What is the difference between car make vs. model?

If you’re a new driver, a first-time car buyer, or purchasing car insurance for the first time, you probably have questions about the difference between the make vs. model of a car or truck.

In the U.S., nearly a dozen automakers manufacture vehicles each year. According to data compiled by Statista, there were also 257 car models offered on the U.S. market in 2019 — a number expected to increase by 2023. With so many different choices, understanding the differences between the makes and models of different cars and trucks can be confusing — but it’s something every vehicle owner needs to know before buying an insurance policy.

In this article, we’ll explore the difference between the make and model of a vehicle, how to identify your car’s make and model, and whether the type of car you drive can impact your auto insurance rates.

Read more: Compare Car Insurance Rates by Vehicle Make and Model 

What is a vehicle’s make vs. model?

When you’re shopping around for car insurance quotes or purchasing a car insurance policy, your insurance agent or provider will likely ask you questions about the make and model of your vehicle. This question can sometimes be perplexing for new drivers and first-time insurance buyers. However, identifying your car’s make and model isn’t complicated once you know what to look for.

Vehicle Make

A car’s make refers to the brand or company that produced or made the vehicle. “Makes” are usually multinational automotive companies with offices and manufacturing facilities in locations worldwide. Some examples of vehicle makes include the following:

• Ford
• Honda
• Tesla
• Toyota
• Nissan
• Volkswagen

Sometimes, the make of a car can also be brands owned by a larger parent company. So, for example, even though Dodge is owned by the parent company Fiat Chrysler, Dodge would be considered the make of any vehicle produced under the Dodge brand name. The same applies to other makes that belong to a parent company, such as Lexus, owned by Toyota.

Read more: Compare Fiat Car Insurance Rates

Vehicle Model

A vehicle’s model is the name of the specific type of vehicle. Automakers usually distinguish the models of vehicles they produce by assigning them a name, number, letter, or a combination of those. Examples of vehicle models include the following:

• Fusion
• F-150
• Corolla
• Jetta
• Pathfinder
• Model S

Some automakers differentiate their models by using numbers or letters in a series. An example is Tesla’s Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. Other auto companies name each of their models individually, such as Ford’s Fiesta, Fusion, Mustang, Expedition, and so on.

Model Version

Although the names of car models can help differentiate one vehicle from another, a higher level of differentiation is often required to distinguish different versions of the same model. 

Because multiple versions of most models are available to car buyers each year, a vehicle’s model version can be distinguished from other versions through qualities like body style, trim level, and year of production.

Body Style

The body style of a vehicle refers to its basic build. Because many car models are available in multiple body styles, model names often include numbers or letters that distinguish one body style from another. Some examples of different body styles include the following:

• Sedan
• Hatchback
• Coupe
• Convertible
• SUV
• Station wagon

The Fiesta S sedan is an example of a specific body style of a car model. Its model name differentiates it from another version of the Ford Fiesta, the Fiesta ST hatchback.

Trim Level

Nearly every vehicle model is available in at least a small variety of trim levels. In general, trim levels are distinguished by the level of performance and luxury they offer drivers. Trim levels are typically defined in tiers, ranging from cars with basic features to high-end luxury cars and high-power sports vehicles.

Examples of basic trim levels include standard features like manual windows, cloth seats, and basic technology. On the other hand, luxury trims offer a more advanced GPS, heated leather seats, and/or a motorized sunroof. Similarly, sports trims often feature high-powered engines and performance-based transmissions and suspension systems.

Model Year

In addition to the body style and trim level, vehicle models are differentiated by the year they were produced. Because a model’s features often differ by year, knowing a model’s year can help a car buyer or owner understand which features are available on a car — and which mechanical issues they might experience when buying a used model produced in a specific year. In addition to individual years, model years are grouped by generations that define the time when significant changes were made to a model’s design or features.

Why do I need to know my vehicle’s make and model?

Knowing which version of a car model you’re purchasing — or selling — can be helpful in several ways. First, the make and model can help you determine which features you can expect to find on a vehicle — for example, whether you’re getting a sedan or hatchback and whether you’re getting luxury options or standard features. 

