Vehicles Most Popular with Car Thieves in 2002
| 1. 1989 Toyota Camry | 14. 1994 Honda Civic EX |
| 2. 1991 Toyota Camry | 15. 1991 Honda Accord LX |
| 3. 1990 Toyota Camry | 16. 1999 Honda Civic Si |
| 4. 2000 Honda Civic Si | 17. 1990 Honda Accord EX |
| 5. 1994 Honda Accord EX | 18. 1995 Honda Accord LX |
| 6. 1994 Chevrolet C1500 4x2 | 19. 1992 Honda Accord LX |
| 7. 1995 Honda Accord EX | 20. 1995 Acura Integra GS-R |
| 8. 1988 Toyota Camry | 21. 1997 Honda Accord LX |
| 9. 1994 Honda Accord LX | 22. 1997 Chevrolet C1500 4x2 |
| 10. 1996 Honda Accord LX | 23. 1995 Honda Civic DX |
| 11. 1997 Ford F-150 4x2 | 24. 1992 Honda Accord EX |
| 12. 1996 Honda Accord EX | 25. 1987 Toyota Camry |
| 13. 2001 Ford F-150 4x2 | • Associated Press |
For the sixth straight year, the Camry was the vehicle of choice for car thieves in 2002. The 1989 model has been the most stolen vehicle for the fourth time in five years. According to Chicago-based CCC Information Services Inc., an insurance industry tracker of theft and vehicle damage reports that of the four domestic vehicles among the top 25, all are pickups. Minivans and SUVs have seen a 10 percent increase in thefts since 2000, though none were in the top twenty-five.
CCC, which provides information services to insurers and repair shops reports trends in stolen vehicles vary among states. Japanese brands are most often reported stolen in New York and California, and pickups were most often stolen in Texas.
Vehicle theft historically follows consumers’ choices reflected in a vehicle’s popularity. Because of their popularity, longevity and ability to interchange parts, Hondas and Toyotas are top targets for thieves. Thefts of full-size models such as Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro continue to slide. Overall, thefts that resulted in the total loss of a vehicle fell 3 percent last year, says the CCC.