Honda Civic Most Stolen Vehicle In Canada

Anthony Fontanelle
December 20, 2007

Japanese automaker Honda is known for its reliable cars which have been a favorite by consumers in North America. In Canada, the Honda Civic is not only popular to auto shoppers but also for car thieves. According to a recent study, the 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door is the most stolen vehicle in Canada. Close behind is the 2000 model year version of the same model. This year marks the third straight that the Honda Civic topped the list.

Number three on the list is the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-dor AWD. This particular model topped the list on the highest theft claims cost. Right behind the Subaru Impreza is the 1999 Acura Integra 2-door. This is another vehicle manufactured by Honda sold under the automaker's luxury division. The 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager ranks fifth. Number six on the list is the AWD version of the 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager. Seventh on the list are the 1994 Dodge Caravan/ Plymouth Voyager. Next on the list is the 1998 Acura Integra 2-door. Number nine is the 2000 Audi TT Quattro 2-dor coupe and rounding up the top ten is the 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Shadow/Sundance 2-door notchback.

According to reports, all the vehicles in the top ten are not equipped with an electronic immobilizer. Said feature reduces the risk of a car being stolen by cutting off three very important circuits, the starter, the ignition, and the fuel. The effectiveness of said feature in deterring car thefts has encouraged the passing of a law which mandates Canadian auto manufacturers to equip their vehicles with immobilizer. The law was passed in September 1 this year.

Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigations, Insurance Bureau of Canada had this to say about the effectiveness of the immobilizer: "We all know that immobilizers are effective at reducing auto theft. Their effectiveness has been backed up by numbers year after year. Honda Civics are a good example. Newer year models in which Honda did install immobilizers meeting the National Standard of Canada appear much lower on the list.

The study also found out that car thieves are now aiming for more high-end vehicles. Different versions of the 2001 Audi Quattro TT keeps appearing on the list which means that more and more thieves are targeting upscale vehicles. Dubin pointed out that these vehicles are either sold out of the country or are chopping them and selling auto parts like axle assembly Canada. "These models have moved up an average of 26 spots from their positions in the 2006 list, showing that the relative demand for these high-end, desirable models is increasing," Dubin said.

Source:  Amazines.com