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Why did police stop driving Crown Vics?

The Ford Crown Victoria, a staple of police fleets for decades, has been phased out of service in recent years. This shift is due to a combination of factors, including changing vehicle preferences, advancements in automotive technology, and evolving policing strategies.


The Rise and Fall of the Crown Victoria


The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for law enforcement agencies across the United States for its durability, reliability, and spacious interior. The rear-wheel-drive platform and powerful V8 engine made the Crown Vic well-suited for high-speed pursuits and other demanding police work. However, as the automotive industry evolved, the Crown Victoria's design became increasingly outdated, leading to its eventual retirement from police service.


Reasons for the Transition



  • Fuel Efficiency: With rising fuel costs and a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, police departments sought more fuel-efficient vehicles to replace the thirsty Crown Vics.

  • Safety Advancements: Newer police vehicles offer improved safety features, such as advanced airbags, electronic stability control, and better crash protection, which were lacking in the older Crown Victoria design.

  • Changing Policing Strategies: As policing strategies have evolved, the need for more versatile and maneuverable vehicles has increased. Smaller, more agile SUVs and sedans have become more appealing for tasks like community policing and urban patrols.

  • Technological Upgrades: Modern police vehicles are equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including integrated computer systems, license plate readers, and advanced communication systems, which were not readily available in the Crown Victoria.


While the Crown Victoria held a prominent place in police fleets for decades, the changing needs of law enforcement agencies and advancements in automotive technology have led to its gradual replacement by a new generation of police vehicles better suited to the demands of modern policing.

When did cops stop driving Crown Vics?


Today, about three decades since the Crown Vic first hit the road to become the police car in the United States, it's practically extinct. In 2020, the California Highway Patrol retired the last two Crown Vics in its fleet.



Does LAPD still have Crown Vics?


The LAPD operates a wide variety of police cars, primarily the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, and Dodge Charger, with limited numbers of the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, among an assortment of other models.



What was the worst year for the Crown Victoria?


The suspension and steering were also less reliable, reducing its appeal among potential buyers. 2008: The worst year for Crown Victoria was arguably 2008. It was marked by a number of common problems that plagued owners, including transmission troubles, blown head gaskets, and failures of the fuel pump.



How many police Crown Vics are left?


New York City's taxi fleet finally said farewell to the Ford Crown Victoria earlier in 2023, but the big, body-on-frame sedan lives on as a police car in Los Angeles. The city's sheriff department bought 600 examples of the Crown Vic before production ended, and 429 are still in service.



Why do cops love the Crown Vic?


Purchased as part of an upgrade of the local Police Municipale, the Crown Victorias were selected for their durability, security, and safety. In 2008, they were put up for sale, as the American-designed police cars were found to be too wide for the city streets and too long for PM garages.



Why did they stop making Crown Vics?


These large body-on-frame sedans simply weren't popular enough for the automakers to keep investing in the platform. The Crown Vic in particular had some engineering safety issues and lawsuits that most likely also encouraged Ford to scrap it. Probably safety, changing customer trends, and emissions.



How fast can a police Crown Vic go?


The CVPI also had a calibrated 140 mph (225 km/h) speedometer.



Why do Crown Vics last so long?


Reliability has been central to the Ford Crown Victoria's reputation over the years, with its design built for durability and ease of maintenance—a true workhorse that delivers ample dependability for various driving needs.



Why don't cops use Crown Vics anymore?


But while the Crown Vic may still be holding on in every corner of our country (aside from the rust-belt, where the Crown Vic — like many vehicles — tends to succumb to rust), its grip is slipping. The parts supply is thinning out, and it's a main threat to the Crown Vics that still serve the LASD.



Was the Crown Vic a good cop car?


Performance, reliability, and cost are among the factors that make the Ford Crown Victoria the "best cop car of all time," according to Haloid Fleet. If you've been in the law enforcement industry for any length of time, you likely know about the deeply rooted love of the Ford Crown Victoria.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.