When you think of a vehicle’s name, you probably think of its make and model. For example, if someone asks what kind of car you have, you may answer with something like “a small blue car” or name its make and model, “Toyota Camry.” But there’s a difference between make and model, and understanding this is important, especially when shopping for or selling a car.
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Car Make and Model: What Does It Mean?
The terms “make” and “model” are used to describe a specific car and are frequently used together, but can sometimes be used separately. If you’re talking to someone with a decent knowledge of cars, you might just say you own a Civic rather than say “Honda Civic,” because you know they understand that a Civic is a type of Honda.
Make
Simply put, the make is the brand of the car, and the model is the specific product. Think of Oreos. Nabisco is the brand; Oreos are the specific product. Every make, or brand, has multiple models in its lineup. So, Toyota offers several models, including the Camry, Corolla, 4Runner, Tundra, and others.
Some car makes are under a parent company that is also a make. Consider Ford Motor Company. Ford is its own make, but it’s also the parent company of Lincoln.
Model
Once you know the make or brand, the model narrows it down even more. Audi and Mercedes differentiate between models with a well-organized system of letters and numbers. Audi designates their SUVs with the Q nomenclature (such as Q3, Q5, and Q7), and its cars with the A suffix (such as A4, A6, and A8). Other companies name each of their models; for example, Honda makes the Accord, Civic, and Prelude cars and CR-V, HR-V, and Pilot SUVs.
Add in the model year to your description, and you’ve helped suss out the specific generation of the vehicles. For example, a 1998 Audi A4 denotes it as part of the model’s first generation, which Audi sold in the U.S. for the 1996–2001 model years. A 2003 Audi A4, meanwhile, alerts you to the fact that this sports sedan is an example from the model’s second generation.
Under the umbrella of the model are trim levels, which are another factor that further narrows down a vehicle’s feature set.
Differences Between Vehicles of the Same Model
Even if you have two vehicles that are the same model in front of you, they could still look very different. Beyond obvious differences like paint color and wheels, many models offer specific trim levels, different body styles, and varying feature and appearance packages.
Body Style
The body style is the basic build of the car, and certain models might be available in multiple body styles:
- Sedan
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Hatchback
- Pickup
- SUV (and/or crossover SUV)
- Wagon
For example, Honda sells the current Civic in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Meanwhile, Honda builds the current Accord exclusively in sedan form.
Trim Level
This is where you choose between a basic model with a lower starting price or one with various levels of added equipment and features. Just about every vehicle on the market offers a handful of trim levels. Often, trim levels are specified by initials like L, S, or EX, but some models use names. For example, the 2026 Kia K5 is available in either LXS, GT-Line, GT, or EX trim levels.
Generally, trim levels are focused on performance or feature content. So there’s usually a base trim that comes with the basic features you’d expect in the model, while the highest-end trims get all the extras you likely want in a car but probably don’t need (think sunroofs and leather-lined seats). Sport-oriented trims may feature additional engine output and/or transmission or chassis tweaks.
How to Find Your Car’s Make and Model
The vehicle’s registration certificate will 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 pretty straightforward. Typically, you can find it where the dashboard meets the windshield on the driver’s side. There, you’ll find the VIN, which is 17 digits long.
When Does Make and Model Matter?
It’s essential to understand the make and model of a vehicle when you’re purchasing or selling it. This information also matters when shopping for car insurance. You may have heard the myth that red cars equal higher insurance rates. While that’s untrue, many insurance carriers do charge higher premiums for certain makes, models, and trims. For instance, sports cars and vehicles with high-performance capabilities typically cost more to insure.
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. DriftBreath & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend.