When did they start making Crown Vics?
The Crown Victoria name first appeared in 1983 as the top trim of the Ford LTD, the Crown Victoria became a standalone model for the 1992 model year, and production ended in 2011.
Origins of the Crown Victoria name
Ford introduced the Crown Victoria badge as the premium trim on the LTD lineup in the early 1980s. The LTD Crown Victoria signified a more luxurious full‑size sedan and helped set the stage for the Crown Victoria to evolve into its own model name in the 1990s.
Milestones in Crown Victoria history
Here are the major milestones in the Crown Victoria's production history:
- 1983: The Crown Victoria name debuts as the top trim of the Ford LTD (the LTD Crown Victoria).
- 1992 model year: The Crown Victoria is introduced as a standalone full-size sedan on Ford's Panther platform, separate from the LTD lineup.
- 2011: Ford ends civilian Crown Victoria production; the police Interceptor variant based on the Crown Victoria also ends production around the same time.
These milestones show the Crown Victoria’s transition from a high-end trim to a dedicated model and its eventual sunset after nearly three decades on American roads.
Legacy and impact
Known for its rear‑wheel‑drive layout, body‑on‑frame construction, and durability, the Crown Victoria became an enduring staple of fleets, taxis, and law enforcement. Its straightforward design and robustness helped it endure long service lives even as Ford shifted focus to newer architectures in other models.
Summary
In summary, Ford began using the Crown Victoria name in 1983 as the top trim of the LTD family, launched the Crown Victoria as a separate model for the 1992 model year, and ceased production of the Crown Victoria in 2011, marking the end of an era for one of the era’s most recognizable full-size sedans.
