What’s the Difference Between Car Make and Model?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
Your car’s make is the manufacturer (like Honda, Ford, or Toyota). Your car’s model is the specific vehicle line made by that manufacturer (like Civic, F-150, or Camry). You’ll usually need both (plus the year) when getting an insurance quote, registering a vehicle, or ordering parts.
Below is a clear breakdown of make vs. model, how to find yours quickly, and why insurers and other businesses ask for it.
- Make Is the Manufacturer: The make is the brand that built the vehicle (Honda, Toyota, Ford).
- Model Is the Vehicle Line: The model identifies the specific product line within that make (Civic, Camry, F-150).
- Year and Trim Change the Details: Two cars with the same make and model name can have very different features, values, and repair costs.
- Use Official Documents When Unsure: Registration paperwork, your declarations page, and the VIN are the most reliable sources for make/model.
Make vs. Model at a Glance
| Term | What It Means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Make | The brand/manufacturer that builds the vehicle | Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Volkswagen |
| Model | The specific vehicle line produced by that manufacturer | Civic, CR-V, Camry, F-150, Altima, Passat |
About Car Make
Your car’s make is the company that produced it. If you drive a Honda, “Honda” is the make. If you drive a Ford, “Ford” is the make.
Common Examples of Car Makes
- Honda
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Ford
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
You can have two vehicles with the same make but different models. For example, a Honda Civic and a Honda CR-V share the same make (Honda), but they’re different models.
About Car Model
Your car’s model is the specific type of vehicle within a make. Saying you drive a “Nissan” describes the make, but “Nissan Altima” tells someone the model too.
Models are named differently depending on the manufacturer. Some brands use words (Camry, Outback), while others use letters and numbers (many BMW models). Your model often signals whether your vehicle is a sedan, SUV, pickup, or sports car—which is one reason it matters for insurance. See: how your type of car affects your insurance rates.
How to Find Your Car’s Make and Model
If you’re not sure what to enter on a form, these are the most reliable places to check:
- Registration and title: Many states list the make and model (or a model code) on your registration paperwork.
- Insurance documents: Your declarations page often lists your vehicle details, including year, make, model, and VIN.
- Badges and interior markings: The brand logo and model name are often on the trunk, tailgate, fenders, or steering wheel.
- VIN: A VIN is a 17-character identifier often visible through the windshield on the driver’s side or on the driver-side door jamb. It’s commonly used to verify exact vehicle details for insurance and repairs.
Quick tip: If a form asks for “make/model,” it usually also needs the model year. The same model name can refer to very different vehicles across different years.
Make and Model Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Make and model are the starting point, but several other details can change what your car is worth and how it’s insured—even if the make and model name are the same.
| Detail | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | The year designation for that version of the vehicle | Can affect safety features, replacement value, and repair costs. See: does your car year affect your insurance price? |
| Body style | Sedan, SUV, coupe, convertible, hatchback, etc. | Some body styles cost more to insure and repair. Example: are 2-door cars more expensive to insure? |
| Trim level | A specific package within a model (base, sport, luxury, etc.) | Higher trims often include pricier parts and technology, which can increase claim costs. |
Why Make and Model Matter
You’ll be asked for your car’s make and model any time someone needs to identify the vehicle accurately or estimate costs. Common examples include:
- Insurance quotes: Insurers use make/model (plus year and other details) to estimate repair costs and risk. If you need coverage fast, see how to get auto insurance immediately. Most insurers also ask for documentation, which is covered here: what documents you need to insure your car.
- Parts and repairs: Shops and parts suppliers need accurate vehicle details to match compatible components.
- Parking and security: Hotels, apartments, or workplaces may record make/model to confirm a vehicle belongs in a specific lot.
- Vehicle value: Make/model plus year/trim/body style help determine resale value and replacement cost.
Make and model can also affect how a vehicle is categorized in underwriting systems used by insurers. For an overview, see: what an ISO rating means for car insurance.
Final Word on Car Make and Model
The make of a vehicle is the manufacturer (Honda, Toyota, Ford). The model is the specific vehicle line (Civic, Corolla, F-150). If you’re unsure, check your registration, your insurance declarations page, or your VIN—and include the model year whenever accuracy matters.
