How to decode a 2006 Mazda RX-8 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2006 Mazda RX-8 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are critical components of a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) that precisely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. The WMI for a 2006 Mazda RX-8, which is a passenger car made by Mazda Motor Corporation, begins with “JM1”. This indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Japan (as denoted by the “J”), with “M” specifying Mazda as the manufacturer, and “1” signifying the vehicle type. These first three characters of the VIN provide essential information about the vehicle’s origin, the manufacturing company, and type, serving as a global standard for classifying vehicles. Specifically, for the 2006 Mazda RX-8, it points to its production in Hiroshima, within the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan, showcasing Mazda’s renowned craftsmanship in the automotive sector.

List of WMI Codes for a 2006 Mazda RX-8

WMI: JM1

Model Years Covered: 2004-2011
Example VIN: JM1FE173060202640
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 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8:

Known VDS for a 2006 Mazda RX-8
FE173

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 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
6	2006

11th Character in the 2006 Mazda RX-8 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2006 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	JM1FE173060202640

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2006 Mazda RX-8

The final 6 characters in a 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2006 Mazda RX-8 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda RX-8, which is typically visible through the windshield on a small plate or sticker.
Examine the driver’s side door pillar (also known as the door jamb) when you open the door, as the VIN is often located on a label or sticker where the door latches.
Inspect the engine bay, as the VIN might also be stamped onto a plate or directly on the engine itself in some Mazda RX-8 models.
Review your Mazda RX-8’s vehicle registration documents or insurance papers, where the VIN is always listed for reference.
Look in the rear wheel well, directly above the tire; in some vehicles, the VIN can be found in this unconventional but secure location.
Check underneath the spare tire in the trunk area or the cargo area of your Mazda RX-8, as sometimes the VIN is located here for added security and identification.

What info can a 2006 Mazda RX-8 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2006, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Plant Location: The decoding of a VIN might indicate the manufacturing location, potentially including the city and country, such as Hiroshima, Japan, for Mazda Motor Corporation.
Vehicle Specifications: Through a VIN decode, you may discover specific vehicle specifications, including the Mazda RX-8’s engine model as 13B (1.3L) High Power, detailing its displacement in CC, CI, and liters.
Body Class and Size: The VIN can identify the body class and size, providing insight that a Mazda RX-8 features a coupe design with 4 doors.
Safety Features: Safety features such as the presence and location of airbags—including curtain, front, and side airbag locations in the 1st row (driver and passenger)—can often be ascertained from a VIN.
Engine Performance: Details on engine brake horsepower, ranging from 212 hp to 238 hp depending on transmission type, highlight how VINs may offer insights into a vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: Information on a vehicle’s primary fuel type, such as gasoline for the Mazda RX-8, can typically be unveiled through VIN decoding, assisting in understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.

Don’t have your 2006 Mazda RX-8’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2006 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	212
Engine Brake (hp) To	238
Engine Model	13B (1.3L) High Power
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Model	RX-8
Model Year	2006
Other Engine Info	Engine HP: 238 hp for MT; 212 hp for AT
Plant City	Hiroshima
Plant Company Name	Mazda Motor Corporation
Plant Country	Japan
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	JM1FE173*60
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JM1FE173060202640