Car Data Index · Live database · 288 powertrains · no fees
Real car specs.
Official sources.
Zero paywalls.
Welcome to Car Data Index. Verified engine data, horsepower, 0–100 times, EPA fuel economy and dimensions across 15 makes and 61 model lines all sourced from NHTSA, EPA and manufacturer records, and expanded by our editors every week.
15
Makes indexed
61
Model lines
114
Generations
288+
Powertrains
01By brand
Popular makes
03Research tools
Free tools built on official data
Factory identity + open recalls
VIN Check
Decode a VIN against the NHTSA vPIC registry and check the same vehicle for open safety recalls before money changes hands.
NHTSA vPIC + Recall API
Open tool
Side-by-side model comparison
Compare Cars
Compare two verified model families side by side for horsepower, EPA MPG, safety ratings, recalls and dimensions.
Verified model pages + EPA + NHTSA
Open tool
Most efficient verified models
Best MPG Cars
Rank verified cars by EPA combined MPG, annual fuel cost, CO₂ and body type. Verified data with links to source records.
EPA fueleconomy.gov
Open tool
Annual and trip cost
Fuel-Cost Calculator
Calculate yearly fuel needed, annual cost, cost per mile, five-year fuel budget and a trip estimate from miles, MPG and gas price.
Industry-standard math
Open tool
Value loss curve
Depreciation Calculator
Project current value and future resale using a front-loaded declining-balance curve, vehicle type, mileage and condition adjustments.
Transparent planning formula
Open tool
Official 5-Star ratings
Safest Cars
Crash-tested models ranked from NHTSA 5-Star results with frontal, side, rollover and recall event frequency as context.
Official NHTSA NCAP
Open tool
04Most researched
Popular models
Audi A4
View Specifications
Audi Q7
View Specifications
BMW 3 Series
View Specifications
BMW X3
View Specifications
Chevrolet Corvette
View Specifications
Ford Explorer
View Specifications
Ford F-150
View Specifications
Ford Mustang
View Specifications
Honda Civic
View Specifications
Honda CR-V
View Specifications
Free tool · NHTSA vPIC
One number.
The car's whole story.
Every vehicle since 1981 carries a 17-character VIN. Decode it for the exact year, make, model, trim, engine and assembly plant, straight from the official federal database.
Open the VIN decoder05Journal
Guides & explainers
Tesla Model 3 & Model Y Front Upper Control Arm Failure: Squeak, Ball Joint Seal & TSB Guide
Definitive Tesla Model 3 & Model Y front suspension guide: upper control arm (FUCA) ball joint creak, water intrusion, TSB SB-20-31-006, and upgraded polyurethane fixes.
November 12, 2026
Ford 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Failure: CDF Clutch Drum Slip, Harsh Shifts & TSB 23-2250 Guide
Definitive Ford 10R80 10-speed transmission guide: CDF clutch drum bushing slip, violent 3-4 and 7-8 harsh upshifts, TSB 23-2250, and upgraded replacement parts.
November 11, 2026
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid "Cablegate" Corrosion: Rear Motor Cable Failure, P0AA6 Codes & Warranty W65 Guide
Definitive Toyota RAV4 & Highlander Hybrid Cablegate guide: 650V rear motor cable corrosion, DTC P0AA6 isolation fault, $6,500 replacement cost, and Warranty W65 coverage.
November 11, 2026
06FAQ
Common questions
Is Car Data Index really free?
Yes. Every specification, generation history and the VIN decoder are free to use with no account, no signup and no paywall. The site is funded by advertising.
Where does the specification data come from?
Specs are compiled from manufacturer data sheets and type-approval records, cross-referenced with official public sources including NHTSA vehicle databases and EPA fuel-economy records.
What can the VIN decoder tell me?
Paste any 17-character VIN to instantly decode the model year, make, model, trim, engine, body class, drivetrain and assembly plant, read from the official NHTSA vPIC database.
How much of the market do you cover?
Car Data Index is an independently verified automotive specifications catalog. Deep, verified spec sheets are published generation by generation across major global makes, with popular models first. Every page cites official EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer records at the bottom so you always know where the numbers come from.
Why do specs differ from what I see elsewhere?
Specifications vary by market, model year and testing standard. Figures marked MPG use the US EPA cycle; European WLTP figures for the same car are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Official data sources
Specifications cross-checked against NHTSA, EPA and manufacturer records before publication.
Full spec sheets
Engine, gearbox, performance, economy, emissions, weight and dimensions for every trim we index.
Free, ad-supported
No accounts, no paywalls. Non-intrusive advertising keeps the index free for everyone.