How to decode a 2001 Mazda Protege VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2001 Mazda Protege VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes uniquely identify the maker of a vehicle globally. These codes form the first three digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), revealing crucial details such as the vehicle’s manufacturer, the place of production, and the vehicle type. For instance, a Mazda Protegé manufactured in 2001 has a WMI of “JM1,” indicating it was produced by Mazda Motor Corporation. This car was built in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, and is classified as a passenger car, showcasing how WMIs serve as a gateway to essential vehicle specifics. Through the WMI, every vehicle carries with it a detailed birthmark that traces its origin and identity.

List of WMI Codes for a 2001 Mazda Protege

WMI: JM1

Model Years Covered: 1991-2003
Example VIN: JM1BJ222010410749
Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Hiroshima
State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2001 Mazda Protege 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 2001 Mazda Protege:

Known VDS for a 2001 Mazda Protege
BJ222	BJ226	BJ225

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 2001 Mazda Protege 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 2001 Mazda Protege VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
1	2001

11th Character in the 2001 Mazda Protege VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2001 Mazda Protege Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Hiroshima		Nan	Mazda Motor Corporation	JM1BJ222010410749

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2001 Mazda Protege

The final 6 characters in a 2001 Mazda Protege’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2001 Mazda Protege’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2001 Mazda Protege is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2001 Mazda Protege. It’s typically found on a small plate that can be viewed through the windshield.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side where the door hinges meet the frame of your Mazda Protege; there might be a VIN sticker or plate.
The engine bay of the 2001 Mazda Protege often contains a VIN plate or sticker, usually on the firewall, the front of the engine bay, or close to the strut tower.
On your Mazda Protege, check the trunk area under the spare tire; sometimes, the VIN can be found there on a label.
Review your Mazda Protege’s vehicle registration documents or your insurance card/policy, as the VIN is typically noted there.

What info can a 2001 Mazda Protege VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that it could be a 2001 Mazda Protege, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type: The VIN may indicate the vehicle type as a Passenger Car, which can offer clues about the vehicle’s use and design purpose.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN details the body type as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, giving an idea of the vehicle’s size and capacity.
Engine Specifications: The VIN may encode engine specifications, including the engine model (FSD) made by Mazda, with an in-line configuration, 4 cylinders, and a displacement of 2.0 liters, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The VIN can indicate the primary fuel type as Gasoline, potentially offering valuable information on fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Safety Features: Standard safety features such as manual seat belts and the possible presence of front and side airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) could be inferred from the VIN, underscoring the vehicle’s designed safety measures.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN specifies the manufacturing location as Hiroshima by Mazda Motor Corporation, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and build quality.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2001 Mazda Protege

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Cooling Type	Water
Displacement (CC)	1991
Displacement (CI)	122.04748818946
Displacement (L)	2.0
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	117
Engine Brake (hp) To	143
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Mazda
Engine Model	FSD
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Model	Protege
Model Year	2001
Plant City	Hiroshima
Plant Company Name	Mazda Motor Corporation
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Sedan
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Vehicle Descriptor	JM1BJ226*10
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JM1BJ226010408325