10 Most Stolen Cars in the USA: Honda Accord and Civic Top the 2009 List, No Love for the Koreans or Germans

Do you own a car that's likely to be stolen? Maybe, maybe not. Here is the list that the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) has compiled concerning the most stolen vehicles in America. Honda's 1994 Accord and 1995 Civic along with Toyota's 1991 Camry occupy the first three places ahead of Ford's 1997 F-150 pickup truck and Dodge's 2004 Ram pickup.

If your car is on the list (scroll down), you should make sure to keep that chunk of metal locked down. As in, put a ring on it and don't let anyone near it.

Most Stolen Vehicles in the US in 2009:

1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 2009 Toyota Corolla

The FBI says car thefts were down 17% in 2009 compared to 2008 (794,616 versus 956,846), which is officially the "largest drop in a six-year decline" and the lowest reported in 21 years. Good news for car owners, and clearly indicative of the fact that car thieves are falling by the wayside (or just not up to snuff on their tech).

Most of the cars listed end to end up in chop shops where the sum of their parts is more valuable than the actual car. More serious thieves (those in syndicates with ties to shipping and international trade) still feel fine stealing newer cars that can be re-VIN'd and distributed overseas, so your Escalade and XJR aren't necessarily safe just yet.

You'll notice the majority of the cars on the list are from the 1990's. It turns out these older cars have become more popular, but many people have yet to figure out why. I'd say it probably comes down to the simple fact that they're easier to steal. Many modern cars have keys that only work with one specific car, while other cars simply can't be started without a chip (found in the key fob) nearby.

Joe Wehrle, NICB president and CEO, says, "Through the end of August this year there were 97,655 vehicles that were listed as stolen and not yet recovered. Of that number, only 38 percent had some kind of insurance coverage. So there are a lot of vehicles out there that are being stolen and the owner is left holding the bag with no car and no money to buy another one." Lesson? If you own a vehicle that's likely to get stolen, insure it accordingly and be safe about it.

Here are some of the NICB's tips on how to make sure your car doesn't get got by some shady individuals:

"Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics" which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer."

By Phil Alex

Source: NICB

The Acura MDX

Imagine an SUV that knows your driving habits for better or for worse. One that is intelligent enough to respond to the road no matter where you are. A vehicle that combines handling, performance and safety - making it ideal for families looking for a little adventure. The creators behind Acura have let their imaginations soar. The result? The Acura MDX.

The Acura MDX offers Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a technologically advanced system which gives drivers an added sense of confidence on the road. This all-wheel drive helps drivers establish more traction on less than ideal roads and helps to balance when cornering. So what can you expect from the Acura's MDX SH-AWD system? During straight-line acceleration, the system directs up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels giving extra gusto when you need it. During a moderate corner, the rear wheels help generate power and the electronic sensors included in the Acura MDX SH-AWD system monitor the speed and tightness of the corner. Accelerating during a corner is also done with ease with this all-wheel drive system.

The Acura MDX offers top-notch safety features to help protect anyone who takes a ride. This Acura vehicle is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which balances braking power at each wheel to balance the weight of passengers in the cabin. Drivers can also feel secure in the event of sudden stops with the Brake Assist feature that senses a panic stop and distributes maximum braking capacity. The Acura MDX also comes with two monitoring systems that look after you when you're on the road.

The Maintenance Minder System evaluates your driving habits and determines when you need to take the car in to get serviced. Traffic situations, frequent short trips, engine changes, stop-and-go traffic are all factors that the system uses to calculate. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the air pressure in all tires and notifies you when a tire needs more air.

Acura on Brant carries a large selection of Acura vehicles and used Acura vehicles. No matter you're budget, you can rely on finance options for Acura On Brant's used Acura vehicles and new Acura vehicles including the Acura MDX.

Inspiring a Whole New Generation of Acura Drivers

Wanting to buy Acura vehicles? Why not check out the Acura TSX. The Acura TSX performs as agile as an acrobat thanks to its light-weight, all aluminum i-VTEC engine and race-inspired engineering. The Acura TSX's intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) gives drivers over 201 horsepower, 172lb.of torque and a dual-cam that regulates profiles, valve lifts and opening durations. This unique system provides maximum engine response and fuel efficiency with the feeling of driving a race car.

You'll notice the Acura TSX's precise handling and smooth ride when you take it out for that first spin. The Acura TSX has 4-wheel independent suspension that is track-tuned, minimizing the risk of vehicle lift, drive and body roll. Whether you're driving along a quiet country road or driving up speed on a city highway, the Acura TSX offers agility and responsiveness you can trust.

Car safety is always high on Acura's list of driver requirements. That's what the Acura TSX includes six air bags that are strategically placed to protect the driver and all passengers inside the vehicle. If a crash occurs, these air bags will deploy at two rates depending on the severity and location of the collision. The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) ensures the airbags will not release if there is a small-sized or incorrectly positioned individual. The TSX was rated the Top Safety Pick of 2009 by IIHS.

With the Acura TSX, drivers can enjoy an exhilarating ride, complete with the technological intelligence to make it safe and comfortable. With superior performance, state-of-the-art technology, stylish features and award winning safety - it's no wonder why so many drivers buy Acura vehicles. Visit Acura On Brant to buy Acura vehicles (new and used) including the Acura TSX.

About the Author

Tod Martin is an contributed author to this website, writing articles on acura and acura MDX. He has codified lots of articles on acura cars, acura csx, acura integra and acura service. For more info visit the website.

Acura RDX Prototype

Acura RDX Prototype, 2006

Combining sport utility with sports sedan handling and performance, RDX features an innovative 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)), and is designed to redefine the entry premium SUV segment.

