13th Feb 2004, 22:09
A long-wheelbase Crown Victoria was announced for the 2002 model that featured a six-inch wheelbase stretch thanks to a new frame and extended body. The stretched Crown Vic was intended for the taxicab and livery market and not offered to the general public. Mainly police and taxi and airports.
15th Feb 2004, 22:13
I inadvertently placed the current miles that this particular 2004 CVPI had on it, at the time I added this comment, in the distance when acquired box.
When our department took delivery of this 2004 CVPI (Crown Vic Police Interceptor), it had 92-miles on the odometer.
It currently has 19,095 miles of severe duty abuse and has performed flawlessly in situations that would have shattered the underpinnings of any FWD car.
Once again I say that the Crown Vic is the only way to go. Solid, durable, heavy, safe, affordable, comfortable, and unbreakable. I do think that the old 96 Caprices did handle better, but they have since been discontinued.
Thanks for reading and watch your speed as I assure you that my CVPI will catch you and you will get a ticket. Kidding, speeding tickets are the least of our worries in this city.
26th Aug 2004, 20:58
I know the Extended Wheelbase (P70) Crown Victoria was offered to Taxi/Livery services, but I never knew they would use it for Police use. That's a new one to me. I own a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (P71) and its tough. I just slapped some Goodyear RS-A tires on it and its better then ever. I will never own anything other than a Police Interceptor.
Great to see a review from a law enforcement officer about what he thinks about his cruiser. The Caprice had a bigger, faster engine (LT1) but was heavy and the Police Intrepid and Police Impala don't stand up to the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Honestly though, if you put a LT1-like engine in the body of a Police Interceptor, the majority of officers will tell ya that would make an ultimate police cruiser.
6th Jan 2005, 19:25
This is anecdotal, but I use a 9C1/LT1 Caprice (retired from the Saginaw PD in 2001) as a daily driver. I picked it up with 75,000 on the clock and its now at 107k with many miles to go.
Among other things, my company sells police vehicles on eBay. I agree with the poster that the new FWD Impalas are near end of life by the time we get them (around 75k). Crown Vics hold up better, but by the time most of then get over 100 or 105 they are pretty ragged out. Overall, the caprice is a better car if you can find one. The Crown Vic P71 is a good second choice.
Try to find one that's not been a squad rotated among shifts. The better ones are police adminstrative vehicles or single-officer-assignments. The best cars come from universities, public schools, etc.
Good hunting :-)
8th Feb 2007, 11:24
I grew up in police cars-highway patrol cars-maroon and white Minnesoata. This was back during the 195o's and 60's and they were Ford's.My Father would buy them from a used car lot that sold only used Patrol cars. My Father has since passed away, but I have never forgotten my memories of riding in the Patrol car and seeing the amount of respect the public would show just by seeing you around. I always thought my Dad enjoyed the attention, but never abused the attention. I am in the process of buying a 2005 Ford Crown Vic Police car dark blue, double spot light's and will only light tint the windows and leave the rest for the public to see and enjoy.
8th Feb 2007, 14:21
My dad bought a couple unmarked detective 440's in the seventies before the Chrysler 318's. He bought them as I recall at an auction around $700 each.
3rd Apr 2007, 19:08
I also have a CV PI 2003 and I will agree with you on everything you stated, you just can't break them and I don't get pulled over when I meet the cops, they just wave like I am one of them.
17th Jul 2007, 03:12
I drive a buick regal with the supercharged 3800 and tonight a state trooper driving a CROWN VIC intercepter. Attempted to turn around and follow me. He started to turn around and he just couldn't follow me through some back country windy roads.
My buick just simply handles a lot better.
31st Jul 2007, 00:07
July 17, 2007.
I fail to see the point of your post, Why would you brag about your Regal out handling a Crown Vic? (a police Crown Vic at that)
29th Aug 2007, 14:59
I bought a 2000 P-71, and it handles like a dream. The stiff suspension is a little rough at times (They're working on fixing the roads here), but other than that, not a problem. Every Police officer in town knows me, and has commented that I got a great deal on this car. The only problem I have with it, is that I have a none working left bright beam (the mechanic is going to be looking at the wiring soon), that was non-working after they took the Police lighting out. I would definitely recommend buying one these to anyone.
28th Apr 2008, 01:24
To the person bragging about their Buick Regal you also have to consider the possibility that the police did not think you were worth the risk of pursuing. I would guess that the police officer with pursuit training would be able to catch you with a vic.
16th Nov 2008, 02:54
I owned a similar GM with the 3.8. It is a great motor and a nice car, but a good driver cop in a Crown Vic can catch you if he really wants to. Front wheel drive versus rear wheel, and the pi is made to catch bad guys (you).
The crown does everything quite well... it has safety (most important), size and weight (can muscle most cars off the road), power and speed enough to do the job, and durability (front wheel cars would fall apart much more quickly than the Vic under abuse).
It also has room (office on wheels), comfort, and some class. Just wait for the cries when it is finally deleted one day soon. Enjoy while you can.
30th May 2010, 18:58
I also must state affirmatively (to the one spouting off about their Regal), that you may be able to out-handle a Crown Victoria... but god help you if that man caught you on a straightaway. The Buick 3.8 is a good engine and all, but even supercharged, it would never begin to compete with the 4.6.
In short, don't start a fight with Ford guys. We've always won, and will continue to... on, and off the track.
22nd Dec 2010, 07:34
I'm currently in the market for an 02'-04' Interceptor. I have flawless 98' civilian Vic LX right now, and it still looks like like new and I love it. Hell, it's so clean, I've had friends that aren't aware of the '03 and ups new door panels, that actually thought it was an 08'! Anyway, besides holes from antenna's and the electrical system, what other things would you guys recommend that be looked over?
Thanks. Proud twenty one year old Crown Victoria owner.
13th Feb 2004, 15:35
What a neat review. Who doesn't want to know what cops think of their cars. They practically live in them, drive them like there is no tomorrow and probably have to write a report when one breaks. Thanks Mr. Policeman. Makes me want to get down to the next police auction.