A Police Officer’s Perspective: Crown Victoria vs. Ford Taurus Police Interceptors

As a seasoned police officer, my experience driving various patrol vehicles has taught me a great deal about their strengths and limitations. When I was nearing retirement, the Crown Victoria was the model I had been issued to work with, and it was by far the most refined of the vehicles I had driven. Despite its age, my son, who works at a different agency, had already transitioned from Crown Vics to Taurus Interceptors, with the newer model being a Ford Explorer for his personal use. This transition sparked insightful discussions about the advantages and drawbacks of each model.

From Crown Vic to Crown Vic

My father, a veteran officer, had a deep affection for the Crown Victoria. He valued its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system and its powerful engines. Moreover, the Crown Vic's safety features and durability were commendable. Over the years, he was involved in several incidents while driving Crown Vic, and the car's performance and safety always exceeded expectations.

For instance, during a high-speed pursuit, my father found himself in a critical situation. Responding to a call at 90 mph and running a stop sign, he managed to T-bone a drunk driver. Miraculously, the car did not flip, and there was no intrusion into the passenger compartment. My father was able to crawl out through the window and walk away, sustaining only a bruise on his chest and minor burns on his thumb from the airbag deploying.

Another incident involved a cold, snowy day where my father was parked at the bottom of a hill, conducting paperwork. A lady, realizing the ice and treacherous conditions ahead, lost control and hit my father’s car, damaging the front right quarter panel. Even though the car's frame was bent, the doors remained intact. My father managed to take pictures and direct traffic at the scene, while the K9 unit in the back stayed safe and sound.

From Crown Vic to Taurus

My son, now at a different agency, made the switch to Taurus Interceptors. However, he found that the space in the Taurus was limited. The mobile data terminal and printer mounted on a stand restricted his seating, and the space for the K9 unit was even more constricted. The Taurus simply did not have the same comfort and utility as the Crown Vic in which he had previously worked.

Furthermore, my father's department considered Ford Taurus Interceptors when discontinuing the production of Crown Vics. He found these interceptors to be too small and cramped, lacking the necessary space to store equipment, particularly the utility features of the Explorer. My father's preference remained rooted in the Crown Vic, appreciating its spaciousness and capability to handle a variety of duties with ease.

Exploring the New Explorer

Transitioning to the new generation of police interceptors, particularly the Ford Explorer, has introduced new features and technology. These newer models are equipped with advanced systems designed to enhance safety and performance. For instance, my father highlighted that the new Explorers come with technology that automatically adjusts the brakes or engine when taking corners, improving the car's overall stability and handling.

Moreover, the newer Explorers are all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, which offer better handling and control in adverse weather conditions. My father noted that if he approaches a corner too quickly, the car will automatically apply brakes to the individual wheels, and if he attempts to accelerate in a turning scenario, the engine will simply rev, illustrating the car's intelligence in maintaining control.

While my father appreciates the modern technology in the newer Explorers, he still holds a special place for the Crown Vics he knew from his career. However, the new Ford Explorer models provide a significant upgrade in terms of comfort, technology, and safety features, making them suitable for modern police work.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between the Crown Victoria and the newer Ford Explorer, my father reflects favorably on both. The Crown Vic represents an era of tradition, reliability, and comfort, while the Explorer offers the latest advancements in technology, safety, and performance. While my son and his department have made the switch to Explorers, the Crown Vic remains a cherished memory for my father, highlighting the evolution of law enforcement vehicles over the years.