The RDX features an all-new 2.3-liter i-VTEC(R) four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 240 horsepower and 260 lbs-ft of torque. This is the first application of forced induction technology in Acura history. The revolutionary i-VTEC Turbo technology uses a variable flow turbocharger, which is exclusive to the RDX, and provides dramatic performance benefits while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. To complement the all-aluminum high-performance engine, the RDX utilizes Acura's steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to manually operate the 5-speed sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission.

Acura's Super Handling-AWD system is tuned specifically for the new RDX platform. SH-AWD's sophisticated electronic controls automatically distribute torque fore and aft, as well as splitting the rear torque left to right. The result is dramatically enhanced handling, traction and stability during sporty driving as well as in inclement weather. A sophisticated chassis with fully independent front and rear suspension complement the SH-AWD. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)) combines with large disc brakes and ABS to enhance control.
Acura RDX Prototype

The RDX is built on an all-new global light truck platform. Reflecting Acura's commitment to safety through innovation, the RDX is equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure and additional state-of-the-art safety features. The ACE structure helps to disperse collision forces over a larger frontal area. The system also helps to provide enhanced protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time increasing compatibility with other vehicles in a frontal collision. Front, side and side curtain airbags, in addition to rollover sensors add an extra measure of safety.

The chiseled exterior styling combines with a generous greenhouse to provide excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads. RDX employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, sporty wheel flares and a substantial hood that flows down from the windshield to an aggressive Acura signature five-sided grill. Custom 19-inch alloy wheels give the RDX Prototype an aggressive stance. Dual exhaust tips, HID headlights, and a rear spoiler add to the sporty appearance of the vehicle.

The inside, the RDX combines richly appointed materials with a sporty, driver-oriented cockpit. The center console features an innovative storage system, which allows for hidden and lockable storage of a briefcase or laptop computer. The prototype's interior features an assortment of leading-edge technologies, such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system with real time traffic and HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface. A premium Acura/ELS(TM) DVD-Audio system is tuned to deliver rich surround sound to the cabin.

2012 Acura TL: Video and Live Photos from the Chicago Auto Show

In an attempt to win back buyers that were turned off by the fourth generation TL's controversial looks, Acura revealed a mid-cycle refresh for the 2012 model year version of the car at the Chicago Auto Show. We've already brought you the key details in our previous post (see here), but now we have a fresh batch of photos and a walkaround video of the 2012 TL straight from Acura's stand at the McCormick Place Convention Center. You can check both out right after the jump.

Acura Integra Coupe with Porsche Front and Supra Bodykit from the Mixed and the Hideous

And you thought that only Chinese customizers had serious issues... Well, here's a nice gem from eBay that might make you reconsider. According to the vehicle's ebay seller who is located in Wisconsin, the "fully customized" 1994 Acura Integra Coupe "show car" comes with a "Porsche 911 molded front end, a Mercedes-Benz hood, a Toyota Supra front body kit, a Nissan 350Z exhaust" and "Lexus IS300 headlights converted to tail lamps with fiberoptic halos". We rest our case...

Link: eBay , Hat tip to Marcus for the find!

2012 Acura TL Refreshment Brings Toned Down Shield-Grille and New 6-Speed Auto

The facelifted Acura TL made its world premiere today at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2012 model year brings a fresh look for the front and rear ends of the mid-size sedan along with a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and equipment upgrades.

The first thing you'll notice on the 2012 Acura TL is of course the revamped front end. While Acura did not totally eliminate the shield-grille, it did soften down the design making it look less gaudy. The updated headlamps and a revised front bumper with new fog light designs that led to a shorter front overhang round off the changes up front.

At the rear, there's a new bumper incorporating a repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights, new exhaust tips and a thinner rear trunk edge trim complete the look.

Under the skin, the 2012 TL gets a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic while keeping the same engine lineup that includes a 280HP V6 for the front-wheel drive model and a 305HP V6 for the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive versions. According to Acura, the new transmission along with some other improvements help increase the FWD model's fuel economy by 3mpg on the highway, from 26mpg to 29mpg.

Other notable upgrades for 2012 include the new 60GB hard disk drive based Navigation system with a brighter monitor, and a new Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats along with a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity.

Honda Rumors: 2012 Civic Si to get a 2.4-liter Engine

Earlier this month, Honda unveiled the Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, signaling that the ninth generation 2012 Civic will follow soon, to be precise, this spring. However, the official press bits weren’t exactly what you’d call detailed, leaving lots of aspects, including the engine lineup, to our imagination.

Today, the Honda-obsessed team at the Temple of VTEC forums claim to have solved part of this mystery thanks some inside sources that told them a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, very similar to the Acura TSX’s powerplant, will make its way into the new Civic Si.

The new four-cylinder engine will replace the current K20Z3 197HP 2.0-liter unit and is expected to deliver a little over 200 horsepower and, thanks to its larger displacement, significantly more torque. The other conventional powerplant for the Civic's North American lineup is said to be the current 1.8-liter gasoline unit, possibly revised to return better fuel efficiency.

In other news, there are also rumors about Honda planning an HF trim level just for the sedan with gray or white exterior color. Fans of the manual transmissions can expect to find them on the DX- and LX-trimmed sedans as well as part of the EX trim level for coupe models.

Last but not least, the list of colors for 2012 has also been revealed and it’s available below.

Crystal Black Pearl

Dyno Blue Pearl

Urban Titanium Metallic

Cool Mist Metallic

Polished Metal Metallic

Crimson Pearl

Alabaster Silver Metallic

Taffeta White

The 2012 Honda Civic will go on sale in the U.S. this spring.