What is the best police car ever made?

No single “best” police car exists; historically the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor set the standard for durability and maintenance, but today the best choice depends on a department’s needs, terrain, and technology goals.

Historical benchmark: the Crown Victoria's reign

The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) became the workhorse of fleets around the world for decades. Its design prioritized reliability, simple mechanics, and ease of maintenance in high-mileage patrol duty.

• Robust V8 power and a rear-wheel-drive layout that was easy to service


• Large interior and trunk space for equipment, gear, and a comfortable patrol setup


• Strong aftermarket support with readily available replacement parts


• Long service life and high resale value for fleets


• Straightforward diagnostics and field maintenance, reducing downtime


• Proven safety record and operation in a wide range of conditions

The CVPI’s longevity and predictable total-cost-of-ownership made it a budgeting cornerstone for police departments, and even after its production ended, many agencies continued to rely on used CVPIs for specialized roles or training, underscoring its enduring reputation.

Modern contenders and the shifting landscape

As technology and budgets evolved, fleets shifted toward vehicles that balance safety, efficiency, and versatility. Modern patrol cars blend all-wheel drive, better fuel economy, and integrated communications and safety tech; some departments also experiment with electrification.

Below is a snapshot of the main modern patrol platforms currently in use or widely adopted, along with their strengths and limitations.

Key modern platforms

• Ford Police Interceptor Utility (P.I.U.) — built on the Ford Explorer; standard all-wheel drive; EcoBoost options; roomy cargo and modern police tech; strong dealer support and favorable maintenance profile for a contemporary platform


• Dodge Charger Pursuit — strong acceleration and high-speed capability; sedan form factor with robust powertrains; improved efficiency for its class; however, maintenance costs and regional parts availability can vary


• Chevrolet Caprice PPV — high-performance option with strong acceleration and braking; produced 2011–2017 with limited market presence; higher upfront costs and ongoing parts considerations


• Ford F-150 Police Responder — purpose-built pickup suitable for rural patrol, incident command, and off-road tasks; excellent payload and durability but not a primary pursuit vehicle in tight urban environments


• Tesla Model 3 (police package) — electric option offering rapid acceleration and lower operating costs; growing adoption in select departments, with considerations around charging, range under patrol loads, and service infrastructure

Conclusion: The modern landscape emphasizes versatility, safety tech, and total cost of ownership. The best choice depends on a department’s duty profile, climate, budget, and willingness to incorporate electrification.

Electrification and the future of patrol cars

Electric and hybrid police vehicles are progressively entering patrol duty, promising lower fuel costs and smoother maintenance over time. Early adopters report strong acceleration from stop and go use and reduced emissions, but challenges remain in charging logistics, range under patrol workloads, and higher upfront prices. Departments are weighing performance, reliability, and environmental goals as technology matures.

Key considerations for choosing

• Duty profile: urban versus rural, pursuit requirements, cargo and K-9 needs


• Total cost of ownership: upfront price, maintenance, fuel or electricity costs, and resale value


• Safety and technology: braking, handling, crash-test results, telematics, and pursuit-rated features


• Serviceability and support: local dealer network, parts availability, and technician training

Conclusion: As fleets weigh these factors, the “best” car becomes a moving target—often a carefully selected platform that balances current needs with future plans.

Summary

There is no universal best police car. The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor remains the historic benchmark for reliability and cost of ownership, while today’s fleets increasingly favor the Ford Police Interceptor Utility and Dodge Charger Pursuit for performance and practicality. Electrification is starting to reshape decisions, with the Tesla Model 3 and other hybrids offering compelling operating economics in select departments. Ultimately, the best car is the one that most effectively supports an agency’s patrol goals, budget, and community safety priorities.

Which is the best police car?

The best police cars are often the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, and Dodge Charger Pursuit, as these are commonly used by law enforcement and are optimized for the demands of the job. The Ford Police Interceptor Utility is currently a top seller for its hybrid efficiency and performance. 
Top modern police vehicles

• Ford Police Interceptor Utility: This is currently the best-selling police vehicle in the U.S., available as a pursuit-rated hybrid for fuel efficiency or with a more powerful EcoBoost engine for performance. It includes specialized features like ballistic door panels and a Perimeter Alert System. 
• Chevrolet Tahoe PPV: A very trusted and capable option for law enforcement, this SUV is known for its spacious interior and power, making it suitable for various police duties. 
• Dodge Charger Pursuit: This sedan has been a staple for many police departments, praised for its performance and durability in the role of a pursuit vehicle. 
• Other popular models: Police agencies also frequently use other vehicles like the Ford Expedition SSV, Dodge Durango Pursuit, and Ram 1500 Special Service Vehicle. 

Notable historical and specialized vehicles

• Ford Crown Victoria: Widely considered one of the best police cars ever, many police departments continued using this model for years until they were required to replace them. 
• Dubai Police Bugatti Veyron: While not for regular patrol, this car holds the record for the police car with the highest top speed in the world. 
• Other specialty vehicles: Some departments use other specialized or high-performance vehicles for specific tasks, such as the Victoria Police BMW M5 Competition in Australia for highway patrol or the Lexus LC coupe used for promotional and traffic duties in Japan. 

15sThe Best Cop Car of All TimeYouTubeDYTASTIC · 3w 0:59Why The Skoda Superb Turbo Is Voted The Best Police Car Ever ...YouTubeBen Pearson "Police Interceptor" · 9mo 1:00The Ultimate 4x4 Police Vehicle.......Is This It? #youtubeshorts #ford ...YouTubeBen Pearson "Police Interceptor" · 1y 0:08Does anyone know what kind of police these cars are, with those ...RedditPicaDeAnta69 · 5mo 0:44The Ultimate Off-Road Police Truck #police #vehicles #carsYouTubeSupercar Blondie · 8mo (function(){
(this||self).Bqpk9e=function(f,d,n,e,k,p){var g=document.getElementById(f);if(g&&(g.offsetWidth!==0||g.offsetHeight!==0)){var l=g.querySelector("div"),h=l.querySelector("div"),a=0;f=Math.max(l.scrollWidth-l.offsetWidth,0);if(d>0&&(h=h.children,a=h[d].offsetLeft-h[0].offsetLeft,e)){for(var m=a=0;m

What was the best police car ever made?

Only had really have a few. Number 1 was the Ford Crown Victory police special. Wow it is fast and I have seen officers roll them, hit trees, etc. walked away with scratches. Number 2 was the Ford Police Mustang interceptor. Great for traffic control. Last was the Chevrolet Police Interceptor.

Is it legal to own an old police car?

Yes, you can. When Police agencies upgrade their fleet of vehicles, they sell the old ones to the places where they have been refurbished and sold. Mostly these cars are sold to the smaller police agencies that cannot afford new police cars.

What is the fastest police car in the world?

The fastest police car in the world is the Dubai Police's Bugatti Veyron, holding the Guinness World Record for its top speed of 253 mph (407 km/h). While other departments use high-performance vehicles, the Veyron is recognized as the fastest production-based police car ever put into official livery, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.
 
This video discusses some of the fastest police cars in the world: 1mSUV ZoneYouTube · May 9, 2025

• Speed and performance: The Bugatti Veyron can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, thanks to its 8.0-liter W16 engine that produces 1,001 horsepower. 
• Use and purpose: While the Veyron is a powerful machine for pursuits, its primary use by the Dubai Police is often for public relations, making appearances in tourist areas to engage with the public. 
• Part of a larger fleet: The Veyron is one of many supercars in the Dubai Police's fleet, which also includes other high-performance vehicles like the Lamborghini Aventador.