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The Subaru Forester Is Now A Top-10 Most Stolen Car

The Subaru Forester is now being targeted by car thieves and makes the top-10 list. See if your car is one of the most stolen models.
Subaru Forester

It’s your worst nightmare. You come out to get in your car and it’s missing from the spot you parked it. You check around and for sure it’s missing, and someone has stolen your car. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released a list of the most stolen cars in the Denver, Colorado metro area and two Subaru models are hot targets.

The 2002-2005 Subaru Forester (#9) and 2002-2005 Subaru Impreza (#10) make the top-10 most stolen cars list.

It’s not a surprise the Subaru Impreza which includes the WRX performance car is targeted by car thieves. The car is highly desirable and becoming a collector car and wanted for parts.

The 2002 Impreza WRX was the first year the performance car was imposed from Japan into the U.S. market and was an instant hit with performance fans. The 2004 Impreza was the first year the performance-tuned WRX STI hit U.S. shores. The Forester compact SUV hasn’t been on the list before, but is now a sought after vehicle and is targeted by car thieves and stripped for parts.

Subaru Forester2002-2004 Subaru Forester is being targeted by car thieves

Why are these years most targeted by thieves? Older models do not have anti-theft systems and they are much easier for thieves to break in and steal than new Subaru models. Early model Subaru Forester compact SUVs are desirable because they are affordable, come standard with all-wheel-drive, and are being restored and modified by off-road enthusiasts.

Most stolen vehicles January 1 to March 31, 2020 

1. Honda Civic (1997-2000)
2. Ford F-250 (1999-2004)
3. Honda Accord (1995-1997)
4. Chevrolet Silverado (2000, 2004-06)
5. Ford F-150 (95-98, 2013-2019)
6. Ford F-350 (2004-2006)
7. GMC Sierra (2001-2003)
8. Jeep Cherokee (1998-2001)
9. Subaru Forester (2002-2005)
10. Subaru Impreza (2002-2005)

Subaru WRX, Subaru WRX STIThe 2002-2005 Impreza WRX is a highly-desirable model

The NICB also released the least-stolen car list and it includes a few newer Subaru models that are not as easy to steal. The list includes newer Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Legacy models with EyeSight.

If you live in a large metropolitan area but especially in the Rocky Mountain region, Pacific Northwest, or Northeast, the Subaru Forester, and Impreza WRX are highly-desirable and are being targeted by car thieves. Check out car theft prevention tips here.

You Might Also Like: Why You Can’t Find The Most Popular New Subaru Forester Or Crosstrek Models

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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Photo credit: Subaru

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Comments

T.Martyn (not verified)    April 13, 2020 - 1:03PM

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The forester made the list because its secret has finally been let out, a Forester XT is just a WRX with a wagon body. . . I guess thieves finally realized these are fast too. . . And the parts between the Impreza and Forester and wholly interchangeable. Fun while it lasted.