Car Make and Model, Explained

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What Is the Make and Model of a Car?
Make and Model of Car Examples
Make Examples
Acura Audi BMW Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ford GMC Honda Nissan Tesla Toyota
Model Examples
Ford F-Series
Chevrolet Silverado
Ram 1500/2500/2500
Toyota Rav4
Honda CR-V
Toyota Camry
Honda Civic
Toyota Highlander
GMC Sierra
Toyota Tacoma
Differences Between Vehicles of the Same Model
Body Styles
Sedan: Offers four doors and a traditional trunk and may come in a range of sizes from small to full-size.
Wagon: Has four doors, an extended roof, and a hatch door in place of a trunk.
Hatchback: Traditional hatchbacks have been made like small sedans with a hatch door in the back. Recently, manufacturers have been putting this feature on larger vehicles.
Sport Utility Vehicle: These tend to be tall, have a higher seating position, and offer more ground clearance than cars like sedans.
Pickup Truck: Offers a cab in front and an open bed in the rear of the vehicle.
Minivan: Built for carrying a lot of people and cargo, minivans tend to be tall, offer a lot of space, sliding doors, and a hatch in the rear.
Trim Level
Model Year
Engine Size and Type
AWD vs Rear or Front Wheel Drive
AWD vehicles have the means to distribute torque to all wheels on the vehicle
RWD vehicles distribute torque from the engine to the rear wheels only
FWD vehicles distribute torque from the engine to the front wheels only
Quality of Interiors, Speakers, and More
Why Is a Car’s Make and Model Important?
May Impact Auto Insurance
Price of the Vehicle
Car Loan Terms
Auto Loan Refinancing
Getting a Title or Plates
Taking a Vehicle in for Maintenance or Repairs
How Does Make and Model Affect Loan Refinancing Rates?
Refinancing for a lower monthly payment in some cases may extend your term, and extending your term can saddle you with more interest charges over the life of your loan.
An auto loan refinance calculator can help you see whether a refinanced loan offer may increase or decrease your total interest costs.
Subprime borrowers may qualify for bad credit refinancing, but they may not qualify for the best rates of interest.
In general, average auto loan refinancing interest rates are lower for borrowers with excellent credit than borrowers with bad credit.
How Do I Find the Make and Model of My Car?
Finding Your Vehicle’s Year
Ask your auto insurance provider
Check the information in your title or registration certificate
Review your buyer’s order or bill of sale
How to Find a Car Make and Model Using the VIN
What Is a VIN?
How Do You Find Your VIN?
Refinancing Auto Loans
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo credit: iStock/Fahroni
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About the Author
Austin Kilham is a writer and journalist based in Los Angeles. He focuses on personal finance, retirement, business, and health care with an eye toward helping others understand complex topics.
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