Top 10 Least Stolen Cars
Car thefts have dropped an average 13 percent each year since 2006 according to the latest data from the government safety regulators.
With that in mind, this is the list of the 10 car least likely to disappear from the driveway while you’re busy playing Rip Van Winkle.
Kicking off the list is the Lexus CT, an entry-level hybrid that began sales in the U.S. in March 2011. The CT 200h is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine with 98 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque paired with an electric motor for a combined system output of 134 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque. NHTSA reports 0.2 thefts in 2011 per 1,000 vehicles produced.
Number nine on the list is the ever-popular Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car, a lightweight two-seat roadster featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The 2011 model year Miata is part of the model’s third generation which began as a 2006 model year. Miata enthusiasts have been heavily anticipating the debut of the next-generation Miata that is being co-developed with Alfa Romeo.
Yet another hybrid on the list, the Toyota Prius is the eighth least stolen vehicle from the 2011 model year according to NHTSA data. The first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius has become the most popular hybrid on the road, recently passing the three-million global sales mark.
Next on the list is the Infiniti EX35, originally introduced to the U.S. market as a 2008 model year. The EX35 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 297 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque and starting with the 2011 model year, came with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It was the first production vehicle to offer an “Around View Monitor” (AVM); technology that uses small front, side, and rear-mounted cameras to give the drive a birds-eye view of the outside of the vehicle while parking.
The sixth least stolen car from the 2011 model year was the Subaru Forester, with 0.1 thefts per 1,000 vehicles produced in model year 2011. Now in its fourth generation, the 2011 Forester was part of the Japanese automaker’s previous gen that marked the model’s transition from a traditional wagon to a car-based SUV. Essentially a mid-size crossover SUV now, the Forester evolved over the years.
Often heralded for having some of the safest vehicles on the road, Volvo also has some of the least stolen vehicles. Kicking off the top five is the XC60 from the Swedish automaker that was originally introduced in 2009 for the U.S. market as a 2010 model. Most recently, Volvo gave the 2014 XC60 a minor facelift, updating the crossover’s design but retains its 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine with 240 hp. A sportier T6 model is available with a 3.0-liter, turbo six with 325 hp.
The Hyundai Veracruz is the fourth least stolen car from the 2011 model year, and the only car on the top 10 from the Korean automaker. The crossover was discontinued in late 2011 with the last-produced 2011 models rebadged as 2012 model year vehicles. Hyundai has since replaced the Veracruz with its seven-passenger Santa Fe.
Another Volvo on the list, the XC70 was actually recorded as having zero thefts per 1,000 vehicles produced in the 2011 model year (along with the rest of the top three). Similar to the XC60, the XC70 recently got updated for the 2014 model year, though the wagon’s styling and features still make it seem outdated compared to modern substitutes.
Another vehicle that has since been axed, the Lexus SC430 was the Japanese automaker’s luxury, high-end sports convertible. It replaced the SC coupe that was on the market from 1991-2000 before the second-generation SC replaced it in a convertible form. The SC430 was powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine with 288 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
The least stolen car from 2011 was the BMW X5 SUV, another vehicle that recently entered a new generation.
SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW X5 Pricing Announced Starting at $53,725
The X5 originally made its debut in 1999 and was the German automaker’s first SUV offering, though BMW prefers to call it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The third-generation X5 was recently announced with a new design featuring a more prominent front end and more spacious interior than its predecessor.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Jaguar has produced an inferior product for, the joke was have 2. One to drive and one to have at the dealership getting repaired. Their looks far exceeded their reliability. Maybe this will be different, the lady's always like them. Their dealer network is horrible both with price and availability. I am ordering a 2014 CORVETTE convertible, I just have to wait a year. My 2011 is flawless and the Z51 obtion does 0 to 60 in 3.8 without spinning a tire with the AUTOMATIC no one want to shift gears in a luxury sports car!
Looks like thieves have good taste after all!