Nissan Altima earns a dubious distinction: Most stolen new car model

• Despite new anti-theft devices, the car theft industry costs motorists and insurers $6 billion a year 
• Older Honda Civics are the most likely to be stolen, but Nissan Altimas are the most-favored new model by thieves
• Alaska is a new hot spot for car thieves, with thefts in the state jumping 40 percent in one year

The Nissan Altima is billed as an intelligent, all-wheel vehicle, but it doesn't stand a chance against car thieves who are intent on stealing it. The Altima is the most stolen new model car, according to a study by driving-tests.org.

Despite a diverse array of anti-theft devices – horn alarms, flashing lights, wheel-locking, immobilizing and electronic tracking technology – car thieves stole 773,139 vehicles in 2017, or about a 1 percent increase from the prior year, driving-tests.org found in its review of the latest available data. Driving-tests.org helps drivers get their state motor vehicle licenses by taking practice tests and working with an online simulator.