5 Popular and Trusted Car Alarm Brands

When you go to a dealership to purchase a new car, you will most likely find that it includes many “standard” features that weren’t present on older models. These features often include a security systems which is designed to be an effective protection against theft. However, if you are looking to upgrade your vehicle’s security (or are purchasing an entirely new alarm system), navigating the car security market can be a bit difficult. This short guide is designed to help familiarize you with five of the top brands that are currently popular for other vehicle owners.

Since the first three brands on this list are owned by Directed Electronics Inc., it’s important to be familiar with this company’s history and reputation. Directed Electronics was first founded in 1982, with headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. The man that founded DEI was named Darrell Issa, who is now a congressman in California. DEI eventually moved to Vista, California, which is where its company headquarters are currently located. The current manager of the company is Jim Minarik. Aside from several car security brands, DEI also owns Polk Audio, Orion Car Audio, Astroflex, Autostart and other brands. There are currently no serious complaints or legal lawsuits that have been filed against Directed Electronics.

Python

The Python brand (and all of its associated products) is owned by Directed Electronics. Many of the Python car alarm products are dual-purpose, combining a remote starter with a car alarm for security (such as the Python 592 Responder HD Color SuperCode SST 2-Way Security and Remote Start System). Python also sells vehicle remotes, which can be integrated with existing car alarm systems. One of the highest rated of these remotes is the Python 7701P Responder SST LCD HHU Remote, which currently has a 5-star customer rating on Amazon.com.

Viper

The Viper brand of car alarm products is also owned by Directed Electronics. Viper’s line of products is similar to that of other alarm brands, including security remotes, dual security/remote starter products, and remotes with integration technology for existing secyrity systems The current most sophisticated security-only system by Viper is the Viper 3002 LED 2-Way Security System, which is usually priced from $359 – $400. For a dual-purpose security system and remote starter, the most sophisticated system is the Viper 5902 Responder HD Color SuperCode SST 2-Way Security and Remote Start System, which is usually priced from $799 – $999.

Hornet
All Hornet car alarm brand products are also owned by Directed Electronics. Aside from products for vehicle security, remote starting and keyless entry, Hornet also manufactures specialized products for motorcycle security. Some of the common features on Hornet’s vehicle security systems include “Failsafe Starter Kill”, “Clone Safe Code Hopping”, multiple channels, shock sensor and LED indicator lights.

Crimestopper
The Crimstopper brand of vehicle security products are manufactured and sold by Crimestopper Security Products, Inc. The company’s headquarters are currently located in Simi Valley, California. Crimestopper currently has a warranty policy that covers all of their security products for the lifetime of the vehicle in which they are installed. One of their most comprehensive products is The Crimestopper Fortress™ FS-90. This security system is marketed as providing a “wall of protection”, and includes features such as a hidden remote antenna, a 2-way LCD touch screen, trunk/door/hood triggers and shock sensors.

Cobra
The Cobra brand of vehicle security products are manufactured by Cobra Automotive Technologies. This company was first founded in 1975, and is extremely popular in the European and Asian markets. Aside from vehicle alarms, Cobra also sells Bluetooth systems, E-Cruise Control systems, parking aid systems, in-car DVD players and GPS locating. Many of their vehicle security products offer alarms combined with engine immobilizers or other security features. The Cobra Cat 2-1 ADR Alarm G368 is a unique alarm that also features “driver recognition”, and is usually priced from $120 – $180. The Cat 1 Modular Alarm 4138 includes a double engine immobilizer, auto door locking, a panic facility, and an anti-hijack facility.