What did Ford replace the Crown Victoria with?
In 2011, Ford discontinued the iconic Crown Victoria police car and replaced it with a new lineup of vehicles, including the Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer. This marked a significant shift in Ford's strategy for the law enforcement and fleet vehicle market.
The End of the Crown Victoria Era
The Crown Victoria had been a staple of police departments and taxi fleets for decades, known for its rugged construction, rear-wheel-drive layout, and powerful V8 engine. However, as consumer preferences shifted towards more fuel-efficient and modern vehicles, the Crown Victoria's outdated design and poor fuel economy became liabilities. Ford decided to discontinue the Crown Victoria in 2011 after nearly 20 years of production.
The Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer as Replacements
To fill the void left by the Crown Victoria, Ford introduced two new models as potential replacements: the Ford Taurus and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offered several advantages over the Crown Victoria:
- Improved fuel efficiency: The Taurus and Explorer were available with more fuel-efficient V6 and EcoBoost turbocharged engines, helping to reduce operating costs for law enforcement and fleet customers.
- Modern design and features: The Taurus and Explorer featured more contemporary styling and a range of advanced safety and technology features, making them more appealing to both law enforcement and civilian buyers.
- Availability of all-wheel-drive: The Taurus and Explorer could be equipped with all-wheel-drive, providing improved traction and handling capabilities compared to the rear-wheel-drive Crown Victoria.
While the Taurus and Explorer were not direct replacements for the Crown Victoria in terms of size and performance, they offered a more modern and versatile solution for law enforcement and fleet customers.
Transition to the New Lineup
The transition from the Crown Victoria to the Taurus and Explorer was not without its challenges. Many police departments and fleet operators were hesitant to adopt the new models, as they were accustomed to the reliability and familiarity of the Crown Victoria. However, as the new vehicles proved their worth in real-world use, more and more agencies began to embrace the Taurus and Explorer as viable replacements.
Today, the Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer are well-established as the primary law enforcement and fleet vehicles in the Ford lineup, offering a blend of modern features, improved efficiency, and versatility that meets the evolving needs of the market.
