Honda Civics top list of most stolen cars

The 1999 and 2000 Honda Civic SiRtwo-doors were the most frequently stolen vehicles in 2007 the third year in a row they've been singled out by theInsurance Bureau of Canada.

For every 1,000 insured vehicles, about 59 1999 Civic SiR two-doors were stolen. Similarly, there were 56 thefts of year 2000 Civic SiR two-doors, according to the IBC.

Next on the IBC's top 10 list are the 2004 Subaru Impreza four-door (43 thefts per 1,000 insured vehicles), the 1999 Acura Integra two-door (41 thefts per 1,000 insured vehicles) and the 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan Voyager (38 thefts per 1,000 insured vehicles).

None of the cars on the listwas equipped with electronic immobilizers, a computer-chip key and ignition security feature.

Ottawa introduced new regulations in September requiring Canadian manufacturers to make electronic immobilizers a standard feature in all new vans, light trucks, cars and SUVs.

"We all know that immobilizers are effective at reducing auto theft. Their effectiveness has been backed up by numbers year after year," Rick Dubin, IBC vice-president, said in a release.

"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."

Dubin also warned that more and more thieves are targeting new four-wheel-drive vehicles, which are later exported to the Middle East and Africa. The IBC said organized theft rings are pursuing high-end luxury cars. The cars are later exported overseas or mined for parts, the bureau said.

Meanwhile, nine cars tied for first place in the ranking for least stolen cars, including early 2000 model Buick Le Sabres, Cadillac Devilles and Buick Regals. For every 1,000 insured cars, there were six reported thefts for each model.

The IBC estimates auto thefts cost Canadian consumers more than $1 billion a year.