How to decode a 1997 Ford Aspire VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Ford Aspire VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For vehicles such as the 1997 Ford Aspire, the WMI indicates its manufacturing origin, including the company name and the country it was produced in. In this particular instance, the WMI reveals that the vehicle was manufactured by Kia Motors on behalf of Ford Imports, signifying a collaboration between the two companies. It also specifies that the vehicle was assembled in South Korea, particularly in the city of Seoul within the Gyeonggi province. This specific code serves as a vital tool in tracing the vehicle’s history, specifications, and the region it comes from, offering essential data for both registration and regulatory purposes.
List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Ford Aspire
WMI: KNJ
- Model Years Covered: 1994-1995, 1997
- Example VIN: KNJLT06H0V6201173
- Manufacturer Name: Kia Motors (Ford Imports)
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Seoul
- State or Province: Gyeonggi
- Country: South Korea
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Ford Aspire 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 1997 Ford Aspire:
| Known VDS for a 1997 Ford Aspire | |
|---|---|
| LT06H | LT05H |
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 1997 Ford Aspire 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 1997 Ford Aspire VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| V | 1997 |
11th Character in the 1997 Ford Aspire VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1997 Ford Aspire Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Kyung Ki-Do | South Korea | Mazda-Kia | KNJLT06H0V6201173 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Ford Aspire
The final 6 characters in a 1997 Ford Aspire’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1997 Ford Aspire’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1997 Ford Aspire is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1997 Ford Aspire, typically near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can often be seen from outside the vehicle, through the windshield.
- Inspect the driver’s side door frame on your Ford Aspire. There should be a VIN plate or sticker in the area where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your 1997 Ford Aspire. The VIN may be located on a plate or sticker on the firewall of the engine compartment.
- Review the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Occasionally, the VIN can be found stamped above the tire.
- If you have the vehicle’s documentation, the VIN for your Ford Aspire should be listed on the title, registration, or insurance card.
What info can a 1997 Ford Aspire VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, such as Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback, with a 2-door configuration, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type: Key engine details, including displacement (1.3 L / 1300 cc / 81 ci), engine configuration (In-Line), manufacturer (Mazda), and horsepower (63 hp), are typically outlined, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type, for example, Gasoline, is specified, which can help in assessing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental footprint.
- Safety Features: The VIN includes information on safety equipment, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger and specifics regarding the vehicle’s restraint system, highlighting the safety standards and features of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN reveals detailed manufacturing information, including the plant company name (Mazda-Kia), plant country (South Korea), and plant city (Kyung Ki-Do), providing insight into the vehicle’s production origin.
- Vehicle Type and Series: Insight into the general classification of the vehicle, marked as a Passenger Car, and the specific series or trim level (Base), aiding in understanding the vehicle’s market positioning and feature set.
Don’t have your 1997 Ford Aspire’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Ford Aspire
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Displacement (CC) | 1300.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 81 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 63 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| 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 | Aspire |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Other Engine Info | EFI: Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Other Restraint System Info | Seat Belts: 3-point belts in all outboard positions. |
| Plant City | Kyung Ki-Do |
| Plant Company Name | Mazda-kia |
| Plant Country | South Korea |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Base |
| Vehicle Descriptor | KNJLT05H*V6 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | KNJLT05H0V6203961 |
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