There’s not a new sheriff in town just yet, but as Ford ends production of the Crown Victoria, police departments around the country are in search of a worthy replacement interceptor. The Crown Victoria has served police forces for over 30 years. Ford says the iconic police vehicle will be replaced by the Taurus, but police departments are skeptical of its size and performance.
Vic sales are up 64 percent for the year, mostly due to police departments trying to stock up. The end of production comes at a time when other police interceptors are on the upswing. The Chevrolet Caprice has made a return and the Dodge Charger has become ever more present among police forces.
The Crown Victoria has a history that stretches back to 1955. With it’s large Panther platform, bench seats and column mounted shifter, the Victoria held true to an era of styling that had been nearly forgotten. In 2008, Ford ceased selling the dinosaur in dealerships but continued to produce the police version.
The decision by Ford comes at time when new government fuel economy standards are on the verge of taking effect. Across the industry, companies have been discontinuing models such as the Dodge Dakota and Mazda RX-8, as they prepare to meet new policies.
Source: Detroit Free Press
