In doing research I've found there are a lot of differences in what people have listed on various websites concerning the matter of decoding Toyota VIN, these differences tend to occur between the 4th and the 8th digit. Those sections are noted by a "?". To the best of my ability I have put together the most accurate description possible. If you notice any in accuracies of have any additions please feel free to post them.
- Model Years 1982-1995+
The VIN (Vehicle Identication Number) is usually shown under the windshield. On vehicles made before 1989, an ID plate including the engine model, color code, trim code, axle code, and transmission code is on or next to the firewall (on vans, under the carpet below the front of the front passenger seat). On vehicles made in 1989 or later, an ID label with that information and the production date (but not the engine code!) is on the inside of the driver's door or on the lower part of the driver's door pillar.
Digit 1 - World Manufacturer Identification
1 = USA: NUMMI
2 = Canada: TMMC
4 = USA: TMM & NUMMI
J = Japan
Digit 2 - Manufacturor
T = Toyota
N = NUMMI
Digit 3 - Vehicle Type
2 = Passenger car
3 = Multipurpose passenger vehicle
4 = Truck
5 = Incomplete Vehicle
6 = Bus
?Digit 4 - Vehicle Description Section
?
?Digit 5 - Engine
A = 4A-FE
B = 7A-FE
T = 5S-FE
?
?Digit 6 - Series
?
?Digit 7 - Body Type or Passenger Restraint System
0 = ?
1 = Manual Belt
2 = Manual Belt w/ Airbag
?Digit 8 - Model
E = Corolla
T = Celica
?
Digit 9 - Check Digit
Digit 10 - Model Year
A = 1980
B = 1981
C = 1982
D = 1983
E = 1984
F = 1985
G = 1986
H = 1987
J = 1988
K = 1989
L = 1990
M = 1991
N = 1992
P = 1993
R = 1994
S = 1995
T = 1996
V = 1997
W = 1998
X = 1999
Y = 2000
1 = 2001
2 = 2002
etc....
Digit 11 - Plant
O = TMC - Supra plants
C = TMM - Ontario, Canada
Z = NUMMI - Fremont, California
U = TMMC - Gergetown, Kentucky
Digits 12-17 - Plant Production Sequence
Free OnLine VIN Decoder
http://www.analogx.com/contents/vinview.htm
