Why did police stop using Crown Vics?
For decades, the Ford Crown Victoria was the quintessential police patrol car in the United States. However, in recent years, law enforcement agencies across the country have phased out the Crown Vic in favor of other models. What led to the demise of this iconic law enforcement vehicle?
The Rise and Fall of the Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria was first introduced in 1992 and quickly became the go-to choice for police departments nationwide. Its rugged construction, powerful engine, and spacious interior made it well-suited for the demands of law enforcement work. The Crown Vic's popularity peaked in the early 2000s, with the model accounting for over 85% of all police vehicles in the United States.
However, the Crown Victoria's reign as the dominant police car was not to last. As newer, more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced models hit the market, the Crown Vic's shortcomings became increasingly apparent. The vehicle's outdated design, poor fuel economy, and lack of modern safety features led many police departments to seek out alternative options.
Reasons for the Decline
- Fuel Efficiency: With rising fuel costs and growing concerns about environmental impact, the Crown Victoria's thirsty V8 engine became a liability. Newer police vehicles offered significantly better fuel economy, making them a more cost-effective choice for cash-strapped departments.
- Safety Concerns: The Crown Victoria's rear-wheel-drive layout and body-on-frame construction made it more prone to rollovers and rear-end collisions, which could be particularly dangerous for officers. Newer models featured more advanced safety features, such as electronic stability control and side-impact airbags.
- Technological Advancements: As technology rapidly evolved, the Crown Victoria's dated design and lack of modern features became a liability. Newer police vehicles offered improved connectivity, infotainment systems, and advanced driver assistance technologies, making them more appealing to law enforcement agencies.
- Discontinuation: In 2011, Ford announced that it would cease production of the Crown Victoria, leaving police departments to search for alternative options. This decision, combined with the other factors, accelerated the decline of the iconic patrol car.
As a result of these factors, the Crown Victoria's dominance in the police car market has waned, with departments across the country transitioning to a variety of other models, including the Ford Interceptor Utility, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Dodge Charger.
What was the last body-on-frame car?
The last Body on frame American sedan was Ford crown Victoria and Lincoln Towncar. Both cars where based on Ford's Panther platform which was by design had body on frame with live axle and V8 engine from 90's Mustang. But today only American Pickup truck and large SUV use body on frame design.
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.
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.
How fast can a police Crown Vic go?
Of all the traits the Police Interceptor was known for, fast off the mark was not one of them. The behemoth weighed in at nearly two tons, so it was better at sustaining top speed than reaching it quickly. That said, the last model year (2007) with the 4.6L V8 non-Flex Fuel engine had a reported top speed of 137 mph.
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.
Why did they discontinue Crown Victoria?
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.
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.
How to tell if a Crown Vic is a police interceptor?
The only completely infallible way to identify a CVPI is to look at the VIN tag. The 5th, 6th and 7th digit of the VIN will be "P71" ("P7B" for 2010 and 2011 model years).
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.
What year Crown Vic has the 5.0 engine?
“Crown Vic,” as it is often affectionately known, offered electronic engine controls as early as 1980. A 5.0-liter V-8 engine with electronic fuel injection was standard equipment in 1983. Load-leveling suspension was offered in 1985; a standard driver's side supplemental air bag was added in 1990.
