| Digit | Description | Code | Translation |
| 1 | Country of origin | 1 | USA |
| 2-3 | Manufacturer ID | FA | Ford Passenger Car |
| 4 | Restraint System | L | 1st Generation Air Bags |
|
5-7 |
Model, Boddy Type |
P65 |
Contour GL/Bass(all), LX 98.5 |
|
8 |
Engine Type |
3 |
993; Zetec I4, 2.0L, 125hp |
|
|
|
L |
99L; Duratec V6, 2.5L, 170hp |
|
|
|
G |
99G; Duratec V6, 2.5L, 195hp, H.O. |
|
|
|
Z |
99Z; Zetec I4, 2.0L, Natural Gas |
|
9 |
Check Digit |
0-9,X |
- |
|
10 |
Model Year |
S |
1995 |
|
|
|
T |
1996 |
|
|
|
V |
1997 |
|
|
|
W |
1998 |
|
|
|
X |
1999 |
|
|
|
X |
1999 |
|
|
|
Y |
2000 |
|
12-17 |
Sequential ID |
100001 |
Ford counts from 100001 to 599999 |
|
|
|
600001 |
Mercury counts from 600001 to 999999 |