M
M85
M85 is a blend of 85% methanol and 15% gasoline. It is not commonly used because Methanol and Methanol fumes are poisonous.
Make
For a vehicle, either the name of its manufacturer or, if the manufacturer has more than one operating unit, the name of that unit.
Manifold heat control valve
A thermostatic device that routes exhaust heat to the intake manifold in order to promote fuel vaporization and reduce warm-up time.
Manual extending mirrors
A sideview mirror that can be manually moved further away from a vehicle when it is towing an object.
Manual transmission
A transmission that uses a clutch and a shift (gear) selector to change gears.
Manual transmission fluid
The fluid used for lubricating and cooling a manual transmission.
Manufacturer's engine code
An alphanumeric code given to an engine by its manufacturer in order to distinguish it from other engines.
Map storage
The media on which the maps for a vehicle's navigation system are stored (generally CD, DVD or hard drive).
Marketing support
An auto industry term that describes programs that manufacturers provide to stimulate sales or assist dealers in the advertising and marketing of their vehicles.
Maximum cargo capacity
A measurement of a vehicle's cargo volume when the rear seats (including a third row if applicable) are folded or removed.
 
 
Memory settings
Preset positions and settings (for power seats, mirrors or steering column positions for a vehicle's driver) or for the HVAC system, audio system, exterior mirrors or navigation system, that can be recalled using a button.
Mid-engine
A vehicle that is propelled solely by its rear wheels and whose engine that is aft of the passenger compartment but forward of the rear axle.
Mileage allowance
In a vehicle lease, the number of miles the lessee is permitted to drive over the term of the lease without incurring an excess mileage penalty.
Model
A specific vehicle brand identified by a name or number (and which is usually further classified by trim or style level).
Model year
For a vehicle model, the calendar year designation assigned by the manufacturer to the annual version of that model.
Money factor
Also referred to as a "lease factor" or "lease fee." An auto leasing industry term for expressing the interest rate used to calculate the monthly lease payment, and equal to the lease's APR divided by 2,400. (For example, an APR of 7.2% equals a money factor of 0.0033.)
Monroney sticker
Also referred to as a "Window sticker." A sticker, required by law for all new vehicles sold in the United States, that is affixed to the side window or windshield and that must include the following information: MSRP, engine and transmission specs, standard equipment and warranty details, optional equipment and pricing, city and highway mileage ratings as determined by the Environment Protection Agency, and crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Monthly payment
The amount of principal and interest that must be paid each month under the terms of a finance or lease contract.
MPG
Miles per gallon.
MSRP
Manufacturer's suggested retail price. Also referred to as "sticker price."