How to decode a 2004 Mazda RX-8 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Mazda RX-8 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. In the case of the Mazda RX-8 produced between 2004 and 2011, the WMI “JM1” denotes Mazda Motor Corporation as the manufacturer. This specific identifier informs us that the vehicle is a passenger car, assembled in Hiroshima, Japan, in the Hiroshima Prefecture. The WMI is a crucial component in globally recognizing and tracking vehicles, providing specific details about the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the region of assembly. Understanding the WMI can offer insightful information into the vehicle’s origin and manufacturing details.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Mazda RX-8

WMI: JM1

Model Years Covered: 2004-2011
Example VIN: JM1FE173040102339
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 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 2004 Mazda RX-8:

Known VDS for a 2004 Mazda RX-8
FE173	FE17N

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 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 2004 Mazda RX-8 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 Mazda RX-8 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Mazda RX-8 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Hiroshima		Japan	Mazda Motor Corporation	JM1FE173040102339

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Mazda RX-8

The final 6 characters in a 2004 Mazda RX-8’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mazda RX-8’s VIN below:

How to find a 2004 Mazda RX-8’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2004 Mazda RX-8 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda RX-8, which is the most common place to find the VIN. It is usually visible through the windshield.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Mazda RX-8. There may be a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
Inspect the firewall of the vehicle’s engine bay, as the Mazda RX-8 may have the VIN number stamped onto a plate in this area.
The VIN can also be found on the vehicle’s registration documents, insurance papers, or the title of your Mazda RX-8.
Check underneath the spare tire in the trunk of the car, as some Mazda RX-8 models may have the VIN located there.
Lastly, look at the frame of the car between the carburetor and the windshield washer unit. The VIN might be printed there on your Mazda RX-8.

What info can a 2004 Mazda RX-8 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class and the number of doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality.
Engine Specifications: The VIN can provide information about the engine model, displacement, and horsepower, offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s powerplant capabilities.
Safety Features: Details about airbag locations and types can highlight the vehicle’s safety equipment and features.
Manufacturing Details: Insights into the plant’s location and the manufacturing company name can reveal the origin and production standards of the vehicle.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): The type of TPMS specified in the VIN offers specifics about the vehicle’s tire safety and maintenance features.
Seat Belt Type: The VIN can provide information about the type of seat belt system, informing users about the basic safety arrangements of the vehicle.

Don’t have your 2004 Mazda RX-8’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Mazda RX-8

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Displacement (CC)	1300.0
Displacement (CI)	79.33086732315
Displacement (L)	1.3
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	222.3
Engine Brake (hp) To	271.7
Engine Model	13B (1.3L) HP
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	RX-8
Model Year	2004
Plant City	Hiroshima
Plant Company Name	Mazda Motor Corporation
Plant Country	Japan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Coupe
Series2	4 Door Coupe
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	JM1FE173*40
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JM1FE173040102339