Ford Crown Victoria

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Ford Crown Victoria
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1955–1956 1992–present
Assembly	St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor	Ford LTD Crown Victoria (for 1992)
Class	Full-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Ford Panther platform
Related	Mercury Grand Marquis Mercury Marauder Lincoln Town Car

The Ford Crown Victoria is the current model nameplate for the rear-wheel drive full-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company in the mid-1950s. The name was used again when the full-size LTD line was shrunk to compete with the downsized Chevrolet Caprice. AMC was first, followed by Chrysler to drop out of the full size market. The Crown Victoria became the sole player for this kind of automobile after General Motors discontinued the Chevrolet Caprice but the rear-drive Chrysler LX platform and the upcoming rear-drive Chevrolet Impala represent new challenges to this market segment. The Crown Victoria is a mid-priced full-sized sedan in the Ford lineup.

The 5,424 Crown Victorias sold in January 2007 far exceeded the 3,526 of the newer Ford Five Hundred which is a more technically advanced full size car with similar passenger space and better fuel economy. But while newer front-wheel drive platforms may have been popular among consumers, they have not challenged the Crown Victoria's dominance as a taxi cab, fleet vehicle and police car where durability, cost and performance rather than efficiency are top requirements. A longer wheelbase version is available for taxi use. In Canada, sales of the Crown Victoria were discontinued in favor of the corporate twin Grand Marquis sold under the Ford brand, and the Grand Marquis, which are mostly sold to consumers, remains the best selling Mercury car with 4,053 sold in Jan 2007.

As the latest evolution of the full-sized Ford, it is the end of the longest succession of automobiles starting with the Model T. The "Crown Vic" is popular due to its conventional rear-wheel drive, V8 power, popular with police driving techniques. As one of the few remaining passenger cars with body-on-frame construction, it is rugged, and enables repairs after minor accidents without the need to straighten the chassis - an important benefit for a car frequently used by police forces for PIT maneuvers; ramming a car to spin it out. The Crown Victoria is also one of the few remaining automobiles which retains the traditional 2-bench 6 passenger seating layout, which has been largely replaced the two front-bucket layout popularized by imports.

While Crown Victoria shares its platform and components to the Lincoln Town Car, it shares almost no exterior sheet metal or interior parts. The current model has had a number of upgrades. Since the exit of General Motors from rear-drive full-size cars with the Chevrolet Caprice, it has held a near-monopoly as a pursuit vehicle in North America, despite front wheel drive offerings such as the Chevrolet Impala. Only the new Dodge Charger is being seriously evaluated as a replacement at this time by police departments.

Contents 1 Production 2 1955-1956 3 1979–1980 LTD Crown Victoria 4 1983-1991 5 1992–1997 6 1998–present 6.1 Police Interceptor 6.2 Change of Canadian availability 6.3 Long-wheelbase commercial version 6.4 2003–present 7 Gallery 8 Fuel tank safety concerns 9 Future 10 Culture 11 References 12 External links

[edit] Production

The Crown Victoria is manufactured in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, rides on the 1979-vintage Ford Panther platform and utilizes the universal 4.6 L Modular V8. As of 2005, prices range from US$25,000 for the base model to $32,000 for the high-end LX Sport trim.

[edit] 1955-1956

See also 1955 Ford

The first "Crown Victoria" appeared in 1955; it was a 2-door 6-seater hardtop coupe, part of the Ford Fairlane range, that differed from the regular Victoria model (named after a type of carriage) by having a stainless steel band that 'crowned' the roofline, passing right over the car, as an extension of the B-pillar line. The model was produced in 1955 and 1956.

One version called Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner had the front part of the roof, in front of the steel band, in acrylic glass. This made the car difficult to sell, especially in the southern states in USA. Thus few Skyliners were made. Most of them ended up in Sweden, possibly because the climate was more suitable for an acrylic glass roof.

[edit] 1979–1980 LTD Crown Victoria

Downsized two years after its main rival, the Chevrolet Impala, the new 1979 LTD was seven inches shorter than the old one, and four inches shorter than the LTD II. The platform was named the Panther. The interior remained just as large as the previous LTD though, and the whole design became more efficient; the reduced width, size, and bulk all led to improved road manners and maneuverability, which had been major drawbacks in the previous LTD. Ride quality improved as well with the new car, as did fuel economy. Originally, the LTD was offered with the 302 and 351 in³ V8s. The deluxe version of the LTD was the LTD Landau, as in previous years. In 1980 the LTD Landau was renamed LTD Crown Victoria. It replaced the previous year's Landau model, and used a stainless steel band over the roof at the B-pillar (the "crown") to evoke the 1950s model. Crown Victoria had been a decor package for the Landau models since 1975. For 1981 and 1982, Ford offered a 255 in³ V8.

