Next up
GM recalls another 230,000 SUVsSUVs from 2006-07 are at risk for window switch fires and short circuits.
BMW reveals 4-Series coupe3-Series replacement goes gunning for the Audi A5, Mercedes C-Class.
Chrysler recalls Ram pickups37,000 pickups included in recall for front axle and lighting problems.
GM sets price for 2014 Cadillac CTSRedesigned CTS gets a big price bump.
Will Toyota bring back the Supra?Supra-like sports car developed with BMW could be in Toyota’s future.
Honda recalls 18,352 cars2006-07 Honda S2000 and 2006 Acura RSX recalled for brake problems.
Most expensive states for car repairDon't break down in New Jersey.
GM joins EV price warChevy answers other electric-car discounts with a major Volt price cut.
Introducing Motor Trend on MSNBringing two big names together to create one new automotive destination.
1994 Honda Accord
1994 Nissan Sentra
2002 Ford Explorer
2004 Dodge Ram
1999 Chevrolet Silverado
1994 Acura Integra GS-R Sedan
2000 Dodge Caravan
1991 Toyota Camry
2006 Ford F-150
1998 Honda Civic HX Coupe
1994 Honda Accord EX Sedan
MORE ON MSN AUTOS
Chrysler relents, recalls 2.7M JeepsAutomaker recalls 2 Jeep models for fire hazards, but says they’re safe.
MORE ON MSN
MSN AUTOS VIDEO
Explore New Cars
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
By Chuck Tannert of MSN Autos
There's possibly no other movie phrase, inane as it is, that can reduce a grown man to tears — whether for the humorous effect or the horror that comes from realizing your car was just stolen — quicker than, "Dude, where's my car?" If you've ever returned to the spot where you last parked, only to find an empty space, or possibly some shattered glass on the ground where your car stood, then you know what we're talking about. The fact is an automobile is stolen every 26 seconds in the United States. And even crooks have their favorites. Fortunately, the National Insurance Crime Bureau tracks auto theft and releases a list every year.
Click through to see the NICB's list of the most stolen vehicles in the nation for 2012.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
10. 1994 Nissan Sentra
You might ask yourself what's so appealing about this hand-me-down from grandma. Not much. The Sentra is not very attractive, it didn't get amazing reviews, and it isn't sporty. Its value as a complete, whole car is very low. Chopped and parted out, however, the Sentra is worth quite a bit. For example, a 2000 Honda Accord LX cost $22,365 when new, but it would cost $68,065 today if it were built entirely from Honda replacement parts.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
Surprisingly, trucks and SUVs see the most theft in proportion to their worth. According to the Highway Data Loss Institute, the value of the loss of a luxury SUV is more than six times as high as the average for all passenger vehicles. While the gas-guzzling Ford Explorer may not have much in the way of resale value these days, its 4.6-liter V8 engine shares parts with a number of Ford products, which makes them highly coveted by thieves.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
8. 2004 Dodge Pickup
One of only three vehicles on this list less than 10 years old, the Dodge Ram is a victim of its own popularity — as well as its brick-house build. It boasts beefy axles and snarling V8 and diesel engines. Pickup trucks are also often targeted for the valuables they carry, such as tools.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
7. 1999 Chevrolet Pickup
The Silverado has been one of the best-selling trucks in the U.S. for decades. Sadly, the Silverado is enticing because Chevy was slow to put in extra security features on many of its trucks. However, newer models commonly are equipped with security devices such as keys equipped with smart chips that are wired to the vehicle ignition system to prevent theft.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
6. 1994 Acura Integra
The popularity of street racing might have taken a nose dive in the past few years, but there are still enthusiasts who would pay handsomely for a go-fast Integra. However, Acura's entry-level coupe, which was replaced by the RSX in the 2002 model year, is most likely targeted for its parts. The Integra engine can fit into other Hondas, for example.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
5. 2000 Dodge Caravan
What about Dodge's symbol of domesticity is so enticing to the underbelly of society? It is possible that thieves like the easy-sliding doors and cavernous cargo space. More likely, however, is the value of the minivan's removable third-row seat and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Beyond that, thieves supposedly like the Caravan for its lack of anti-theft features, along with numerous airbags and catalytic converters worth good money.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
4. 1991 Toyota Camry
We're guessing this one has more to do with sheer volume than with any actual demand for parts. It's not surprising that one of the best-selling passenger cars in America also has one of the highest rates of theft. In fact, for every 1,000 Camrys produced in 2009, 3.58 were reported stolen.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
3. 2006 Ford Pickup
Over the past several decades, Ford's F-Series pickups have become more than simple workhorses. They are thoroughly modern pickups, with cleaner-burning and more powerful engines, increased passenger and cargo room, and relatively refined interiors. All these refinements have made the pickup more attractive to thieves. In addition, all body styles in 2006 had four doors; extended cabs (SuperCabs) could be had with a shorter bed for easier fits in tight garages; and crew cabs (SuperCrews) provided more passenger room than ever before.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
2. 1998 Honda Civic
Like many of the vehicles on this list, the combination of outrageous production numbers and relatively high-dollar parts makes the Civic popular among thieves. The 1995 Honda Civic is another popular car with the tuner movement, where enthusiasts can dump thousands of dollars into customizing their cars. Cheap reconditioned parts or engines are attractive targets for crooks looking to make some bank.
America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
1. 1994 Honda Accord
For the fourth year in a row, the 1994 Honda Accord is the most stolen car in the U.S. Honda has been a brand synonymous with safety, quality and endurance ever since the first Civic landed on our shores in 1972. Ironically, it is these qualities that make the Accord a fave among thieves — that and the 1994 Accord's lack of anti-theft technology. Basically, its parts are in high demand and the car is easier to steal.
For nearly two decades, New York-based writer and editor Chuck Tannert has covered everything from automobiles to gadgets to travel. Before joining the MSN Autos team, Tannert served as senior automotive editor at Cargo and Popular Mechanics, and his work has appeared in many outlets, including Men's Fitness, Men's Journal, Penthouse, Popular Science and Wired.
Like us on MSN Autos Facebook | Follow us on Twitter
Find new and used cars with our mobile app.
See what's trending and why in real time on msnNOW.
- Visit MSN Autos' "Exhaust Notes" blog to keep up on all things automotive.
- In the market for a new car? MSN Autos is pleased to provide you with information and services designed to save you time, money and hassle. Click to research prices and specifications on any new car on the market or get a free price quote through MSN Autos' New-Car Buying Service.
