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- The make is the brand, like Honda, Ford or Toyota. The model is the specific vehicle that the brand offers, such as the Civic, F-150 or Camry.
- Trim refers to a version of a model, not a different model. It is usually the primary factor driving price changes within a single model.
- To fully identify a vehicle, you need the year, make, model and trim. All four are usually required.
- You can find your vehicle’s make and model on the badge, your registration, your insurance card or by decoding the VIN.
- Your vehicle’s make and model affect your insurance rate because of factors such as repair costs, safety ratings, theft rates and claims history.
Whether you’re buying a new car, shopping for insurance or looking up vehicle information, you’ll likely be asked for your car’s make and model. While the terms are often used together, they refer to different things. Understanding the difference can help you compare vehicles, estimate ownership costs, find the right parts and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Make vs. model: what’s the difference?
A car’s make is the brand or manufacturer, such as Honda, Ford or Toyota. The model is the specific vehicle name, such as Civic, F-150 or Camry. Put them together and you get the make and model: Honda Civic, Ford F-150, Toyota Camry.
What is the make of a car?
A car’s make is the manufacturer or brand that produced the vehicle. Think of the make as the company name that appears on the vehicle.
Common car makes include:
For example, if you drive a Toyota Camry, Toyota is the make.
Knowing a vehicle’s make helps identify its manufacturer and can provide insight into factors such as reliability, resale value, available features and maintenance costs.
What is the model of a car?
A car’s model is the specific vehicle produced by the manufacturer. The model distinguishes one vehicle from another within the same brand’s lineup.
Examples include:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Civic
- Ford F-150
- BMW X5
- Tesla Model Y
In “Toyota Camry,” “Camry” is the model and “Toyota” is the make of the vehicle.
Vehicle models often come in multiple trims and model years. For instance, a 2025 Honda Civic Sport and a 2025 Honda Civic EX are different trim levels of the same model.
What is a trim level?
A trim level is a version of a vehicle model that comes with a specific set of features, equipment and styling. Manufacturers offer multiple trims for the same model, allowing buyers to choose the features they want at different price points.
For example, the Honda Civic is available in trims such as LX, Sport and Touring. While all are Civic models, higher trims typically include additional features, such as larger touchscreens, premium audio systems, advanced safety technology and upgraded engines.
Does make and model include the year?
No, a vehicle’s make and model do not include the year. The make identifies the manufacturer and the model identifies the specific vehicle. The year refers to the vehicle’s model year, which indicates when that version of the vehicle was produced.
For example:
- Year: 2025
- Make: Toyota
- Model: Camry
Together, these details identify the vehicle as a 2025 Toyota Camry.
Including the year is important because features, safety technology, engine options and vehicle value can vary significantly between model years, even for the same make and model.
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How to find your car’s make and model
You can usually find your car’s make and model in several places, including on the vehicle itself and in your official paperwork.
Start by checking the outside of the car. The make is often shown as a badge or logo on the front grille, rear trunk or tailgate. The model name is usually displayed on the back of the vehicle.
You can also find the make and model on documents such as:
- Vehicle registration
- Car title
- Insurance card or policy documents
- Owner’s manual
- Purchase or lease paperwork
If you’re still unsure, look up the vehicle identification number or VIN. Your car’s VIN can usually be found on a sticker at the base of your windshield or inside the driver’s-side doorjamb. A VIN lookup can confirm your vehicle’s year, make, model and trim.
Is the make the same as the manufacturer?
Yes, in most cases, a vehicle’s make and manufacturer are the same. The make refers to the brand name of the company that produced the vehicle.
For example:
- Toyota is the make and manufacturer of the Toyota Camry.
- Honda is the make and manufacturer of the Honda Civic.
- Ford is the make and manufacturer of the Ford F-150.
However, some automakers own multiple brands. For example, General Motors manufactures Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Buick vehicles. In these cases, the manufacturer is the parent company, while the make is the specific brand.
For instance, a Chevrolet Silverado has Chevrolet as its make, but its parent manufacturer is General Motors.
Why your car’s make and model matter
The make and model of your car influence its price, features and insurance costs. Insurers consider factors such as repair costs, safety ratings, theft rates and claims history, so even cars from the same brand can have very different insurance premiums. Your car’s make and model also play a role in its resale value and future repair costs.
Differentiate price points and features
Make and model are important for distinguishing a certain vehicle’s price and characteristics.
“Each model within the brand/make can be a step up or step down and this all affects price point,” said David Andrius, founder of 411oncars.com.
Impact on auto insurance rates
The make and model of a vehicle also dictate how much (or little) you’ll pay for auto insurance.
“It generally costs more to insure a Mercedes-Benz than it does to insure a Honda Accord,” said John Williams, an agent with Farmers Insurance in Colleyville, Texas. This has much to do with the differing car values, repair costs and frequency and severity of claims for any given make and model.”
When your insurance company runs your VIN to help determine the premium amount, it takes into account the make, model and trim level, he noted.
“There can also be big differences in crash test results and safety ratings from different models from the same make,” Williams said.
An EX might look identical or nearly so, to an LX, but they differ in some way, whether in equipment or amenities. To an insurer, they are different vehicles with different claims records. You could pay hundreds more to insure the same make/model, but with a different body style and trim level.
Sophie’s Tip
Before you commit to a car, check the insurance costs. Even two models from the same brand can have very different premiums.
Car make and model: They’re more than labels
You may choose a car because you love the way it looks, drives or sounds. But the make, model and trim you pick can affect more than your monthly car payment; they can also change what you pay for insurance.
Before you buy, compare insurance quotes for the vehicles on your list. Two cars from the same brand can have very different premiums, especially if one has a higher trim level, more horsepower or expensive-to-repair features.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car make and model
Does make and model affect my car insurance rate?
Yes. Insurance companies use a vehicle’s make, model and trim level when calculating premiums. Factors such as the vehicle’s value, repair costs, safety ratings, theft rates and engine performance can all influence how much it costs to insure.
For example, a luxury SUV or high-performance sports car typically costs more to insure than a midsize sedan because repairs and replacement parts are often more expensive. Even different trims of the same model can have different insurance rates.
Why do car models come in different trim levels?
Auto manufacturers offer multiple trim levels to give buyers more choices. Each trim includes a different combination of features, technology, performance upgrades and styling options at varying price points.
A base trim may include essential features, while higher trims can add items such as leather seats, premium sound systems, larger touchscreens, advanced driver-assistance features or more powerful engines. This allows buyers to choose a vehicle that fits their needs and budget without changing models.
Can the make and model affect maintenance and repair costs?
Yes, the make and model of a vehicle can have a big effect on how much you spend on maintenance and repairs. Some cars require special parts, premium fuel or specific service procedures from the manufacturer, which can raise the overall cost of ownership.
Usually, luxury cars and performance vehicles cost more to repair than regular models. The price you pay for routine maintenance or surprise repairs can depend on parts availability, labor requirements and vehicle complexity.
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