As police departments evolve, so do their needs and preferences for patrol vehicles. Several cars once staples in law enforcement fleets are now less favored, often due to advancements in technology, changing needs, or supply chain issues. Let’s explore some of the cars that police departments have moved away from purchasing.
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was once the quintessential police car. Renowned for its durability and spacious interior, it served various departments effectively from the late 1990s through the early 2010s. However, production ceased in 2011, leading agencies to seek newer models with enhanced safety features and better fuel efficiency.
Despite its phase-out, the Crown Vic still holds a place in the hearts of many officers due to its reliability and the legacy it left behind. However, as supply chain issues continue to affect fleet updates, departments are pushed further away from older models like the Crown Vic.
Chevrolet Caprice
The Chevrolet Caprice was a popular choice for law enforcement agencies from the 1980s through the 1990s. Its spacious design and powerful engine made it suitable for various police duties. However, production ended in 1996, and despite a brief revival from 2011 to 2017, the Caprice could not reclaim its former glory.
Today, departments opt for vehicles that offer better fuel economy and advanced technology. The Caprice simply couldn’t keep up with the demands of modern policing, leading departments to discontinue its use in favor of more contemporary options.
Dodge Intrepid
The Dodge Intrepid served as a police vehicle during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was appreciated for its performance and roomy interior. However, its front-wheel-drive layout and reliability issues eventually led to its decline in popularity among police departments.
As departments prioritize all-wheel-drive vehicles for better handling in various weather conditions, the Intrepid has fallen out of favor. Its discontinuation in 2004 further cemented its fate as a relic of the past rather than a viable option for modern policing.
Ford Taurus Police Interceptor
The Ford Taurus Police Interceptor was introduced as a successor to the Crown Victoria. While it offered a more modern design and improved fuel efficiency, it struggled to match the iconic status of its predecessor. With production ceasing in 2019, departments have shifted focus to more versatile SUVs and crossovers.
Despite its initial promise, the Taurus couldn’t compete with the popularity of other models like the Ford Explorer Interceptor, which offers better space and performance for police needs. Additionally, many departments have voiced their preference for vehicles with higher ground clearance and more passenger room.
Chevrolet Impala Police Package
The Chevrolet Impala Police Package was a common choice for departments seeking a balance between performance and affordability. However, its front-wheel-drive configuration and limited interior space made it less desirable as policing needs evolved.
With the rise of SUVs and crossovers in law enforcement fleets, the Impala’s appeal has waned. The move towards vehicles that offer better cargo space and off-road capabilities has left the Impala behind, leading many departments to phase it out in favor of more versatile options.
Pontiac Bonneville
The Pontiac Bonneville was once a favored option for police departments during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for its powerful engine and spacious interior, it served well for highway patrol duties. However, the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand in 2010 marked the end of Bonneville’s presence in law enforcement.
Even before its discontinuation, the Bonneville had started to fall out of favor due to its age and the emergence of more technologically advanced vehicles. Departments now prioritize models with better fuel efficiency and modern safety features.
Dodge Diplomat
The Dodge Diplomat was a staple in police fleets during the late 1970s and 1980s. It was appreciated for its rugged build and straightforward design. However, as policing demands changed, the Diplomat’s limitations became apparent.
With its rear-wheel-drive system and outdated technology, the Diplomat was eventually phased out in favor of more modern vehicles. Today, departments seek models that provide better handling and advanced features, leaving the Diplomat as a nostalgic memory rather than a practical choice.
Mercury Grand Marquis
The Mercury Grand Marquis shared many similarities with the Crown Victoria and, as such, found its place in several police fleets. However, like its Ford counterpart, it suffered from the same fate of being discontinued in 2011.
With police departments moving towards more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced vehicles, the Grand Marquis has become a less practical option. Its spacious design and traditional rear-wheel-drive system no longer meet the demands of modern policing, leading departments to seek alternatives that offer better performance and features.
Chevrolet Lumina Police Package
The Chevrolet Lumina Police Package was a popular choice for departments in the 1990s. Its affordability and relatively good performance made it a common sight in law enforcement fleets. However, its front-wheel-drive setup and limited durability led to a decline in preference.
As technology advanced, the Lumina fell behind competitors that offered more robust engines and better handling. The shift towards vehicles with all-wheel-drive capabilities, such as SUVs and crossovers, has rendered the Lumina obsolete in the eyes of many police departments. Some departments have also reconsidered their vehicle strategies, further moving away from models like the Lumina.