[edit] 1983-1991

Main article: Ford LTD Crown Victoria

When the LTD was based on a rebodied Ford Fairmont, all full-size LTDs were badged as LTD Crown Victorias, and the mid-sized version became the LTD. The mid-size LTD was a lesser-known model, as the name is easily confused with its full-size LTD Crown Victoria brother. It shared the same Fox platform with the 1979 to 1993 Ford Mustang, so certain components are easily interchangeable with the more popular "pony car". Perhaps the highlight of mid-size LTD production began in 1984 when the Bondurant racing school, which favored Ford Mustang GTs, transplanted the Mustang's 5.0L V8 and T-5 five-speed manual transmission into an LTD for use at the school. One result of this was Ford's introduction in mid 1984 of an option package called the LTD LX. Known by some as essentially a four-door Mustang, this car had a centrally fuel-injected 5.0L V8 engine paired with Ford's AOD four-speed automatic transmission, and included details such as blacked-out exterior trim, a floor shifter, and a tachometer. Police models received the same drivetrain (AOD shifter was colum-mounted), 140 MPH speedometer, dog-dish hubcaps, and standard exterior trim. Interiors generally featured vinyl seating and rubber floormats, and many examples were equipped with special push bumpers on the front. The mid-size LTD was discontinued after the 1986 model year to make room for the then-new front-wheel drive Taurus.

Various other changes were made during these years. The full-size Crown Victoria, along with its cousin, the Mercury Grand Marquis, received exterior facelifts for the 1988 model year, along with updated model-name lettering, followed by an all-new dash in 1990. 1983 saw the introduction of central fuel injection (CFI) on the 302-cubic-inch models (identifiable by a fender badge reading "Electronic Fuel Injection"), which was replaced with sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI) in 1986 (accompanied by the deletion of said fender badge). Many mechanical changes were made during this time as well, but most importantly it should be noted that all 302/5.0L engines from 1985-on were equipped with a hydraulic roller valvetrain that allowed the use of improved camshaft profiles across the production line.

Incidentally, the Panther platform has attracted a small but dedicated group of performance enthusiasts, the majority of whom own vehicles from the 1983-1991 time period. It is primarily these "Box body" enthusiasts who frequent online gathering-places, though the later "aero Vic" has attracted a noteworthy following as well.

[edit] 1992–1997

First generation
Production	1992–1997
Engine	4.6 L Modular V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	114.4 in.
Length	212.0 in.
Width	77.8 in.
Height	56.8 in.
Fuel capacity	20 US gal.
Similar	Chevrolet Caprice

In 1992, along with dropping the LTD designation, the Crown Victoria sedan (production of the station wagon having ceased in 1991) was completely redesigned to the round, six-window shape (which shared many design cues with its contemporary, the newly redesigned 1992 Taurus), and there was a new 4.6 L Modular engine. Critics weren't fond of the 1992 model's Taurus-like front-end, therefore it was given a front grille for the 1993 model year. Also added this year was a reflector strip between the taillights. Another minor restyle followed suit in 1995, with a new grille and taillights. To accommodate the design of the 1995's new taillights, the rear license plate was moved from the bumper to the trunklid, fitted between the taillights. The restyle was better received than General Motor's more radical restyle of the Chevrolet Caprice which may have contributed to its exit and Ford's ultimate dominance of this segment.

[edit] 1998–present

Second generation
Production	1998–present
Engine	4.6 L Modular V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	114.7 in.
Length	212.0 in.
Width	77.3 in.
Height	56.8 in.
Fuel capacity	19 gal.
Similar	Dodge Charger Pontiac G8

In 1998, the Crown Victoria's exterior styling, rear suspension, and ignition system were updated. The 1998 to 2002 "Crown Vics" had a revised 4-link rear suspension with a Watt's linkage. The general road handling manners have improved, but towing capacity has been reduced. The Crown Victoria also uses a coil-on-plug ignition design rather than traditional spark plug wires. This design, already being used on the 1996 to 1999 Ford Taurus SHO's 3.4 L V8 engine, was later implemented on other vehicles that used the Modular V8, including the 1999-onwards Mustang GT, and many F-Series trucks. The Crown Victoria also features a 114.7 in wheelbase and its body now used the more formal Mercury Grand Marquis roofline and side window styling.

[edit] Police Interceptor

Main article: Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Starting with the 1999 model year, the police version of the Crown Victoria, previously named Crown Victoria P71, was changed to Police Interceptor and new rear badging was assigned instead of the civilian Crown Victoria badge. Though, to date, the Crown Victoria badge is still affixed to Police Interceptors equipped with the Street Appearance package for undercover vehicles. Police Interceptor models come with a black honeycomb-styled front grille and lack of lower molding on front-passenger door to allow for commercial/police insignias.

