2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV Wins Most Stolen Vehicle Award For 2008

The Cadillac Escalade SUV is one of the most popular luxury SUVs in the U.S., and has become a cultural icon that is popular with a wide range of people. In 2008, the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV was the top target for vehicle thefts, leading all luxury SUVs and all vehicles. Following closely behind the Escalade in the luxury SUV segment was the Hummer H2.

Theft and loss data comes from the Highway Loss Data Institute, which worked with the IIHS. According to a spokesman for the IIHS, the Escalade and other luxury SUVs are hot targets for car thieves because of their mass appeal and potential for reselling and parts-stripping. Their location is also an important factor, since an SUV's size may keep the SUV out of a secure garage and out in the open. Because luxury SUVs often have more expensive parts -- owners may customize them with high-end sound systems, expensive wheels, and bespoke interiors -- they are even more attractive as targets for theft. The Escalade's appearance on the top ten most stolen list comes as little surprise, as the Cadillac has appeared on the list for the past four years.

Ford's F-350 pickup truck also made an appearance on the top ten most-stolen list, alongside other vehicles such as the Dodge Charger and {{{Honda S2000}}}. The least popular vehicle for theft was the {{{Mercedes-Benz E-Class}}}, which was 15 times less likely to be stolen compared to the Escalade.

Source: Motor Authority