Displacement (CI)	134.25223700841
Displacement (L)	2.2
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	170
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	L61
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
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	2005
Other Engine Info	Name Plate: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, Opel
Plant City	Lordstown
Plant Company Name	NA-GM Corp
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ohio
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Base/S
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1G1JC54F*57
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Windows	4
Sample_VIN	1G1JC54F757131571