When shopping for a new vehicle or registering a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to know what kind of car you have. What is the make and model of a car and how do you find the two?
In this guide, we cover the differences in the make and model of a vehicle from each other and differences you may see among models. Also, we show you how to locate this when you need to find it.
What Is The Make and Model of a Car?
The make of a vehicle tells you what company makes it, while the model tells you the specific vehicle from that make. As an example, Ford would be the make and F-150 would be the model. Below are a few other differences between make and model.
#1. Make.
The make of a vehicle is its brand; it’s the automaker, which manufacturers the vehicle. Recent rankings say that the most popular car brand is Toyota.
Trailing the list would be Honda, Chevrolet, and Ford. If we are talking about luxury brands, the most popular is Mercedes-Benz. These rankings can change quite frequently.
Every car make originates from a certain corner of the world, regardless of the number of plants they manufacture vehicles in other locations. VW would be the German automaker and Hyundai would be South Korean. Honda is coming out of Japan, right next to Toyota.
For American automakers, you obviously have Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, Tesla, etc. Those are just a few examples.
What is interesting about car makes, many of them are part of the same company. If you look at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for example, they own Jeep, RAM and Dodge as well.
In addition, Honda owns Acura, Lexus is a division of Toyota, and Hyundai, Genesis and Kia all exist under one company, though they are classified as different makes.
#2. Model.
All makes will have several models. Using Toyota again as an example, you will have popular models like Corolla, Camry, Tundra, RAV4, 4Runner and Prius.
Each make lists their models a little differently. While Toyota has a name for each model, BMW has letter-number designations for each model.
For example, this luxurious brand has SUVs that are simply based on a series of X’s from 1 to 7. BMW’s cars just have the series of 2-8. Mercedes Benz uses the term class for all of its sedan models like C-Class or S-Class.
Mercedes Benz labels its SUV models with three letters that follow the series naming unlike the exceptions with the G-Class models.
In conclusion, when you combine the make and model together, you identify the vehicle you are driving. For instance, you would say, “I drive a Nissan Altima,” or “I have a Honda Accord.”
Differences Between Car Models
#1. Model Year.
So-called model years are more important than you may think. Often, they do not correspond to the year in which they are produced, as numerous manufacturers produce vehicles one year before the model year it represents.
For example, it is possible to purchase a 2023 vehicle while we are still in the year 2022. Every model year is part of a generation, where the first year of production of a model is called the first generation of that model. Every time the material design of the vehicle significantly changes to the next model year, that signifies a new generation of vehicles.
The Ford F-150, for example, began its 14th generation of vehicle design in the year 2021 with its redesign model.
There is one manufacturer that does not have model years. If you own a Tesla, you will not be able to determine the production year of your new EV. All vehicles are updated with the latest software so they all perform the same.
#2. Body Style.
Most models come in one body style, although there are occasions where the model will come in more than one body style. For example, a car might be a sedan or a coupe. Additionally, sports cars are offered in one of two body styles: coupe or convertible.
Many sedans and coupes are offered in at least one hatchback body style. In addition to these variations, you also have multiple body styles for trucks, SUVs, and wagons.
#3. Trim Level.
Each of these models is assigned a listing of different trim levels among the various options. Trim levels indicate the type of equipment, motor, and features that are included with the model.
You have a base model package (the lowest cost) but with only the basic features. You can upgrade to a sportier trim that may include upgraded suspension, more horsepower, and some off-road features. If you simply want upgraded features, you can purchase a luxury trim level.
Each make also has its unique names for their trim levels. For example, Toyota designates trim levels with names like L, SR, SR5, XLE, XSE, while Jeep is known to use Trim levels such as Rubicon, Sahara, or Sport.
#4. Options.
While trim levels will provide you with the best x’s and y’s with each trim. However, there will additional options available for each trim package. Every model will be different in terms of what you are going to be able to obtain in terms of additional options.
As you build your new car, be sure to look through the available options since every single option is going to have a cost associated with it, or can be bundled into a package.
Because if you added too many options, you might actually be better off paying for an upgraded trim level that already includes these additional options.
How to Find a Car’s Make and Model?
You can find the make and model of your car in several ways. Sometimes, looking at the car is the easiest way to get the information. You may see the the brand emblem or logo and some badging that tells you what model it is.
You can also find the information on the title or registration for the vehicle or car insurance paperwork.
You need this information to get car insurance, and both the make and model will be listed on your coverage cards. Many owners manuals are stored in the glove box.
If all else fails you can use the Vin (vehicle identification number) to research the information online. The VIN is 17 digits of numbers and letters, and is the unique serial number designed for your car only.
It will be found on the driver’s side door jamb placard or where the dashboard meets the windshield on the drivers side. The VIN will have helpful information on the make and model of the vehicle, engine, where it was made, and more. You can find an online VIN decryption tool to get more resources.
If you’re uncomfortable or not sure of safe sites to visit you can always reach out to a local dealership and they can look up your VIN and let you know your make and model.
Is the car brand the make or model?
The car brand is the make, and the model is the specific type of car of the same brand. For example, a Ford Mustang is a model of a car made by the Ford brand.
Make and model are both something to look at when purchasing a new vehicle. Make is the company that makes the car and the model is a specific type/style of car.
There are tons of makes and models available and it’s very important to do your research.
Think about your needs and wants in a car and then narrow your results down by make and model. This will accelerate finding the right car for you.