The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on a metal plate that is riveted to the instrument panel adjacent to the windshield. It can be seen by looking through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side. The VIN number is also stamped on the firewall directly behind the engine.
The VIN is a 17 digit combination of numbers and letters. The first 3 digits represent the world manufacturer identifier which is Mazda. The 5th digit is a passenger car identifier, indicating the vehicle is imported from outside North America or built by another manufacturer in North America for Mazda. The 9th digit is a check digit for all vehicles. The 10th digit indicates the model year: L for 1990, M for 1991, N for 1992, P for 1993, etc. The 11th digit is the assembly plant code. The 12th through 17th digits indicate the production sequence number.
| Fig. 1: The VIN number plate can be found on the on the
driver side of the dash board, near the windshield
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| Fig. 2: The VIN number can also be found stamped on the
firewall, under the hood
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