How to decode a 2001 Saturn SL VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2001 Saturn SL VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are unique sequences assigned to every vehicle manufacturer for identification purposes. These three-digit codes are part of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and offer insights into the manufacturer’s identity along with specifying the vehicle type and production location. For instance, the WMI for a 2001 Saturn SL indicates that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This part of the VIN, “1G8”, not only denotes General Motors as the manufacturer but also classifies the car as a passenger vehicle. Such identifiers are crucial for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes, providing a standardized method to recognize the vehicle’s origin and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 2001 Saturn SL

WMI: 1G8

Model Years Covered: 1994-1996, 1998-2002
Example VIN: 1G8ZF52801Z268351
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 2001 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 2001 Saturn SL:

Known VDS for a 2001 Saturn SL
ZF528	ZF548

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 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 2001 Saturn SL VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
1	2001

11th Character in the 2001 Saturn SL VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2001 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	1G8ZF52801Z268351

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2001 Saturn SL

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

Check your Saturn SL’s VIN below:

How to find a 2001 Saturn SL’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Saturn SL, especially where it meets the windshield. The VIN can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area for a sticker or plate that might have the VIN for your Saturn SL.
Examine the frame of the car underneath the hood. The VIN might be stamped onto the frame near the engine block in your 2001 Saturn SL.
Inspect the trunk area of your Saturn SL. The VIN might be located on the floor right where the spare tire is usually kept or on the trunk’s lid.
Look at your vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title, as these documents should have the VIN listed for your Saturn SL 2001.

What info can a 2001 Saturn SL VIN reveal?

Model Year: The vehicle’s model year is indicated as 2001, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Type: The engine is manufactured by Toyota and has a model LV6, featuring a 1.8-liter displacement, an in-line setup, and four cylinders, potentially highlighting its efficiency and performance characteristics.
Body Class and Doors: The vehicle is classified as a Sedan/Saloon with four doors and windows, emphasizing its design and passenger comfort features.
Fuel System: The vehicle utilizes a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, suggesting efficient fuel management for potential improved fuel economy and performance.
Safety Features: In terms of safety, the vehicle is equipped with front airbags in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, as well as side airbags in the 1st row, showcasing its commitment to occupant safety.
Transmission and Drive Type: It is fitted with a Manual/Standard transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience.
Assembly Location: The vehicle was assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee, United States by Spring Hill Manufacturing, which may offer insights into its manufacturing quality and potential logistic implications for parts and services.

Don’t have your 2001 Saturn SL’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2001 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