How to decode a Saturn SL VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Saturn SL VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing key details about where and by whom a vehicle was made. Specifically, for the Saturn SL series, the WMI code 1G8 signifies vehicles produced by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States. This code applies to certain model years ranging from 1994 to 1996 and from 1998 to 2002, designating these cars as passenger vehicles. The WMI is the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further allows for the specification of unique attributes and information for that particular car. Understanding this code can offer insights into the car’s origin, its manufacturer, and specific characteristics tied to its production line.

List of WMI Codes for a Saturn SL

WMI: 1G8

Model Years Covered: 1994-1996, 1998-2002
Example VIN: 1G8ZF5591RZ289144
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Saturn SL 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 Saturn SL:

Known VDS for a Saturn SL
ZF559	ZF528	ZF548	ZS528	ZS548

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 Saturn SL 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 Saturn SL VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
2	2002 Saturn SL
1	2001 Saturn SL
Y	2000 Saturn SL
X	1999 Saturn SL
W	1998 Saturn SL
T	1996 Saturn SL
S	1995 Saturn SL
R	1994 Saturn SL

11th Character in the Saturn SL VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Saturn SL Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
Z	Spring Hill	Tennessee	United States	Spring Hill Manufacturing	1G8ZF5591RZ289144

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Saturn SL

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

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How to find a Saturn SL’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your Saturn SL is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look for the VIN on the dashboard of your Saturn SL, typically found on the driver’s side, visible through the front windshield.
Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Saturn SL; the VIN may be placed on a sticker or label where the door latches.
Check the trunk area of your Saturn SL; the VIN can sometimes be found under the carpet right where the spare tire is located.
Inspect the engine block of your Saturn SL, as the VIN is often stamped onto the engine itself.
Review the vehicle registration documents or the insurance card for your Saturn SL, as these documents always include the VIN.

What info can a Saturn SL VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2001, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
Engine Type and Displacement: It may be powered by a Toyota LV6 engine with a displacement of approximately 1.8 liters, offering information about the vehicle’s power and potential performance.
Fuel Delivery System: The vehicle may use Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), which can contribute to improved fuel efficiency and engine performance, enhancing the vehicle’s overall running capability.
Safety Features: There is a chance that the vehicle is equipped with front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, as well as side airbags for added safety in the event of a collision.
Transmission and Drivetrain: The vehicle may have a manual or standard transmission, which can influence the driving experience and performance.
Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was potentially built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, by Spring Hill Manufacturing, possibly indicating the location and responsible facility for its assembly.
Body Class and Doors: This sedan/saloon styled vehicle may feature four doors, offering a practical and versatile design suitable for various purposes.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a Saturn SL

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	1800.0
Displacement (CI)	109.84273937051
Displacement (L)	1.8
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Toyota
Engine Model	LV6
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Model	SL
Model Year	2001
Other Engine Info	Name Plate: Chevrolet - 8 coded twice - L24: 1.9L, L4, MFI, SAT, Name Plate: Saturn
Plant City	Spring Hill
Plant Company Name	Spring Hill Manufacturing
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Tennessee
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Transmission Style	Manual/Standard
Vehicle Descriptor	1G8ZF548*1Z
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Windows	4
Sample_VIN	1G8ZF54841Z355893