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Car theft: The 10 most stolen cars

March 17, 2011

Every good car comes with a price--though not everyone’s willing to pay it.
Car thieves often have their eyes on specific models. Buyers take note: the 10 most broken into, stripped of parts or stolen cars in 2010, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute:

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1. Cadillac Escalade: 10.8 of every 1,000 insured
Can’t say we’re surprised to see the Escalade at No. 1. This full-size, blingtastic SUV offers enough room for the entire family to travel in luxury, and it can tow a trailer with power to spare. Just don’t leave your purse on the passenger seat.
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2. Chevrolet Silverado: 8 of every 1,000
The Chevrolet Silverado has been competing with the Ford F-150 as the best-selling vehicle in the United States for years, if that says anything. It’s a beautifully appointed, comfortable and capable truck offered in a variety of trims--some capable of towing 10,700 pounds worth of cargo.
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3. Dodge Charger: 7.4 of every 1,000
The Charger is the only car I am aware of that can function both as a family sedan and a successful hot rod. Its unique silhouette and V6/V8 lineup distinguish it among the competition--obviously.
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4.   Chevrolet Avalanche: 7.4 of every 1,000
Part pickup truck and part SUV, the Avalanche is a unique option that offers the best of both worlds for those who need a flexible vehicle. The idea here is that the Avalanche can change from an SUV to a pickup truck, thanks to a removable rear window and a “midgate” that divides the cockpit from the pickup’s bed.

5.   Infiniti G37 Coupe: 7.1 of every 1,000
It’s a sports coupe with a luxury edge--of course it’s going to induce car theft.

6.   GMC Sierra Crew Cab: 6.7 of every 1,000
The GMC Sierra (or rebadged Chevy Silverado) is a good package to meet all your trucking needs and a good steal overall. Get it? A good steal?
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7. Nissan Maxima: 6.5 of every 1,000
The Nissan Maxima boasts unconventional exterior styling and better handling than most of its competitors. Editors here think it has one of the best continuously variable transmissions on the market--possibly the only one worth purchasing.

8. Hummer H2: 6.2 of every 1,000
You can’t overlook an H2 on the road. It’s imposing, bulky, and it stands out as an easy target for car thieves. It has horrible fuel economy, but it offers a lot of utility with four-wheel drive and good towing capacity. The H2 is smaller than the H1, which was basically a purpose-built military vehicle. There’s not a lot of competition for the big SUV on the market.
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9. GMC Yukon XL: 6.0 of every 1,000
The Yukon--a fancier Chevy Suburban--has seating for nine and a ton of standard equipment. It makes a fine long-distance vehicle and is perfect for hauling toys to the lake. It isn't fuel-efficient, but this is otherwise a solid SUV for all your needs—which clearly the thieves have also noticed.
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10. Chevrolet Tahoe: 5.8 of every 1,000
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a Suburban-lite for those who require true SUV capabilities but not all of the length. It’s great for road-tripping and can easily haul up to nine people. Also a good steal.