Ever since cars were invented, cops have been using them. Cops have to get places fast, and sometimes, walking or taking public transit isn't an option. Depending on the era, region, and department, the needs for a cop car can change drastically. Highway patrolmen need cars that can sit at high rates of speed comfortably, while city cops may need something fuel-efficient while sitting in traffic for long periods. The standards are typically the same though; rear-wheel drive, a V8 engine, and a rugged design.
From muscle cars to SUVs and family sedans, and everything in-between the cops have used a variety of cars to complete their mission. Mixed in there were some truly iconic and legendary cars, based on their police service or just famous in their own right. The police are no strangers to cool cars. Some of the fastest cars in the world have even been police vehicles. Here are 8 iconic American cop cars.
8 Dodge Diplomat Police Package
Dodge released the Diplomat in the late 70s for luxury customers and fleet use While the Diplomat proved unpopular in the private sector, the police bought them up. The cops loved the V8 powerplant and the comfortable ride.
The Diplomat even found fame on screen, being featured in films like Short Time and Beverley Hills Cop. While the 318 cubic inch V8 wasn't fast by even 80s standards, the 9-second 0-60 was adequate for police service. Departments switched to the Crown Victoria and Caprice when Dodge canceled the Diplomat in 1988.
7 AMC Matador PPV
AMC wasn't a big player, especially in the police market. Only two AMC models were ever adopted for police use, with the midsize Matador being the more popular choice. AMC used the performance-oriented 401 cubic-inch V8, good for a 0-60 in under 7 seconds and a top speed of 125mph, respectable by modern standards.
LAPD were the biggest users of the Matador, finding it faster and nimbler than the Big Threes offerings. Being the cop car of choice of LA's finest meant the Matador also graced TV screens across America. The Dukes Of Hazzard and Adam-12 were the biggest spotlights for the Matador. This underrated muscle car served the LAPD well.
6 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1
The Caprice was the machine that powered the fuzz throughout the 1990s. Before the Crown Victoria, the Caprice was the other RWD, body-on-frame V8-powered sedan. The Caprice made 260 horsepower from the venerable LT1 V8 and could stomp to 149mph...faster than most modern police cars. The pushrod V8 was easy to work on and find parts for too, making the Caprice a favorite for departments.
The Caprice has graced screens throughout the 90s, notably being seen in Jumanji and Black Sheep. The Caprice was the car that helped the LAPD catch OJ Simpson and protected officers during the 1997 North Hollywood Shootout, an absolute hero of a car if you ask us. The Caprice is a popular choice for hot rodders thanks to the LT1 and heavy-duty police equipment found on the 9C1. Chevrolet rebadged a 9C1 and put on new a few different body panels for the Impala SS even.
5 Ford Fairlane Police Package
The Ford Fairlane was the popular choice amongst police departments in the 1950s and early 1960s. A big, comfortable cruiser with a powerful V8 behind it and a low price proved to be the formula cop cars have followed to this day.
The Fairlane was the choice of the fictional Mayberry police department from The Andy Griffith Show. If it was good enough for Andy Taylor and Barney Fife, it's good enough for us. Being the formula for all future cop cars is a pretty big deal too.
4 Dodge Charger Pursuit
The Charger Pursuit has been the law's preferred method of chasing down criminals for almost two decades. The 5.7L HEMI has been the preferred powerplant over the last two generations, making anywhere between 340-375 horsepower. The Pursuit Charger can hit 60mph in 5.5 seconds and tops out at 155mph (some say the real figure is much higher though).
The Charger has been featured in plenty of movies and video games. Gamers could use the Charger to complete missions in Driver: San Francisco. A contributor at Hot Cars even daily drives one, able to keep up with modified Mustangs and Challengers.
3 Ford Mustang SSP
In the 1980s and early 1990s police didn't have many options to chase down speeders. The Diplomat could hardly hit 110mph and the Caprice 9C1 of that time didn't fare any better, so what were they to do? The California Highway Patrol started the trend, ordering the cheapest optioned Mustang with the 5.0L V8 and a 5-speed.
The Mustang SSP was a hit with highway patrol agencies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with a few departments hanging on to them for display or chase purposes. The aftermarket world has also embraced them for their lightweight construction. Oh..and it was on CHiPs, so there's that.
2 Dodge Polara Pursuit
The Dodge Polara was the car of choice for the police throughout the 1960s. The big 440 V8, comfortable interior, and imposing appearance gave the car a massive presence. The Polara was used by agencies throughout the country, most notably the California Highway Patrol. The Polara was the only car in the CHP fleet that could catch exotics like the Porsche 911.
The Dodge Polara with the 440 V8 was the first police car capable of 150mph, fast by even modern standards. The Polara was capable of a 6.8 second 0-60 time as well, better performance than many more modern cop cars. A segment on Jay Leno's Garage revealed that the Dodge Polara was the favorite vehicle of the highway patrol, even against modern cars.
1 Ford Crown Victoria P71
You knew this would be first, and chances are you've been pulled over by one yourself. The Ford Crown Victoria has been used by every major police department since the late 1990s for good reason. The roomy sedan with rugged construction and a 4.6L V8 was everything the cops needed. Over 600k were produced in the span of 20 model years...impressive for any model.
The 4.6L V8 was good for 250 horsepower and get the car to 60 in about 8 seconds. The governor restricted the car to 119mph but without it the Crown Victoria was capable of 140mph. Many police departments are just now retiring their cars, with them hitting the market through fleet auction. With such a large production run you have seen the Crown Victoria all over the big screen. From chasing down Memphis in Gone In 60 Seconds to the Dukes in The Dukes Of Hazzard movie.