[edit] Change of Canadian availability

In Canada, 1999 was the last year the Crown Victoria was individually available to civilians from Ford dealerships. Since 2000, the Crown Victoria has only been available in Canada as a Police Interceptor for law enforcement, or as a taxi or Special Service Vehicle for commercial fleets. The civilian Crown Victoria is only available when ordered as a fleet directly from Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and is not available through Ford dealerships. Civilians can, however, purchase used 2000 & up civilian Crown Victorias that are available at dealerships every so often, or used Police Interceptors or Special Service Vehicles from various auctions. The Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car, which also use the Ford Panther platform, however, are still available at Ford & Lincoln dealerships in Canada.

According to the article of the Mercury Grand Marquis in the French book Le guide de l'auto 2006 (The 2006 Auto-Guide), Ford is rumoured to be considering bringing back the Crown Victoria to the Canadian civilian market, replacing the Grand Marquis. Although Ford hasn't made any official statement to this effect, many consider this to make sense since the Mercury brand was officially phased out in Canada in 1999 and despite the Grand Marquis' Mercury badging, it's officially sold as a Ford in all Canadian sales literature.

[edit] Long-wheelbase commercial version

In 2002, Ford introduced a long-wheelbase version of the Crown Victoria, available only to commercial fleets (mostly used by taxi companies). This version gives 6 extra inches of wheelbase length, made possible by a new frame and extended body. This version is not available to the general public, nor is there a stretched version of the Police Interceptor, due to its targeted use mostly in the taxi and livery market. In the Middle East, a long-wheelbase version of the Mercury Grand Marquis is available to the general public.

[edit] 2003–present

For the 2003 model year, the chassis was again redesigned with hydroformed steel. The front and rear suspension were also completely overhauled. New inverted monotube shocks were now used (replacing the old twin-tube shocks that had been used since the 1960s). In the front, new aluminum control arms, and rack and pinion steering (replacing the recirculating ball units) have been implemented. The rear suspension was redesigned for durability in police-duty applications and the rear shocks were moved outboard of the frame rails for better handling and ease of maintenance. As a result, the road-handling manners of the Panther platform cars had improved significantly. The engine output increased due to the addition of a knock sensor for more aggressive timing.

The Crown Victoria retained the same exterior styling, but 2005 models received a rear whip radio antenna rather than an integrated rear defroster antenna. 2005 models also received a new steering wheel. The rear whip antenna has been removed from the 2006 models in favor of the integrated rear defroster antenna.

Even with the latest 2007 Crown Victoria, the overall design remains relatively unchanged from the 1979 design. It still uses a front independent suspension with a rear live axle on a body on frame design, using a traditional rear-wheel drive drivetrain. The design has been popular with police departments and cab companies to the same extent as the Chevrolet Caprice in the 1980s and early 1990s, especially in New York City where they make up the majority of the taxi and New York City Police Department fleets, as well among the general populace.

The Crown Victoria has often been characterized as an "older person's car", but this is a misconception considering nearly all vehicles in this class tend to have an older client base (because most older drivers were accustomed to driving larger cars).^{[citation needed]} It is considerably more durable than modern front-wheel drive cars that rely on constant velocity joints for transmission of power to the steering wheels.^{[citation needed]} It also offers more interior space and slightly better fuel economy than many SUVs of similar weight.

Engines (2007 stats):

• 220 hp @ 4800 rpm/275 lb-ft. @ 4000 rpm/9.38:1 compression - 4.6 L V8 (fleet only)^[1]
• 224 hp @ 4800 rpm/272 lb-ft. @ 4000 rpm/9.38:1 compression - 4.6 L V8 (base civilian package)^[2]
• 239 hp @ 4900 rpm/287 lb-ft. @ 4100 rpm/9.38:1 compression - 4.6 L V8 (Performance & Handling package only; includes Sport)^[2]
• 250 hp @ 5000 rpm/297 lb-ft. @ 4000 rpm/9.6:1 compression - 4.6 L V8 (Police Interceptor only)^[3]

[edit] Gallery

Hopewell Township Police Car- Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor

NYPD Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor

A traditional New York City taxi, the long-wheelbase Crown Victoria.

