When you think of a vehicle’s name, you likely think of its make and model. These terms describe a specific car and are often used together but can sometimes be used separately. For example, Toyota is a car make, and Camry is a car model. Knowing the difference between make and model is essential, especially when shopping for or selling a car. So, what does car make and model mean?
What Do the Terms Car Make and Model Mean?
The terms make and model describe a specific car and are frequently used together but can sometimes be used separately. If you’re talking to someone with a good knowledge of cars, you might just say you own a Civic rather than say “Honda Civic,” because you know they understand that all Civics are Hondas.
Car Make Meaning
Simply put, the make is the brand of the car, and the model is the specific product. Think of Tim Tam. Arnott’s is the brand; Tim Tam is the specific product.
Some examples of popular car makes:
- Ford
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
- Honda
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
Every make has multiple models that it produces. Toyota, for example, offers several models including the Camry, Corolla, 4Runner, Tundra, and others. Makes are typically global companies with locations in multiple countries, though most makes have a specific country of origin where they keep their main headquarters. Toyota is based out of Japan, Volkswagen is a German company, Ford is American, and so on.
Some car makes are under a parent company that is also a make. Consider the company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Fiat and Chrysler are their own makes, but Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is also the parent company of makes like Dodge and Jeep. Acura is a luxury make owned by Honda, and Lexus is a luxury make under Toyota.
Car Model Meaning
Once you know the make or brand, the model narrows it down even more.
When talking about a car, models refer to the specific type of car. Some famous models of cars include Beetle, Mustang, Fiesta, and Pontiac.
To clarify this further, look at the make and model of the cars below:
- Honda Civic – Honda is the make, Civic is the model.
- Vauxhall Corsa Activ – Vauxhall is the make, Corsa Activ is the model.
- Ford Mustang – Ford is the make, Mustang is the model.
Differences Between Cars of the Same Model
Cars of the same model can vary greatly in body style and trim level. Even if you have two vehicles that are the same model in front of you, they could still look very different.
Body Styles
Auto manufacturers might make a certain car model with several different body style options. For example, you can buy a 2018 Honda Civic as a sedan, coupe, or hatchback. Here are some of the most common body style types:
- Coupe
- Sedan
- Hatchback
- Convertible
- Wagon
- SUV
The body style informs a vehicle’s general shape, the number of doors, and mechanical setups, such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Body style can be the most important distinction for a vehicle. It has a major impact on how a car is best used.
Trim Levels
In addition to body styles, a car manufacturer might offer several trim options for a given model. Trim levels relate to the equipment and the styling of a particular vehicle.
Common trim levels are:
- Standard: no upgrades.
- Sport: upgraded engine performance and handling.
- Luxury: upgraded interior and smoother suspension.
Model Year
The model year of a car is one of the main ways that cars of the same make and model are differentiated. However, a vehicle’s model year is not necessarily the same as the year it was manufactured. It is important to note that the cost of car insurance changes with the age of a car.
You can usually purchase a vehicle for a given model year a few months before the calendar year actually starts. For example, the 2018 Honda Civic was available for purchase starting in late summer 2017.
How to Find Your Car’s Make and Model
Unsure of the make and model of a car? You can usually determine these by checking the emblems, logos, and badging on the exterior. The vehicle’s registration certificate will also list its make and model. You can find more information, like model year, manufacturing location, and equipment specs, by searching the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number). Locating the VIN is straightforward. Check where the dashboard meets the windshield on the driver’s side. There, you’ll find the VIN, which is 17 digits long.
Hire a Professional Car Technician in Melbourne
We have engaged with many clients for independent, personal car purchase advice. While we are not a car broker, we have assisted clients with discussions on car make and model in Melbourne, year, and version of the vehicle best suited to their needs. In some cases, clients, especially repeat clients (and we have many), have asked us to either source a car for them or assist in the negotiations.
Also read – 5 Must-Have Features For Your Used Car
As much as some of us think we’re backyard mechanics, you can’t go past actually getting a used car checked out by a professional to determine whether it is mechanically sound. There’s nothing worse than driving away with your new purchase, only to find that it has an issue that is going to cost you dearly.
If you want to buy a secondhand car, have a professional inspector like Greasemonkey Inspectors do a thorough pre-purchase car inspection in Melbourne to ensure that your dream car is operating properly and not a scam.
If you are looking for the best pre-purchase car inspector in Melbourne, do not hesitate to contact Greasemonkey Inspectors today!