Most Stolen Cars Nationwide

[FujimiLover]

I was reading news-bits on AOL and saw that they had a list of most stolen cars in America.

http://www.walletpop.com/insurance/car-ins...hicles-by-state

Here are the top ten.

1. 1994 Honda Accord

2. 1995 Honda Civic

3. 1989 Toyota Camry

4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup

5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

6. 2000 Dodge Caravan

7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

8. 1994 Acura Integra

9. 1999 Ford Taurus

10. 2002 Ford Explorer

I've noticed that in there state-by-state listings, it all pretty much seems to be the same car, but in mixed order. I sure am glad my car's not on that list!

Funny, I don't recall seeing any one of these in Gone in 60 Seconds! LOL!

[Rick Schmidt]

I pretty well know how the 89 Camry is stolen just dunno why lol A lot of em once you get in the car Any key or any thing that'll fit in the ignition will start it. used to start the one we had with my leatherman while I'd be waitin for the wife to come out. Not a real exciting car tho. Not that luxurious either heck I've seen base model Corrollas nicer than the Camrys were back then

[FujimiLover]

A lot of older cars had that big thick wing-nut looking ignition on the steering column that could be turned with just your hands. My have times have changed!

A lot of cars these day's have a chip in the key much like the Mercedes in "Gone in 60 Seconds". The chip is the only thing that will allow the ignition to be turned and start the car. This chip unfortunately makes it much harder to get the key duplicated at your local key-store. I tried getting the key for my 2001 Honda Insight duplicated and the local key-spert couldn't do it. He said I had to get a new one from the Honda dealer.

Only car I had stolen from me was my 88 CRX SI! However, I was fortunate enough to get it back the same day with nothing harmed but the steering column. Got a Clifford alarm system, and no problems since!

Edited August 24, 2009 by FujimiLover

[Harry P.]

A 1989 Toyota Camry is the third most stolen car in the US? In 2009???

Geez, how many of those old things can still possibly be left to steal?

Whatsamatter, car thieves don't like anything from this century???

[Zoom Zoom]

A 1989 Toyota Camry is the third most stolen car in the US? In 2009???

Geez, how many of those old things can still possibly be left to steal?

Whatsamatter, car thieves don't like anything from this century???

Boring cars that are reliable and last forever are the most-stolen; they're valuable for parts. And somewhat invisible during the period of being stolen and being stripped. Ones that have drivetrains that can be used in a lot of the same company's vehicles are also more valuable for the same reasons.

[Harry P.]

But there a lot of newer boring and reliable cars to steal. I never even see any of them on the road anymore... hard to believe that there are still enough 20-year old Camrys on the road that they can still be #3 on the list. Why not a 1998 Camry, or a 2002, etc. What's the magic that an '89 has? I have to wonder how up-to-date this list is.

In fact, 7 out of the top ten most stolen are at least 15 model years old! I guess thieves are into "vintage" parts!

[Zoom Zoom]

But there a lot of newer boring and reliable cars to steal. I never even see any of them on the road anymore... hard to believe that there are still enough 20-year old Camrys on the road that they can still be #3 on the list. Why not a 1998 Camry, or a 2002, etc. What's the magic that an '89 has? I have to wonder how up-to-date this list is.

In fact, 7 out of the top ten most stolen are at least 15 model years old! I guess thieves are into "vintage" parts!

Because the newer boring reliable cars are too new to need many replacement parts. Trust me, they'll be on the list in a few years.

I still see a lot of old Camrys running around. They aren't pretty...but they're still soldiering on. As they don't rust/corrode down south vs. up north we may see more of them here than you would see up there.

[FujimiLover]

Also remember, that the older cars are much easier for those thieves to steal than the newer cars. As I said, most newer cars have chips or special key's that are required to start. Older cars, are just easier and that's what they want. They go for what's easy.

[Joe Handley]

Funny, I don't recall seeing any one of these in Gone in 60 Seconds! LOL!

There was a Cherokee used in "Gone in 60 Seconds" BTW, theere was a cop chasing Elenor through the Dock in one until a wrecking ball knocked it throuhg a brick wall. IIRC it was doing a decent job hanging with her too The best way to tell that's not a C4C list is the severe lack of Ford Explorers, at one point 6 out of the 10 vehicles listed were either TTB or IFS and Live axle/leaf spring equiped Explorers with the Grand CHerokee, Cherokee, '99 Caravan, and '97 Windstar rounding out the list. I'm figuring with all those Explorers off the road, driving just got a whole lot safer for the rest of us.................

[FujimiLover]

I was talking about a car that was in that list of "50" cars he had to steal. Or was that the one where Tumbler, Kip, and the other guy stole in that neighborhood and the blond kid got shot? I don't remember if that was a Cherokee or not.

[Joe Handley]

I was talking about a car that was in that list of "50" cars he had to steal. Or was that the one where Tumbler, Kip, and the other guy stole in that neighborhood and the blond kid got shot? I don't remember if that was a Cherokee or not.

That was an Escalade, one of the early ones IIRC. Then again, the "client" wanted exotics (don't know what's so exotic about a tarted up Tahoe though) and Cherokees are pretty much a dime a dozen. And Harry, my neighbors still have one of those '89 Camery's it's a wagon and in not so good of shape. I think it might be one of a couple left in the area too.

[Guest Mustang3.8]

Glad my Mustang is'nt on the list consider it's rarity. It's an '83 GL.

[Jon Cole]

I have a '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee... isn't that close enough? It's out there now... engine running... doors are open...

[FujimiLover]

One reason I don't believe in those remote-starters. If somebody was watching your car, and you remotely started it, he/she could instantly steal your car. I wouldn't want remote-start on my car. Maybe just the cool push-button starter though on the dash! But certainly not remote-start, that's just asking for it IMO.