2005 Ford Crown Victoria LX, rear view

[edit] Fuel tank safety concerns

While the car has been highly rated for safety, there was some controversy and lawsuits in the 1990s over Ford Crown Victoria (and its Mercury & Lincoln counterparts) gas tank leaks after certain types of high energy impacts, specifically when being hit at a certain angle offset in the rear at high speeds. These impacts did cause fuel tank failures in the Crown Victoria. The leaking fuel in combination with friction between the vehicle and the road was found to be the cause of these fires.^{[citation needed]}

The reports that the cars were more prone to fires during a rear collision was a simple combination of four things. First, most law enforcement agencies rely heavily on the Crown Victoria as their primary vehicle, meaning that any police-related auto accident is very likely to involve a Crown Victoria. Second, the accidents occurred as the result of the officers intentionally parking their vehicles close to active traffic to shield a stopped motorist - something most civilians would never do. Third, the impacting vehicle was often traveling at, or above, the posted legal limit (70-75 mph in most jurisdictions). Fourth, the design of the vehicle which places the gas tank behind the rear axle, places the tank in a vulnerable area.^{[citation needed]}

The condition was exacerbated by police equipment installers drilling over the package tray in the luggage compartment. Due to the gas tank's orientation, drilling through the package tray may result in drilling into the gas tank. Installers also used screws set directly into the bulkhead and facing the fuel tank. In the event of a high-energy collision, these screws could be forced into the tank, both rupturing the tank and possibly acting as a spark source. Long bolts for mounting heavier equipment were also directly suspect. The manufacturer provided an aftermarket shield to help prevent these items from puncturing the tank during impact. Further, many investigations, both performed by federal/state agencies, and the police department themselves, have found that removable items in the trunk were improperly stowed. These items became tank-piercing projectiles during the rear-collision scenarios. Ford's second solution came in the form of a recall kit including patterns to mark unsafe areas (to drill) in the luggage compartment. Also included were rubberized kevlar and hard ballistic nylon shields for the differential cover lower shock bolts. They also included a kevlar-based trunk liner.^[4] Ford used similar kits on early-1980s model passenger vehicles. For 2005 and newer models, Ford offers the first-ever on-board fire-suppression system for the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor units, which effectively choke any fire on-board when detected. The problem, for all intents and purposes, ceases to exist when the vehicles are struck at non-highway speeds.

Despite numerous court cases charging Ford with partial liability for fires caused in accidents, the company has never been found liable. Numerous cases were settled out of court with non-disclosure clauses binding on all parties.

Articles about the issue

See also Ford Pinto.

[edit] Future

This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

Ford was rumored to be considering replacing the aging Panther platform with a front or all-wheel drive platform based on the D3 architecture, something Ford has denied.

Another rumor going around at Ford is that the Crown Victoria will eventually be replaced by one of the following vehicles:

• Full-sized rear-drive Fords with V8 engines based on a different platform are still produced in Australia under the Fairlane, Fairmonts, and LTD nameplates, but these are unknown in North America. The extended wheelbase versions are endangered because of a lack of markets outside of Australia, and competition from the Chrysler 300, but by comparison, the LTD is shorter (202 vs. 212 inches), about as heavy (4096 vs 4157 lbs), has a 5.4L V8 with much more horsepower (308 vs 224 for civilian, and 250 for police version). The Falcons are a common police interceptor in Australia.
• Ford Australia announced plans to develop the 2009 Ford Falcon on a new Orion chassis, designed initially for left-hand drive and converted to right-hand drive for the Australian market. Some speculate that this new Falcon would eventually be built in the US or exported to the US market, reviving the Falcon name.
• The Panther platform would be retired altogether, replaced by a completely new vehicle based on the Ford D2C platform used for the Ford Mustang. A concept version of this car is currently touring the auto-show circuit, called the Ford Interceptor (hinting that it may, at somepoint in the future, become Ford's offering for the police market). To go with Ford's naming scheme of naming cars that start with the letter "F", the Crown Victoria name may be replaced by "Falcon" or "Fairlane"; however, Ford appears to be abandoning that idea.
• As part of Ford's The Way Forward restructuring plan, for 2008 Ford has discontinued the retail version of the Crown Victoria but will continue making the Police Interceptor model as well as the commercial versions, like Ford of Canada did in 1999. For 2008 the only full sized Ford will be the new upsize Ford Taurus formerly known as the Ford Five Hundred. Most full-size sedans are beginning to shrink in size, and some flagship sedans (e.g. Toyota Avalon, Dodge Charger) are shorter and smaller than the Taurus.^{[citation needed]}
• There is much speculation and discussion regarding the recently revealed Ford Interceptor concept car being the basis for the next generation Crown Victoria (and law enforcement CVPI version), or for a new vehicle altogether and retiring the Crown Victoria name plate.

Despite this, Ford has announced that the Crown Victoria's better selling twin, the Mercury Grand Marquis, will stay in production until at least 2009, with the "Grand" dropped off the nameplate, so it will fit Mercury's new naming scheme of making all their cars start with the letter M^{[citation needed]}. It is unclear if the front bench seating (6-passenger) feature will be retained by a redesign of the car or a renamed replacement.

On April 19, 2006, Ford Motor Company announced that the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor will remain in production "well into the future". [1]

[edit] Culture

A listing of Crown Victoria appearances in the media would be massive because of its ubiquity in police and taxi fleets after the 1990s.

[edit] References