[Christien]

Most DMVs will provide what they call here a vehicle abstract which shows current and past owners based on VIN. I'm sure laws vary state to state, but at least here in Ontario it's public info, and not protected by privacy laws. There is a fee, however.

The problem with this method is you need to contact each individual DMV and be prepared to pay a fee.

edit: Carfax wouldn't tell you who owns it, anyway. It would, though, tell you what state it was last registered and/or plated in.