1999's Most-Stolen Vehicle: 1989 Toyota Camry
1 March 2000
1999's Most-Stolen Vehicle: 1989 Toyota Camry, According to CCC Information Services
Imports Remain Popular as Pickup Trucks Gain
CHICAGO, March 1 -- For the third straight year, Japanese
imports won the top spots as the most stolen vehicles in the United States in
1999. Toyota Camrys were the first, second, third, and fourth most-stolen
vehicles; and 80%, or 16 of the top 20, most-stolen vehicles were Toyotas,
Hondas or Acuras. American-made cars ranked fifth (1997 Ford F150 4x2),
eleventh (1994 Chevrolet C1500 4x2), fourteenth (1995 Ford Mustang) and
eighteenth (1989 Chevrolet Caprice) among the top 20.
As in 1998, regional results definitely varied. In Texas, for example, 9
of the top 10 spots were filled by pickup trucks. In the Midwest,
American-made cars led the way with the 1995 Plymouth Neon ranking #1 in
Michigan and the 1987 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale taking the top spot in
Indiana. In contrast, imports such as Toyota, Nissan and Honda had a strong
presence in both the east and west coast states.
These are some of the major findings in CCC Information Services' 1999
Most-Stolen Vehicles Report, compiled annually by CCC based on total loss
valuations for the previous 12 months. For 1999, CCC found that the 1989
Toyota Camry was stolen more frequently in the United States than any other
vehicle, followed by the 1990, 1991 and 1988 Camry. The 1989 Camry was also
the most-stolen vehicle for both 1998 and 1997. Although imports remain some
of the most-stolen vehicles, 1999 proved a growth year for pickup truck theft.
In 1998, pickup trucks held only 10 of the top 100 spots, equaling
1,579 vehicles. In 1999, pickup trucks held 18 of the top 100 spots, equaling
2,395 vehicles, or a 52% increase.
"Vehicle theft closely follows consumers' choices," commented Mary Jo
Prigge, President of CCC U.S. "With pickup trucks' popularity growing, not
only are the pickup trucks themselves in demand, pickup truck parts are in
demand as well. And, when it comes to parts, theft can be a supply for the
demand."
Unlike other studies, CCC focuses on "total loss" vehicles -- those that
were either stolen and never recovered, or completely totaled by the thief.
By contrast, other studies reflect auto-related thefts of any kind, including
temporary thefts for "joy rides" and thefts of car stereos or personal items
from a car.
The CCC Most-Stolen Vehicle study identifies the 100 most frequently
stolen vehicles over the past year and is based on an analysis of CCC's 1999
total loss insurance claims processed. In 1999, CCC valued, on average, more
than 7,000 vehicles each business day for leading property/casualty insurers
in the U.S. and Canada. These vehicles, lost through theft or collision,
represent the vast majority of the nation's total loss volume.
Following are some interesting findings regarding the top 100 most stolen
makes and models from the 1999 study:
-- Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) show signs of falling popularity among
thieves. In 1999 SUVs appeared among the top 100 15% less than in
1998, due to decreases in specific models such as the Jeep Grand
Cherokee, which fell 44% from 1998.
-- Among the top 100, fewer Japanese imports were stolen in 1999, with
both Toyota and Honda decreasing in popularity by 7% and 18%,
respectively, from 1998.
-- Large-model, American-made cars dropped within the top 100. Most
notably in 1999's top 100, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme fell 56% in
1999 from 1998.
CCC's 1999 Most-Stolen Vehicles Report also breaks down the rate of theft
by state, revealing interesting regional differences:
-- Michigan's top 50 most-stolen vehicles were American cars, with the
1995 Plymouth Neon ranking first and the 1995 Dodge Neon ranking
second.
-- California's figures closely mirrored the national results, with 41 of
the top 50 most-stolen vehicles being imports and the top stolen car
being the 1989 Toyota Camry.
-- In Texas, the 1997 Ford F150 XL 4x2 and the 1994 Chevrolet C1500 4x2
were stolen more frequently than any other make or model.
-- Topping the list in New York was the 1998 Nissan Maxima SE, followed by
the 1995 Honda Accord EX and the 1997 Toyota Corolla. The 1997 Toyota
Land Cruiser 4x4 cracked the top 30 at number 15.
-- In Illinois, the three most-stolen vehicles were the 1990 Toyota Camry,
1987 Chevrolet Caprice and 1989 Chevrolet Caprice.
CCC Information Services Inc., headquartered in Chicago,
Ill., is the automotive claims industry's leading supplier of advanced
software and communications systems. Its value-added, technology based
products and services increase efficiency and facilitate communication among
more than 13,500 collision repair facilities, 350 insurance companies and a
range of business partners.
Most-Stolen Vehicles Report For 1999
Source: CCC Information Services Inc.
Rank Year Make Model-Name
1 1989 Toyota Camry
2 1990 Toyota Camry
3 1991 Toyota Camry
4 1988 Toyota Camry
5 1997 Ford F150 4x2
6 1994 Honda Accord EX
7 1995 Honda Accord EX
8 1996 Honda Accord LX
9 1990 Honda Accord EX
10 1994 Honda Accord LX
11 1994 Chevrolet C1500 4x2
12 1992 Honda Accord LX
13 1991 Acura Legend
14 1995 Ford Mustang
15 1987 Toyota Camry
16 1990 Honda Accord LX
17 1995 Honda Accord LX
18 1989 Chevrolet Caprice
19 1988 Honda Accord LX
20 1991 Honda Accord EX
21 1992 Honda Accord EX
22 1995 Dodge Neon
23 1991 Honda Accord LX
24 1989 Honda Accord LX
25 1996 Honda Accord EX