Because parts and features are sometimes recalled on specific models during certain years, knowing the model year can also help you know what to expect when it comes to mechanical or performance issues.

In addition to better understanding your vehicle’s build, features, and any known mechanical issues, knowing the make and model can also help you estimate what you might pay for insurance before purchasing a car.

By knowing whether you can afford to insure the vehicle you’re considering purchasing, you can make smarter investments. You also need to know your vehicle’s make and model when buying insurance or selling your vehicle.

Does car model affect insurance?

Generally, a vehicle’s make and model can impact the cost of insuring it. For example, because various factors can make car insurance more expensive, including a vehicle’s value, insuring a more expensive model with luxury features can cost more than insuring a car with standard features. Similarly, insuring a high-performance sports car can be more expensive than insuring a family station wagon with safety features.

It’s important to remember that insurance rates can vary widely between insurers and locations. To get the best insurance rates possible, shop around and compare quotes before buying a policy.

Identifying Your Car’s Make and Model

Because a car’s make and model can impact everything from insurance rates to the vehicle’s resale value, it’s important to know how to identify that information on any car or truck you own or are considering buying or selling. There are several ways to identify a car’s make and model, so if one doesn’t work for you, remember that other methods are available.

Read the Driver’s Manual

One way of identifying your vehicle’s make and model is to look at the driver’s manual that came with your car. Usually, the manual is in the form of a book and is often stored in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Typically, the cover of a driver’s manual will state the make, model, year, and other information about your vehicle.

Observe the Car’s Details

Another method for identifying the make and model of your vehicle is to observe specific features. To determine the make and model of your car, look for the automaker’s logo, which can often be found on the trunk or steering wheel, as well as emblems or logos on the vehicle’s exterior. Determining your vehicle’s model year might be more difficult, however, and could require further investigation.

Look at Your Vehicle Registration Documents

Although determining your car’s make and model can sometimes be accomplished by observing its external features, like emblems, getting all the necessary information is not always possible. 

If you cannot determine more in-depth information about your vehicle from its exterior — like the model version or year — you might need to try other avenues. By examining your vehicle’s registration certificate, you should be able to identify your car’s make, model, and model year.

Research the Vehicle’s VIN

Suppose you’re looking for even more detailed information about your vehicle. In that case, you can use your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine its make, model, model year, manufacturing location, and technical specifications. 

A car’s VIN is a unique 17-digit identifier that differentiates your vehicle from others. To locate your vehicle’s VIN, look for a badge on the driver’s side of your car where the windshield meets the dashboard.

Once you’ve located your VIN, there are many websites available where you can look up your vehicle’s production information using it, including Carfax, Autozone, and others. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also offers an online VIN decoder tool to help drivers learn about their vehicles.

Make vs. Model: Understanding the Difference

Although understanding the difference between your car’s make and model might seem confusing initially, it’s necessary information to have on hand when buying, selling, or insuring a vehicle. 

Luckily, differentiating the make and model of your vehicle is easy once you know each term’s definition. A vehicle’s make refers to the company or brand that made the car, while a vehicle’s model refers to the specific type of car in question.

Case Studies: What is the difference between car make vs. model?

Case Study 1: Different Insurance Rates Based on Car Model

Sarah is shopping for car insurance and wants to know how the make and model of her vehicle can affect her insurance rates. She compares insurance quotes for two different cars: a compact sedan and a luxury SUV. Sarah discovers that the luxury SUV has higher insurance rates due to its higher value and potential repair costs. This case study highlights how the car’s model can impact insurance premiums.

Case Study 2: Identifying Make and Model for Insurance Purposes

John recently purchased a used car from a private seller. He needs to provide the make and model information to his insurance company to get coverage. John consults the vehicle registration documents and identifies the car’s make as “Honda” and the model as “Civic.” This case study demonstrates the importance of knowing the make and model when purchasing insurance.

Case Study 3: Impact of Model Year on Insurance Rates

Emily is considering buying a used car and wants to understand how the model year can affect insurance rates. She compares insurance quotes for two similar models: a 2018 model and a 2021 model. Emily finds that the insurance rates for the 2018 model are slightly lower due to its lower value and potential depreciation. This case study emphasizes how the model year can influence insurance premiums.