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The Ford Crown Victoria is one of the most iconic cop cars in American history. It was first introduced in 1992 and quickly became a favorite of police departments across the country. The Crown Victoria was known for its reliability, durability, and affordability. It was also one of the most comfortable cop cars on the market, which made it a popular choice for long shifts.
However, the Crown Victoria was discontinued in 2011 due to declining sales. Ford replaced the Crown Victoria with the Taurus Police Interceptor, which was a more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced vehicle. Despite being discontinued, the Crown Victoria remains a popular choice for police departments that are looking for a reliable and affordable cop car.
History of the Ford Crown Victoria Cop Car
Origins and Early Popularity
The Ford Crown Victoria's roots can be traced back to the 1950s, when Ford introduced the Fairlane as a full-size car. The Fairlane underwent several redesigns over the years, and in 1979, it was renamed the Crown Victoria. The Crown Victoria was initially marketed as a luxury car, but it quickly gained popularity as a police car due to its spacious interior, powerful engine, and sturdy construction.
In the 1980s, the Crown Victoria became the dominant police car in the United States. It was used by police departments across the country, from small towns to major cities. The Crown Victoria's popularity was due in part to its affordability, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
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Year | Crown Victoria Production |
---|---|
1992 | 142,000 |
1993 | 134,000 |
1994 | 123,000 |
Technological Advancements and Discontinuation
Over the years, the Crown Victoria underwent several technological advancements. In 1998, it received a new engine and transmission, which improved its performance and fuel economy. In 2003, it received a major redesign, which included a new body style and interior. The redesigned Crown Victoria was even more popular than its predecessor, and it remained the best-selling police car in the United States until it was discontinued in 2011.
The Crown Victoria was discontinued due to declining sales. Ford had introduced the Taurus Police Interceptor in 2010, which was a more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced vehicle. The Taurus Police Interceptor quickly became the new favorite of police departments across the country, and the Crown Victoria was phased out of production.
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Specifications and Features of the Ford Crown Victoria Cop Car
The Ford Crown Victoria was known for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and sturdy construction. It was also one of the most comfortable cop cars on the market, which made it a popular choice for long shifts.
Some of the key specifications and features of the Ford Crown Victoria Cop Car include:
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine | 4.6-liter V8 |
Horsepower | 250 hp |
Torque | 290 lb-ft |
Transmission | Four-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 114.3 inches |
Length | 201.8 inches |
Width | 74.3 inches |
Height | 58.1 inches |
Curb weight | 4,060 lbs |
Top speed | 135 mph |
0-60 mph | 8.5 seconds |
The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional features, including a police package that included a heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, and a skid plate. These features made the Crown Victoria even more capable of handling the demands of police work.
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Why the Ford Crown Victoria Cop Car Was Discontinued
Declining Sales and Technological Advancements
The Ford Crown Victoria was discontinued due to declining sales. Ford had introduced the Taurus Police Interceptor in 2010, which was a more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced vehicle. The Taurus Police Interceptor quickly became the new favorite of police departments across the country, and the Crown Victoria was phased out of production.
Year | Crown Victoria Production |
---|---|
2008 | 54,000 |
2009 | 40,000 |
2010 | 25,000 |
In addition to declining sales, the Crown Victoria was also discontinued due to technological advancements. The Taurus Police Interceptor was more fuel-efficient and had a more powerful engine than the Crown Victoria. It also had a number of new safety features, such as a blind spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.
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Changing Needs of Police Departments
The changing needs of police departments also contributed to the discontinuation of the Crown Victoria. Police departments were increasingly looking for vehicles that were more fuel-efficient, more technologically advanced, and more environmentally friendly. The Crown Victoria was no longer able to meet these needs.
- Fuel efficiency
- Technological advancements
- Environmental friendliness
As a result of these factors, the Ford Crown Victoria was discontinued in 2011. It was replaced by the Taurus Police Interceptor, which is a more fuel-efficient, more technologically advanced, and more environmentally friendly vehicle.
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Alternatives to the Ford Crown Victoria Cop Car
Chevrolet Caprice
The Chevrolet Caprice was a popular alternative to the Ford Crown Victoria. It was also a full-size sedan with a powerful engine and a spacious interior. The Caprice was discontinued in 1996, but it was revived in 2011 as a police car. The Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) is a popular choice for police departments that are looking for a reliable and affordable cop car.
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Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a popular choice for police departments that are looking for a high-performance cop car. It has a powerful engine and a sleek design. The Charger is also available with a variety of optional features, such as a police package that includes a heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, and a skid plate.
Year | Charger Production |
---|---|
2011 | 84,000 |
2012 | 94,000 |
2013 | 103,000 |
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Ford Taurus Police Interceptor
The Ford Taurus Police Interceptor is the successor to the Crown Victoria. It is a more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced vehicle. The Taurus Police Interceptor has a powerful engine and a spacious interior. It is also available with a variety of optional features, such as a police package that includes a heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, and a skid plate.
Ford Crown Victoria's Last Model Year: A Farewell Tribute
Final Thought
The Ford Crown Victoria was a popular cop car for decades. It was a reliable, durable, and affordable vehicle that was also comfortable to drive. While it was discontinued in 2011, the Crown Victoria remains a popular choice for police departments that are looking for a reliable and affordable cop car.