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PoliceLink's Patrol Car Guide
Kevin Powers | PoliceLink
Ford Crown Vic
known as the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, Ford built this popular patrol car off of the Lincoln Town Car.It’s the only full-frame rear-wheel-drive passenger cars built in North America, which increases handling and provides officers better traction during acceleration. It’s also one of the few body-on-frame vehicles available, which makes it better suited for heavy-duty usage and easier to repair after crashes.
The car, which is only sold from Ford for law enforcement use, is built with V8 power, heavy duty transmission, heavy duty brakes, and a 250 hp (190 kW) engine.
And there are some other notable upgrades in the Police Interceptor. An external oil-to-coolant heat exchanger keeps engine oil temperatures down. The transmission is set up for more aggressive shifting, they added a dual exhaust system and a “stab plate” is installed behind the seats to prevent a perp from doing any damage to an officer while being transported.
The Crown Vic has dominated the market because of these advantages, but it will be replaced in 2011 with a version based off of the 2010 Taurus.
garmart
almost 3 years ago
252 Comments
Our department bought 4 chargers and we have had trouble with them. One unit had 2 lifters put in, one had to have 16 lifters and an injector. Another had 5 injectors and a intake manifold. The tires that came with the unit lasted only 12000 to 13000 miles. Each time the unit was in the shop we did not get it back for two weeks, they said that the head gasket was on back order.
Canival9885
almost 3 years ago
380 Comments
These new Fords CV are like tanks now. Combined with the fire suppression system and new ballistic doors, these crown vics take longer to accelerate to top speed and the breaking distance is longer. I don't mind the additional safety features, cause we all know the dangers of our jobs, but I have to pick and choose who I chase.
BPO503
almost 3 years ago
2 Comments
Want It!!
matzohboy
almost 3 years ago
2 Comments
What about the old Fury III?
Bagman22
almost 3 years ago
16 Comments
Anyone remember the Ford LTD 2? Talk about a scary code 3 run! Fast but the worst braking I've ever experienced. Another couple of loser vehicles I have driven during my career: the Dodge Diplomats from the 80's, the Ford Crown Vics from the late 80's and early 90's talk about sluggish handling and acceleration. And the worst I've driven in this decade has to be the Dodge Intrepid p.o.s.
My favorite so far has been the Chevy Caprice for overall comfort, handling and acceleration. I hope Chevrolet doesn't disappoint with the rebirth of the Caprice.
burckd
almost 3 years ago
2 Comments
Lmao? Chargers used by the USMC? I'm an MP and I'd never fathom the day that happen they'd slap codes on a horse and call it a cruiser
badge4436
almost 3 years ago
14 Comments
My favorite was the Chevy Nova in the late 70's. Great for pursuits, could corner and u turn on a dime.
Glen603
almost 3 years ago
106 Comments
Where's the Plymouth Grand Fury? That car rocked! It had a nice, throating exhuast, especially when you punched the gas. We're going from an '04 Tahoe (best we've run) to a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Small, but roomier than the chevy Failblazer we have.
csiguy
almost 3 years ago
626 Comments
Insofar as space for hauling prisoners it appears that the Crown Vic is the winner. I'm a truck guy anyway, so my options arent represented, tahoe comes close and I like driving them, but as in a semi rural area like a lot of places in Kansas it is more productive to issue 4x4 trucks/Tahoe with a large passenger cab, not unlike Ford's Quad Cab. Space to haul large bulky items of evidence and space in the cab for transport of additional gear and a couple of prisoners if necessary.
SFCMKRET
almost 3 years ago
12 Comments
I was never a Fprd "phan" when iot came to radio cars. My favorites in my career were the 73 Plymouth Fury, the 1980 Dodge St. Regis, and the old (B-Body) 94-96 Chevy Caprice.
tjohnsonr18
about 3 years ago
290 Comments
They are to be building a plant in Connersville Indiana, they are to start production in 2012 but they are still dealing with the red tape.(I know it is hard to beleive) but I live in Indiana and they are getting much closer, I can't wait until they get some made so I can go check it out.
Ahi
about 3 years ago
1990 Comments
I'm for the E7
mtty
about 3 years ago
114 Comments
Nice new models, but, is there ANY room in the back seat?
Does the Charger have ROOM?
I get rides in the Gov't ones without patrol equipment. I thought the Crown vic had room becuase I had sat in the back seat of the civilian one, but the LE-patrol vehicle I can hardly get in the back..
thev8man
about 3 years ago
1830 Comments
I am still a Chevy man
Weberstudios
about 3 years ago
204 Comments
The E7 looks awesome. watched the video on it. People are saying its taking too long to produce and get on the streets, however It can take as long as they want it to, because I want it to be safe for me and all my LEO brothers!