Free Chevrolet Impala VIN Decoder

How to decode a Chevrolet Impala VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet Impala VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three-character sequence of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of manufacture, and specific attributes. For Chevrolet Impala models, the WMIs of 1G1 and 2G1 are notable. These identifiers are associated with General Motors LLC, indicating the vehicles are manufactured in Warren, Michigan, United States. The 1G1 and 2G1 codes have been used for model years ranging from the early 1980s through 2020, underscoring their long history within General Motors’ lineup. This system allows for easy identification and tracing of vehicle origins, crucial for regulatory compliance, service, and history checks.

List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet Impala

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 1981, 1984-1985, 2014-2020
• Example VIN: 1G1AL69N5BJ224030
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 2G1

• Model Years Covered: 1982, 1984, 2000-2020
• Example VIN: 2G1AL69J8C1245768
• 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 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala:

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 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala VIN — Year Code

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

Known Chevrolet Impala Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet Impala

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

What info can a Chevrolet Impala VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 2020, identifying it as an Impala manufactured by the specific manufacturer. This provides insights into the production year and manufacturer model.
• Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information is disclosed, including it being a GM LFX model with Spark Ignited Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing (VVT), compatible with E85 ethanol fuel, and an aluminum structure. The engine has a displacement of 3.6 liters, indicating its size and potential performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN may provide information about standard and optional safety technologies, such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and advanced options like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type is Gasoline with a secondary option for Ethanol (E85), offering flexibility in fuel choice which may affect fuel efficiency and emissions.
• Drive Type and Transmission: This vehicle is identified to be equipped with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and an automatic transmission with 6 speeds, details that are crucial for understanding driving dynamics and efficiency.
• Plant Location Information: The manufacturing details, including the plant location in Detroit Hamtramck, Michigan, United States, provide insights into the regional production specifics, potentially linked to manufacturing standards and logistical advantages.
• Body Class and Features: Notable features such as the body class being classified as Sedan/Saloon, the presence of LED headlamps, Keyless Ignition, and a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be provided, highlighting both aesthetic preferences and practical functionalities beneficial for the owner.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet Impala