© American Honda, © Ford Motor Company, © FCA US, © Nissan North America
Cars That Thieves Love Most
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently released new findings on the most stolen cars in America. The annual “Hot Wheels” report analyzes vehicle theft data submitted to the NICB by law enforcement agencies from around the country. For 2014, the most recent full year of data available, there were a total of 712,786 vehicular thefts reported as of March 2015. Despite a continuing downward trend in overall thefts, the loss of a vehicle is both a personal hardship as well as an economic one. That’s why the NICB recommends car owners practice good common sense including always locking the vehicle, having a theft warning device or app, as well as immobilizing or tracking solutions. Here’s a list of the top 10 vehicles stolen in the U.S. during 2014.
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© Nissan North America
10. Nissan Maxima
6,586 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model year: 1996
Since the Maxima debuted in 1981, 2.9 million have been sold in the U.S. Originally labeled a “4-Door Sports Car” in the 1980s, the sedan appeals to drivers with a sporting flair. Unfortunately thieves have been joyriding the Maxima into this year’s group of top 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S. The 1996 model has SE, GXE and GLE trims, all powered by a 3.0-liter 190-horsepower V6 engine.
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© American Honda
9. Acura Integra
6,902 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model years: 1994, 1995
No longer sold by Honda’s premium brand, this capable front-driving coupe still proves to be popular among criminals as well as owners. Produced from 1985 to 2006 — and named one of Car and Driver magazine’s “10Best” cars six times — this sporting driver’s car undoubtedly appeals to thieves who feel a need for speed.
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© Nissan North America
8. Nissan Altima
9,109 stolen in 2014:
Most stolen model year: 2013
A stalwart family sedan, the midsize Altima has legions of fans both noble and nefarious. Now in its fifth generation, the current Altima has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower. Since it’s never been known for astounding horsepower, the Altima may be attractive to thieves more for its aesthetics.
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© FCA US
7. Dodge Caravan
10,483 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model years: 2000–2003
Considered the original vehicle of the minivan segment, the Caravan makes this list by sheer numbers and years on the market. Although out of fashion due to the rise of crossovers, there are still enough Caravans, Grand Caravans (and sibling Chrysler Town & Countrys) on the road to make them profitable targets for car thieves.
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© FCA US
6. Dodge Pickup (Full Size)
11,075 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model years: 2001–2005
The third-most-popular truck among thieves, Dodge pickups are known for their bulletproof qualities and ability to transport all kinds of cargo. Named Motor Trend Truck of the Year five times, Dodge trucks obviously deliver the goods for criminals in need of high-powered haulers — an unfortunate fact for hardworking truck owners.
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© Toyota Motor Sales USA
5. Toyota Camry
14,605 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model year: 1991
One of the most popular cars on the planet, the Camry has been sold internationally since 1982. A majority of Camrys stolen in the U.S. during calendar year 2014 were from the 1991 model year. Back then it was available as a sedan or wagon with two engine choices: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit with 115 horsepower or a 2.5-liter V6 making 153 horses.
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© General Motors
4. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
23,196 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model years: 1997, 1999–2007
The full-size Chevy Silverado is another popular choice among truck jackers. The wide range of model years stolen is also a testament to their popularity among thieves, no doubt for their widespread appeal and thus a large black market for parts.
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© Ford Motor Company
3. Ford Pickup (Full Size)
28,680 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model years: 1997, 1999–2008, 2013, 2014
Not only are Ford F-Series trucks the best-selling vehicles in America, they are also the most popular pickup among criminals — for understandable reasons. Ford trucks are ubiquitous work vehicles, providing car thieves with plenty of opportunity to purloin said pickups and profit from them.
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© American Honda
2. Honda Civic
43,936 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model years: 1991–2000
One of the most widespread compact cars throughout America, the Civic remains a popular target for car thieves. The model started its life as a subcompact but has grown in size over the years. Originally known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, the Civic has had enough sporty variants such as the Si to make older model years desirable to thieves with a penchant for speed.
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© American Honda
1. Honda Accord
51,290 stolen in 2014
Most stolen model years: 1990–1997
Continuing its streak for another year as the most stolen vehicle in the United States, the Honda Accord’s dubious fame is a direct result of its popularity with drivers everywhere as economical, reliable transportation that retains its resale value. And the large number of Accords on the road provides thieves with easy choices and access. That said, since smartkeys were introduced on the Accord in 1998, the number of thefts have dropped dramatically. According to the NICB, for every one stolen 2014 Honda Accord equipped with anti-theft technology, there are 25 stolen 1997 Accords without anti-theft tech.
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