Filed under: Sedans/Saloons
Dodge Intrepid and Stratus most-stolen 2003 cars
The Dodge Stratus and Intrepid were the most-stolen vehicles from the 2003 model year, according to data recently compiled by NHTSA. While overall theft rates of 2003 vehicles were down 48% from the previous model year to 1.84 thefts per 1000 vehicles, the Stratus had nearly 11 thefts/1000, while the Intrepid came in slightly lower at 10 thefts/1000. A Chrysler spokesman said he "wasn't sure" why this was so, but I think it probably has something to do with that report I saw on Detroit's Channel 7 news where a 17-year-old kid needed only a screwdriver to defeat the door and ignition lock cylinders.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JustJase 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Wow! I had a rental Sebring 4-cylinder sedan a while back and it was pretty horrible. I think it's a Chrysler conspiracy- they can't sell them so they arrange to have them stolen for the insurance money.
Seriously, all joking aside, this is interesting. I'm really looking forward to what DCX will do for the upcoming Sebring/Stratus. The 300 (and siblings) and the Caliber are incredible. Sure the Stratus/Sebring will be too.
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bert 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
"I think it probably has something to do with that report I saw on Detroits Channel 7 news where a 17-year-old kid needed only a screwdriver to defeat the door and ignition lock cylinders."
LOL. Why am I not surprised? I always joked about it and its true!!!
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BF 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Who the hell would want to steal a Dodge Stratus?
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BF 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Actually, most of the top 15 cars on the list are DCX products or Mitsu products, which in some cases share parts, perhaps locks?
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tbyron 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
#2 - Who ever said criminals were intelligent?
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CrunchyCookie 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Uh ok, stealing:
-a crappy car
-a rare car
-a car that shares few interchangable parts with other cars
-a car with resale value significantly worse than even a Chevy Malibu or Ford Taurus
What's the motivation?
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rip 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
And in other news, Chrysler revealed that its lock supplier was Ingersoll-Rand's Kryptonite lock division...
http://www.engadget.com/entry/7796925370303347/
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lee 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
wasn't there a post about this not long ago saying the Integra was the most stolen car?
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Jay 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Damn, I paid money for my Stratus...I didn't know they were that easy to take for free :D
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Finished.Law.School 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Wasn't there a scissors issue with early Saturns?
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Realist 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Why steal when you can get it for a buck at the dollar store.
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Aaron 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
um stratus's & Intrepid's are that bad of cars so why you drive around your shitty ass kias & hyandis remember that bitches
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whofan 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Poor Dodge still has the reputation they earned back in the mid 70`s.
My 99 Plymouth Voyager is the best vehicle I ever owned. I`ve put more money in my 01 Silverado the four months I`ve owned it than I put in the Voyager over the Last three years.
Nothing wrong with Chrysler products. I think they have the nicest looking car line out of anybody.
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Huey2k2 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
That doesn't surprise me. Our Intrepid was stolen sitting in the parking lot waiting to get fixed by our mechanic. Of course there was almost no gas left in it so whoever stole it ended up abandoning it just outside town.
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JP 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I guess this explains how STUPID car thieves are or the NHTSA....This can't possibly be true!
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Hukkle Katt 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
It was Oprah!
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Joe 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I just dumped my 2001 Stratus in with 91k miles on it after they found metal from the crankshaft in the oil pan while replacing a broken timing chain. The car looked beautiful on the outside and the interior was wonderful. Just the damn engine. All kinds of engine and electrical issues with that thing. Glad I bought the extended warranty for it... otherwise I would have dumped over $5,000 into it in the past 6 months.
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Mia 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
I have a Dodge Intrepid and it has been stolen 3 times..and 2 attempts. I just got it back yesterday from being stolen this past friday. Had I known it was so easy I wouldnt have brought it. Im so tired of these kids just stealing peoples property.. we work hard to buy these things and these lil rugrats think that can just take them. Something has to be Done!!!
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