The Most Stolen Vehicles in America

It's every car owner's nightmare--walking out to the driveway or parking lot only to discover a heap of shattered glass where your car used to be. Auto theft is disconcertingly common in the United States, where a vehicle is stolen every 26 seconds. The monetary losses are substantial as well, with auto theft costing Americans almost $7.6 billion annually. These expenses include insurance costs to fix or replace cars; police, health care, and court system costs; and correctional services costs. It makes sense to research the most frequently stolen cars before you buy a new vehicle. Even if you already own your vehicle, knowing how likely it is to become a target for thieves can help you take the proper precautions to protect your investment.

Ten Most Stolen Vehicles in America

Every year, the National Insurance Crime Bureau publishes a list of the most frequently stolen cars in the U.S. The NICB's list for 2008 follows.

1. 1994 Honda Accord. The Accord's parts are easy to sell and even easier to remove from the vehicle, which makes the model the most common object of auto thieves' affection in the country.
2. 1995 Honda Civic. The Civic's blockbuster production numbers and fairly pricey parts make it the second most-stolen vehicle in America, dropping one spot from last year.
3. 1989 Toyota Camry. The sales volume of this Camry model probably has more to do with its theft-magnet status than the value of its parts.
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup. The F-150 is the best-selling truck in America and has a powerful engine that is worth a pretty penny on the used-parts market.
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup. The Ram is a popular, powerful vehicle among consumers, which gives it similar appeal to auto thieves. Ram trucks are also frequently filled with building materials and expensive tools, which are nice perks for thieves.
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan. Why an unsightly family hauler with a weak engine would entice thieves is rather baffling until you consider the vehicle's simple sliding doors and massive cargo space, making it perfect for transporting stolen car parts.
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, car thieves are eight times more likely to steal an SUV than a small car or a station wagon. The popularity of the Cherokee among thieves is further proof of the truth of that fact.
8. 1994 Acura Integra. The Integra is a luxury tuner car with a powerful engine for which young drivers with a need for speed would gladly pay top dollar, even if the engine in question is stolen.
9. 1999 Ford Taurus. This best-selling model entices thieves with parts that are in high demand in chop shops across the country.
10. 2002 Ford Explorer. The Explorer's 4.6-liter V8 engine includes parts that are compatible with a number of Ford vehicles, which means that stolen parts sell for big money on the black market.