How to decode a 2008 Pontiac Vibe VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Pontiac Vibe VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that identifies the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the region of manufacture. For the 2008 Pontiac Vibe, the WMI is “5Y2,” indicating that this passenger car was manufactured by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. in Fremont, California, United States. This WMI signifies that the vehicle is tailored for the American market, differentiating it from models produced for other regions. The specific association of the “5Y2” WMI with the Pontiac Vibe showcases how manufacturers and models are uniquely identified, ensuring clarity and specificity in vehicle registration, tracking, and recall processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Pontiac Vibe

WMI: 5Y2

Model Years Covered: 2003-2010
Example VIN: 5Y2SL67808Z412635
Manufacturer Name: New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Fremont
State or Province: California
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2008 Pontiac Vibe 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 2008 Pontiac Vibe:

Known VDS for a 2008 Pontiac Vibe
SL678	SL658

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 2008 Pontiac Vibe 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 2008 Pontiac Vibe VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Pontiac Vibe VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Pontiac Vibe Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
Z	Fremont	California	United States		5Y2SL67808Z412635

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Pontiac Vibe

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Pontiac Vibe’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2008 Pontiac Vibe’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Pontiac Vibe is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

View the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Pontiac Vibe, near where it meets the windshield. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
Look at the door post (where the door latches when it is closed) on the driver’s side for a sticker that might contain the VIN for your 2008 Pontiac Vibe.
Check under the hood; the VIN may be stamped onto the engine block or a plate attached to the engine compartment of your Pontiac Vibe.
Inspect the frame between the front car and the windshield washer fluid for your model. Sometimes the VIN is placed here for additional anti-theft protection.
Examine the rear wheel well above the tire. In some vehicles, the VIN may be located in this hidden area to prevent tampering.

What info can a 2008 Pontiac Vibe VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2008, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Type and Size: From the VIN, it’s possible to discern that the vehicle has a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback body class with 4 doors, indicating its style and accessibility.
Engine Details: The VIN encodes engine specifications like a 1.8 Liter displacement, an In-Line configuration, and an engine model of 1ZZ-FE with four cylinders, made by Toyota, reflecting the vehicle’s performance capability.
Fuel Efficiency: The VIN details that the Toyota Vibe runs on Gasoline with a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, which might affect its fuel efficiency and performance.
Safety Features: A comprehensive range of safety features, including airbag locations in all rows, as well as in the 1st row for both driver and passenger sides, and seat belt types being manual, can be understood from the VIN, suggesting the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN reveals that the Toyota Vibe was assembled in Fremont, California, United States, providing insights into its production origin.
Trim and Engine Manufacturer: Decoding the VIN exposes the vehicle’s trim level as Base and identifies Toyota as the engine manufacturer, contributing to understanding the vehicle’s specifications and potential market value.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Pontiac Vibe

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Curtain Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Displacement (CC)	1794
Displacement (CI)	109.84273937051
Displacement (L)	1.8
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Toyota
Engine Model	1ZZ-FE
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Model	Vibe
Model Year	2008
Plant City	Fremont
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	California
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Trim	Base
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	5Y2SL678*8Z
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	5Y2SL67808Z412635