[Jon Cole]

One reason I don't believe in those remote-starters. If somebody was watching your car, and you remotely started it, he/she could instantly steal your car. I wouldn't want remote-start on my car. Maybe just the cool push-button starter though on the dash! But certainly not remote-start, that's just asking for it IMO.

Not gonna happen! Not with my Jeep anyway. AFAIK, all remote starters are wired for security. Step on the brake, move the shifter... it kills the ignition. I cannot speak for the el cheapo department store do-it-yourself variety.

[FujimiLover]

I believe if your good with electronics/mechanics, nothing beats a car-security system than your own home made unit. Most thieves, really good professionals, like Memphis Rayms, can figure out most common security systems. But, if yours is home made, sound-proof, and only YOU know how to start it, that's the best there is.

[Lownslow]

One reason I don't believe in those remote-starters. If somebody was watching your car, and you remotely started it, he/she could instantly steal your car. I wouldn't want remote-start on my car. Maybe just the cool push-button starter though on the dash! But certainly not remote-start, that's just asking for it IMO.

mine shuts off if you open the door while the alarm is on or turn off the minute you step on any pedal. my next trick its to buy a manual in 2011 thieves really hate manual.

my other 2 security systems can shoot through a engine block and the other was bred to kill cougars and boar.

[FujimiLover]

Anybody remember the advertisement's in RoboCop? I like the one where the thief in the car get's clamped and then electrocuted! LOL!

[MrObsessive]

mine shuts off if you open the door while the alarm is on or turn off the minute you step on any pedal. my next trick its to buy a manual in 2011 thieves really hate manual.

One of the reasons I bought my Saturn Ion Coupe 5spd.................almost theft proof in this day and age of lack of manual trans driving skills.

[FujimiLover]

I like manuals. Only time I find them useless is in rush hour traffic when your never sure what gear you'll be in and sometimes you wonder if you'll ever see 3rd gear! Automatics I think are a must for people who live in highly congested areas with stop/go traffic.

Other than that, manual's are best!

[samdiego]

My Miata is wired to roll over and play dead if it doesn't know you

[Chuck Most]

1. 1994 Honda Accord... why!?

2. 1995 Honda Civic... same as above, I wouldn't steal one of these snooze boxes if my very life depended on it!

3. 1989 Toyota Camry... again, why? Can't be much demand for 20 year old 'Yota parts!

4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup... this I can see- millions on the road, so there's the sheer number, and plenty of opportunities to sell some parts via the 'black market'.

5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup... as often as these things break, it's a wonder the owners aren't PRAYING for these turds to get stolen!

6. 2000 Dodge Caravan... same as the Ram, exept it's a lame-o family box. Again, I'd rather flee on foot than go through the effort of stealing one of these.

7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee... yeah, I'd steal a 'Chero. Two door with the 4.0 and the 5-speed manual, if I could find one.

8. 1994 Acura Integra... I can't even look directly at one of these things, much less steal one.

9. 1999 Ford Taurus... see above, I wouldn't even steal a '96-'98 SHO (my luck, the camshafts would break while the cops were after me...)

10. 2002 Ford Explorer... like the F-150, sheer numbers and shady parts souces. Probably mostly applies to the four door- all the better reason to get the Sport or Sport Trac version.

None of my vehicles on the list. And none that I would personally steal myself, I may add.

Here's my 10 vehicles I'd love to steal:

1. Aston Martin Vanquish

2. '08-'09 Mustang Bullitt

3. Troy Trepanier's '60 Rambler 'Rumbler' Pro-Streeter

4. Bugatti Veyron

5. Bandit-era Trans Am

6. Gray Baskerville's '32 Roadster

7. Bigfoot (any of the 23 or so they have built)

8. Anything from Vern Tardel's shop

9. '93-'98 Lincoln MkVIII

10. The federation starship Enterprise

[Rick Schmidt]

Those Camrys are everywhere still. You don't notice how many of a type a car there is till you drive one. Beside like I say they weren't very fancy back then. Ya probably see em everyday and don't even realize they are Camrys lol. Like was already said if you have a good remote Start your car isn't leaving without you. The cars I don't get are the new push button starts where all you gotta have is that fob with you. Once that cars runnin it can be gone. At work we got curious bout that so we started the car and I walked off with the fob. Guy driving was able to roll the car out the shop while I went the other way. The range on these Fobs aren't really anymore than a regular keyless entry either cause you have to have the fob nearby to unlock or start the car.

[modeler]

my top 10 would

1 nismo skyline

2 01 cobra r mustang

3 silvea s 13

4 01 linclon ls

5 ferrari 550 marnello

6 bmw 645

7 mercdez sl500

8 08 corvette zo6

9 03 esclade esv

10 08 porsche cayman s

[Chuck Most]

my top 10 would

1 nismo skyline

2 01 cobra r mustang

3 silvea s 13

4 01 linclon ls

5 ferrari 550 marnello

6 bmw 645

7 mercdez sl500

8 08 corvette zo6

9 03 esclade esv

10 08 porsche cayman s

I agree with all your picks except one- I'd substitute your 'Slade ESV for a Navigator L, or if I were feeling particularly frisky, perhaps a Mercedes G-wagen. I completely disagree with the ZO6- sorry, just not a big 'Vette fan, though I wouldn't mind having that drivetrain for a street rod!

I think I'd steal the 550 Maranello, then just scratch it up and get it dirty and return it to the owner, with a hidden camera rolling. Man, can you imagine the look on that prancing-horse guy's face when he strolls out to his garage in his driving goggles, driving scarf, driving gloves, and driving codpiece and sees his 550 all gunked up? Priceless....