Photos: Ford's Crown Victoria Over the Years

Vehicle Research•Photos 16

The Ford Crown Victoria was a popular choice for public sector fleets — particularly the law enforcement segment — because of its durability, cost, and reliability.

What began as a body style and trim level offering from Ford eventually became its own model in 1983. Then in 1992, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was made available as a purpose-built police vehicle. From then on, it became one of America's most recognizable police cars.

Take a look at how the vehicle has evolved over the years.

The Model A was the first Ford vehicle to have a Victoria style in 1930. Over the years, the body style was used for Ford vehicles. In 1951, the Victoria was made part of a body style in the Ford Custom Deluxe series. A 1955 Crown Victoria is seen here.
Photo: Ford

From 1980-1982, the LTD Crown Victoria was the top trim level of the full-size Ford. A 1980 LTD Crown Victoria is pictured here.
Photo: Ford

In 1983, the LTD Crown Victoria became the model name for the full-size Ford, rather than a trim level. (The LTD name is used for a new smaller car.) Electronic fuelinjection (EFI) was added this year. Pictured here is a 1983 Crown Victoria.
Photo: Ford

In 1987, air conditioning, tinted glass, and a digital clock became standard. The product brochure for the vehicle stated that the LTD Crown Victoria is "roomier than 99% of today's automobiles." A 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria is seen here.
Photo: Ford

Beginning in 1992, the Crown Victoria was made its own model. The brand-new Crown Vic debuted in Spring 1991, featuring a 4.6-liter V-8 engine that was more powerful and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Pictured here is a 1992 Ford Crown Victoria.
Photo: Ford

In 1992, Ford also began offering a Police Package for the Crown Victoria. An airbag was standard on the driver's side and optional on the passenger's side across the entire Crown Victoria lineup.
Photo: Ford

Other standard features on the 1992 Crown Vic included variable-assist, speed-sensitive steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, and new front and rear stabilizer bars for more precise handling, along with a smooth and comfortable ride. These are features that police departments would come to rely on.
Photo: Ford

A 1992 Crown Victoria Police Vehicle is seen among the lineup of Crown Vics at a Ford facility.
Photo: Ford

Dual front airbags were made standard on the Crown Victoria in 1994. A 1993 model is shown here.
Photo: Ford

The Crown Victoria was refreshed both inside and out, including new grille and taillights, contoured and padded seats, solar tinted glass, and a new instrument panel. A 1995 Crown Victoria Police Vehicle is seen here.
Photo: Ford

The Crown Victoria received a 5-star government front crash test rating from 1996-2006. In 1996, the Crown Victoria NGV (natural gas vehicle) debuted as the first factory-produced, dedicated natural gas passenger car and cleanest ICE car in North America. A 1998 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is pictured here.
Photo: Ford

The Crown Victoria was refreshed in 1998 with a more contemporary, sleeker exterior including a new front grille, hood, and park/turn lamps. A new Watt's linkage rear suspension provided a smooth ride with more precise steering response. A handling and performance package was optional. A 1998 Crown Victoria LX is pictured here.
Photo: Ford

An emergency trunk release became standard on the Crown Victoria in 2000. A 1999 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is pictured here.
Photo: Ford

In 2003, a major update included a new frame, suspension, and steering systems for enhanced safety, ride, and handling. A 2003 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is pictured here.
Photo: Ford

Also new in 2003 were optional side airbags and dual media stereo with AM/FM, CD, and cassette. A 2003 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is pictured here.
Photo: Ford

Beginning in 2006, flexible-fuel capacity was added to models sold in select states. In 2008, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was made available as a flex fuel vehicle capable of running on E85 ethanol or gasoline. A 2004 Crown Victoria is pictured here.
Photo: Ford