Free 1998 Chevrolet Metro VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Chevrolet Metro VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Chevrolet Metro VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, the WMI for certain 1998 Chevrolet Metro models begins with “2C1,” pointing specifically to General Motors LLC in the United States. These initial characters highlight that the vehicle was produced as a passenger car, pinpointing its assembly in Warren, Michigan, during the model years 1998-2001. The WMI code serves as a critical element in vehicle identification, providing initial insights into the vehicle’s origin, the manufacturer’s identity, and the type of vehicle, which is essential for registration, insurance, and manufacturing tracking purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Chevrolet Metro

WMI: 2C1

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2001
• Example VIN: 2C1MR5221W6710945
• 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 1998 Chevrolet Metro 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 1998 Chevrolet Metro:

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 1998 Chevrolet Metro 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 1998 Chevrolet Metro VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Chevrolet Metro VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Chevrolet Metro Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Chevrolet Metro

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Chevrolet Metro’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Chevrolet Metro VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles’ model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle. For example, a 1998 model year might be encoded within the VIN details, indicating its generation and production era.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN outlines the vehicle’s engine characteristics, including its displacement in liters (e.g., 1.0L) and the in-line engine configuration. It may also provide details about the manufacturer and the number of cylinders, such as a Suzuki-manufactured engine with three cylinders.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can help in understanding the vehicle’s design and functionality, such as categorizing it as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 2 doors, offering information about body style and accessibility.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment like the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row can be deduced from the VIN, possibly highlighting critical safety features.
• Fuel System: Details regarding the vehicle’s fuel system are specified through the VIN, such as the use of a Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) type, providing insights into fuel delivery and efficiency mechanisms.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN can reveal specific manufacturing information, like pinpointing that the vehicle was assembled in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada by a GM/Suzuki joint venture, possibly giving clues about the build quality and origin.
• Vehicle Type and Weight Class: It can be noted that the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) placing it in Class 1 (6,000 lb or less), offering a basic understanding of the vehicle’s intended use and capacity. This information seems to be indicated by the VIN.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Chevrolet Metro