Would you want to know if the government listed your car among the 10 most likely models to be stolen?
There’s a chance your baby is on here, so read on to learn what the latest information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has to say. The statistics are based on car thefts in 2011, which is the latest year available.
Would you really be that shocked to see a balaclava-wearing jerk jimmying his way into your GT-R? After all, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 made 485 hp that year, although that’s increased to 545 hp for the model year 2014 Track Edition.
Built by the same company for very different purposes, the Infiniti FX35 is next on the list. It uses a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 to offer 303 hp and a 0-60 sprint in 6.1 seconds. Nissan’s luxury brand frequently makes use of the VQ V6 engines, and often to critical acclaim. Maybe that’s why car thieves took a shine to it.
Of course, the FX35 is no longer available. The badge denotes a 3.5-liter version of Nissan’s six-cylinder engine which was replaced in the model line by the 3.7-liter version that offers an improved 325 hp.
The Aveo wears a Chevrolet badge, but it’s actually a Daweoo. The only thing harder to picture than someone actually wanting to steal one of those is the idea that the owner would be upset. Call your insurance company and promptly frame your underoos, because those are a lucky set of drawers.
The same is true of the HHR. Is it a station wagon? Is it a crossover? It doesn’t matter. The HHR makes Sloth from the Goonies look like Brad Pitt. Aside from the turbocharged 2.0-liter SS version, which still only makes 260 hp, the car is slow and ugly. Who is stealing it?
At this point, it’s hard not to wonder why criminals had such an appetite for lukewarm Chevrolet products. It’s not as if there was a shortage of interesting iron coming from the Detroit automaker at the time. Regardless, sixth place goes to the Impala. Count yourself fortunate if someone was kind enough to relieve you of one.
The all-new Impala, which was just released this year, is a different story. The car has fresh style, plenty of power and an interior that borders on domestic luxury in all trims but the base.
South Korean sub-compact cars seem to have been popular targets for car thieves. Apparently style, sticker price and speed are of little concern.
Scratch that, because the Lamborghini Gallardo is the next on this list. All but at the end of its life cycle, there’s no denying the Gallardo’s panache. Its bellowing V10 engine, unforgettable body style and cabin aesthetics are things of beauty. The automated manual transmission takes a sore second seat to modern dual clutch transmissions, but it’s impossible to sit in one of these and not feel thrilled.
Cadillac’s STS came in as the third most likely to be stolen. Sure, sub-compacts are easy to stay under the radar in, what would you rather be caught stealing if you had to pick: a stodgy scrapheap worth 10 grand or this?
Just like the Lamborghini, it makes sense that the STS would be a high-priority heist target. Through its life, it was the company’s most expensive sedan.
Here we are, half way through 2013 and the 2012 Galant is still listed on Mitsubishi’s retail site.
Like loaves of bread and muffins in your grocer’s “day-old” rack, the car will suffice, but why settle for something so stale?
This might be one of the last times the Mitsubishi Galant comes close to topping any kind of popularity contest. Pop the sparkling wine, fellas.
Ironically, there’s a good chance the cop who shows up to take a statement about your stolen Dodge Charger will be driving one.
One of several common Crown Victoria replacements, the Charger offers both a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Police departments usually buy a mix, so you had better hope whoever is in hot pursuit of your Hemi Challenger didn’t pull a short straw when keys were being passed out.