Free 1997 Honda Odyssey VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Honda Odyssey VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Honda Odyssey VIN

A WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier, is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing origin, type, and year. For the 1997 Honda Odyssey, the WMI “JHM” signifies that Honda Motor Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specifically in the Musashi province, is the manufacturer. This particular code indicates the vehicle is a passenger car produced for the global market. Understanding the WMI is crucial for accurately identifying and verifying the make of the vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Honda Odyssey

WMI: JHM

• Model Years Covered: 1995-1998
• Example VIN: JHMRA1841VC001633
• Manufacturer Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Tokyo
• State or Province: Musashi
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Honda Odyssey 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 Honda Odyssey:

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 Honda Odyssey 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 Honda Odyssey VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Honda Odyssey VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Honda Odyssey Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Honda Odyssey

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Honda Odyssey’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Honda Odyssey VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: According to the VIN, the vehicle is categorized as a Minivan with 5 doors, highlighting its family-oriented design and size.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN data indicates an In-Line engine configuration with a displacement of 2.163 liters or 132 cubic inches, and horsepower starting from 140. The engine model is noted as F22B6, providing insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The VIN specifies that the vehicle uses Gasoline, offering insights into the fuel efficiency and environmental considerations one might expect.
• Manufacturing Information: The manufacturing location is pinpointed to Sayama, Saitama, Japan, offering insights into the origin and potentially the quality standards of the vehicle’s production.
• Transmission and Engine Design: The VIN data points to an automatic transmission style coupled with a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) valve train design, which can provide a good indication of the vehicle’s operational efficiency and mechanical sophistication.
• Vehicle Type and Series: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a Passenger Car, specifically under the Odyssey LX series with a Wagon body style, offering insights into the vehicle’s design intention and market positioning.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Honda Odyssey

Source