Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Rhiannon12866

(205,161 posts)
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 02:12 AM Sep 2018

What was the most-stolen car last year?

WASHINGTON — The most stolen car is 20 years old.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s “2017 Hot Wheels Report” of the most-stolen cars in the U.S. last year is topped by the 1998 Honda Civic.

Why is a 20-year-old car the most stolen vehicle?

There are many still on the road and thieves want them for parts. But many of the most-stolen vehicles are older models because they predate effective anti-theft technology.

The NICB notes that, while 6,707 1998 Honda Civics were reported stolen in 2017, just 388 2017 Honda Civics were stolen. That means there are 17 1998 Civics were stolen last year for every 2017 model.

Four of the ten most stolen vehicles last year were pre-2005 models. In addition to the ’98 Civic, the 1997 Honda Accord ranks No. 2. The 2004 Chevrolet pickup is No. 4 and the 2001 Dodge pickup is No. 8.

The most stolen 2017 model last year was the Nissan Altima, followed by the Toyota Camry, GMC pickup, Hyundai Elantra and Ford Fusion. It should be noted that those are also some of the top-selling vehicles, meaning they are popular and there are more of them on the road for thieves to choose from.


Read more (Includes photos): https://wtop.com/business-finance/2018/09/the-most-stolen-car-is-20-years-old/slide/1/



The 1998 Honda Civic is the most stolen car overall. Ohio Gov. George Voinovich, right, gets ready to step into a new natural-gas-powered Honda Civic GX in East Liberty, Ohio, Wednesday, April 8, 1998. Voinovich was invited to drive the first of the new cars off the line during a ceremony marking its entry into the North American market. The tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions of the Civic GX are 20 percent less than a gasoline-powered car, and other toxic emissions have been slashed to almost zero, the company said. (AP Photo/Chris Kasson)


10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What was the most-stolen car last year? (Original Post) Rhiannon12866 Sep 2018 OP
When I lived in Chicago it was Chevy Caprice. There were a billion of them ... marble falls Sep 2018 #1
Yikes! My car has a pretty big trunk Rhiannon12866 Sep 2018 #2
Ha! Kurt V. Sep 2018 #3
It's not that hard to do! Rhiannon12866 Sep 2018 #4
put a sticker on one of your windows to make it unique. Kurt V. Sep 2018 #5
That's a great idea, but you know how it is Rhiannon12866 Sep 2018 #6
too funny! Kurt V. Sep 2018 #7
That's what I do Sherman A1 Sep 2018 #8
I have a simple theft prevention system... The Conductor Sep 2018 #9
LOL! I couldn't drive it... Rhiannon12866 Sep 2018 #10

marble falls

(57,073 posts)
1. When I lived in Chicago it was Chevy Caprice. There were a billion of them ...
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 04:24 AM
Sep 2018

and they all looked alike. Drug runners liked them because the trunks were huge.

Rhiannon12866

(205,161 posts)
2. Yikes! My car has a pretty big trunk
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 04:42 AM
Sep 2018

Last edited Fri Sep 21, 2018, 05:18 AM - Edit history (1)

Or maybe it appears that way to me since I haven't filled it up yet, LOL! And I see my car elsewhere on the road numerous times a day, even the same color. I now have a Chevy Malibu. And it was/still is with my Pontiac Grand Am. Once I got into my car in the small lot in front of my doctor's office and I didn't realize it wasn't my car until I noticed there was a soda next to the seat. My car was parked two spaces over!

Kurt V.

(5,624 posts)
3. Ha!
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 05:25 AM
Sep 2018

i have a ford escape. lots of those around too. i haven't gotten in someone else's, but i have tried to open the door.

Rhiannon12866

(205,161 posts)
4. It's not that hard to do!
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 05:32 AM
Sep 2018

Last week at the supermarket I parked nose-to-nose with a car that I swear was identical to mine. There were two women sitting in it, so I didn't inspect the other car until I came out and I couldn't see one difference. The owner came back and we had a conversation since she noticed too. Turns out her car was two years older, but they looked identical to both of us, no wonder I see so many!

Kurt V.

(5,624 posts)
5. put a sticker on one of your windows to make it unique.
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 05:42 AM
Sep 2018

i got one from my granddaughter. It's a princess sticker. my buddies give me hell but it's staying.

Rhiannon12866

(205,161 posts)
6. That's a great idea, but you know how it is
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 05:47 AM
Sep 2018

I still got into the wrong Pontiac despite my numerous bumper stickers! And one of them came with my dog when I adopted her!

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
8. That's what I do
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 07:01 AM
Sep 2018

I put one of the Apple stickers on the lower left back window. It’s small and not too obtrusive as to detract from the cars appearance, but enough to be a marker for me. I also generally park away from other cars at the edges of the lots as I can get in extra steps adding to my daily goal.

The Conductor

(180 posts)
9. I have a simple theft prevention system...
Fri Sep 21, 2018, 07:44 AM
Sep 2018

My old Scion is manual tranmission, which so few can drive now that they just walk on past for an easier target!

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Automobile Enthusiasts»What was the most-stolen ...