How do I know if my car was made in Japan or the USA?
Determining the country of origin for your car is relatively straightforward. By looking at the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and other identifying information, you can easily identify whether your car was manufactured in Japan or the United States.
Identifying the Country of Origin from the VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code that provides detailed information about your vehicle, including its country of origin. The first character of the VIN indicates the country where the vehicle was manufactured:
- J - Japan
- 1, 4, or 5 - United States
So, if the first character of your VIN is a "J", your car was made in Japan. If the first character is a "1", "4", or "5", your car was manufactured in the USA.
Other Identifying Information
In addition to the VIN, there are a few other ways to determine the country of origin for your vehicle:
- Manufacturer's Label - This label, usually located on the driver's side door jamb, will indicate the country where the vehicle was assembled.
- Owner's Manual - The owner's manual for your vehicle will often specify the country of origin.
- Research the Make and Model - Certain makes and models of cars are typically produced in specific countries. Researching the history and production locations of your vehicle's make and model can provide additional clues.
By using the VIN, manufacturer's label, owner's manual, and researching your vehicle's make and model, you can easily determine whether your car was manufactured in Japan or the United States.
Which U.S. Hondas are made in Japan?
American market Hybrid models, such as the Civic Hybrid, Insight and FCX Clarity, are produced in Japan. All of these models as well as the Honda Fit line are produced at the Honda production facility in Suzuka, Mie, Japan with exception of the FCX Clarity, which is produced solely in Takanezawa, Japan.
How can I tell where my car is made?
If you have access to a vehicle, the easiest way is to check the driver's-side doorjamb; there, the manufacturer will state in plain English where a vehicle's final assembly took place and when it was assembled.
How do you read a Japanese VIN plate?
Japanese carmakers do not use a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as is common in the United States and elsewhere. Instead, Japan uses a Chassis (Frame) Number — nine to twelve alphanumeric characters identifying model and serial number.
How do you tell what country your car was made in?
Using NHTSA's VIN Decoder to Identify a Vehicle's Plant of Manufacture. Among the information NHTSA's VIN decoder provides is information about the vehicle's plant of manufacture. After searching a VIN, you'll see the build plant and country for the vehicle in question.
What does a VIN starting with M mean?
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H are made in Africa. J, K, L, M, N, P, and R are made Asia. S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z are made in Europe. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are made in North America. 6 and 7 are made in Oceania.
How do I know if my Honda is made in the US or Japan?
The very first letter or number of the VIN tells you in what region of the world your vehicle was made. Match the letter or number below to the first number or letter of your VIN to find out in what region of the world your VIN was made.
How do I know if my VIN number is Japan or USA?
Toyota VINs starting with "1", "4", or "5" represent vehicles assembled in the United States, VINs beginning with "2" indicate vehicles assembled in Canada, and vehicles with VINs beginning with "3" were assembled in Mexico. Vehicles with VINs that start with "J" were produced in Japan.
How do I tell where my car was built?
If you're shopping for a new vehicle, the top right of the window sticker found on every new car shows where it was built. This plate, found on the driver's-side doorjamb, shows a Chevy Trax that was built in Korea. You can also look at the first two characters of the VIN.
How to know if a car was made in Japan?
Check the Window Sticker
For the first category, a typical car might say “50%,” meaning that half of its components come from the U.S. For the second, a car may say “Japan: 20%,” which reveals that Japan is a significant source of around a fifth of the car's parts.
Does the VIN number tell you where the car was made?
A VIN is usually composed of:
The VIN number tells you when and where the car was built. It tells you the manufacturer, year, make and model, and the trim level including unique features and specifications.
