The End of an Era: Ford Crown Victoria Leaves the Line After 33 Years of Service to Police

Strategic Insights -

The venerable Ford Crown Victoria, a staple of police departments across the United States for over three decades, will cease production on Wednesday. The low-profile, dependable car has been a prized possession for law enforcement officers, providing a reliable tool and office for daily use. As the last Crown Victoria rolls off the assembly line, police departments are faced with the challenge of replacing this iconic vehicle with a new model, raising questions about compatibility, costs, and training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ford Crown Victoria holds 70% of the patrol car market, with 33,725 units sold nationally for use as squad cars, taxis, and other fleet vehicles in 2022.
  • Law enforcement agencies are concerned about the compatibility of existing equipment with the new vehicles, with some departments estimating that all new gear may need to be purchased.
  • The transition to new vehicles could be costly for state and local governments, with a Crown Vic costing between $22,000 to $25,000 before equipment and graphics are added, and the total cost nearing $40,000.
  • Ford's new Police Interceptor is being marketed as a replacement for the Crown Vic, with options including rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive models to accommodate different climates and requirements.
  • Police departments are evaluating new vehicles, including the Chevrolet Caprice and the Dodge Charger, which have made inroads on the squad car market.
  • Officers will face the challenge of becoming familiar with new vehicles while still working with the old, with some departments planning to phase in the new vehicles over several years.

Statistics:

  • 33,725 Crown Vics were sold nationally for use as squad cars, taxis, and other fleet vehicles in 2022.
  • Ford's new Police Interceptor is built specifically for police departments, with a sport-utility vehicle option being added for snowy climates.
  • The Crown Vic costs between $22,000 to $25,000 before equipment and graphics are added, with the total cost nearing $40,000.
  • The St. Paul Police Department is replacing about 10% of its 303-vehicle fleet each year, with a similar replacement rate of four vehicles per year in Cottage Grove.
  • The State Patrol is looking to replace its 600 or so Crown Vics, its primary vehicle for many years.

Sources:

  • " Last of the Ford Crown Vickers Rolls Out from the Assembly Line" by Jim Anderson
  • "Ford to stop making police cars" by the Associated Press (no publication date or timestamp provided)