What is the "vehicle identification number" on my car?

What is the "vehicle identification number" on my car?

James Bell (Publisher, Auto Reviewer) gives expert video advice on: Where can I buy a used car?; How do I negotiate the purchase of a used vehicle?; How do I close the deal on a used car purchase? and more...

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 16-digit code which is assigned at the moment of manufacture. The VIN identifies where the vehicle was made, by which manufacturer it was made and certain components of the vehicle. The VIN also identifies what sort of transmission came originally with the vehicle, what sort of engine came with it originally, whether it is all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, what sort of tires it has, etc. The VIN is just a quick code that identifies what the real bones of the vehicle should be.