What is a Model Twin?

A Model Twin is a vehicle that is substantially similar to another vehicle with a different make or make / model designation. Model Twin designations were assigned by VSIRC after verifying similarities through at least two sources for each vehicle model. Reference sources include:

• Manufacturers’ marketing
• Reference books
• Insurance data
• Manufacturer government submissions
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration New Car Assessment Program
• Consumer publications and trade journals
• Service and Repair manuals and bulletins

One or more of the following criteria must be met for a vehicle to be considered a Model Twin in the VSIRC database:

• A vehicle that has been rebadged with a different make or model name, by the same or a different manufacturer, but is a substantially similar vehicle. Examples: GMC / Chevrolet Suburban, Honda Passport / Isuzu Rodeo.


• A vehicle built on the same internal platform / designation, such as the Ford Panther Platform, the Chrysler K-Car, or the Mercedes W124. Some vehicles made on the same platform may have a number of cosmetic, body style or mechanical differences. Examples: 2009 Dodge Journey / 2008 Dodge Avenger / 2007 Chrysler Sebring, or the 2009 Ford Flex / 2009 Ford Five Hundred.


• A vehicle that is built on a derivative or substantially related platform. Example: the Chrysler A, E, H, J, and C/V platforms are all “versions” of the Chrysler K car platform. A vehicle using the Chrysler H-platform, such as the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron GTS, is considered a model twin to all K-car platform vehicles, like the 1981 Dodge Aries, AND all other vehicles on any of the other above mentioned platforms.


• A vehicle that is based on an earlier vehicle. Example: 1995 Honda Odyssey is based on the 1994 Honda Accord platform.


• A vehicle based on an international market platform. Examples: 2008 Saturn Astra is based on the 2004 Vauxhall / Opel Astra.

VSIRC has erred in being more inclusive with its selection of what constitutes a Model Twin.

What vehicles are included in the Model Twins?

Passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, and selected medium duty trucks and utility vehicles from 1960s – 2009)

• For some of the U.S. market vehicles, VSIRC has identified the model twins sold in foreign markets (International Twins). Example: The Nissan Sunny is the Japanese version of the Nissan Sentra. VSIRC will continue to add to the international model twins


• Manufacturer Platform Designations, like General Motors GMT 900 or Mercedes W107 have been included for some models. VSIRC will continue to add data to Platform Designations.

What is the Model Range?

The model range is the start and end years for a particular vehicle model in which it remained essentially the same (i.e., no changes, or minor changes like “refreshing” or restyled components, etc.). A model range ends when the vehicle is substantially redesigned or introduced on a new platform. Similar to the Model Twin designations, VSIRC identified the model ranges for each vehicle using at least two sources from the list above.

In many instances, the Model Twins do not have the same Model Ranges as their twin. An example is the 1999 - 2001 GMC Envoy. Its twins include the 1995 - 2005 Chevrolet Blazer, the 1995 - 1998 GMC Jimmy and the 2002 - 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada. Another example is the 2001 - 2007 Toyota Highlander. Its twins are the 2004 - 2006 Lexus RX330, and 2007 - 2008 RX350.

Other Useful Information on Model Twins and Model Ranges:

• Mid-year model range changes: In some instances vehicles are redesigned in the middle of a model year: for example, the 2005.5 – 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. Because most of the source data do not include mid-year designations, VSIRC will retrieve data for the earliest year designation (i.e., 2005 – 2009 Volkswagen Jetta).


• Old and new platforms sold at the same time: Some vehicles are redesigned while the prior model is still sold. For example, the 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage, based on the 1993 - 2003 platform, was sold alongside of the 2004 - 2008 new platform Ford F-150. If both the current and new design are sold at the same time, both vehicles will be listed in the same model year. To the extent that the source data discern the differences, the VSIRC will return results with the distinction. If the data do not discern the differences, VSIRC will return results that include all potentially relevant matches.


• 2009 Model years and later: VSIRC data include information for all domestic and imported vehicles through model year 2009. Currently, some information for 2010 model year vehicles is included. The Model Twins and Model Range information will be updated as the information is made available.