Segment:
Full-size sedan, primarily used in police, taxi, and fleet applications, also popular with private owners seeking reliability and comfort.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger (contemporary models), older Buick models.
Vehicle Advantages:
Body-on-frame construction, robust V8 engine, spacious interior, strong rear-wheel-drive platform, known for durability and ease of maintenance.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine electrical, ignition system, emission control system, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Braking system (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), steering system (power steering), suspension system (front and rear), drivetrain (rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential)
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting system, instrument cluster, body electrical controls, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., spark plugs, hoses, belts, water pump), transmission service and repair, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints), steering component repair, exhaust system repair, electrical diagnosis and repair, HVAC system service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the era)
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Engine Code:
4.6L V8 (32-valve, 3-valve SOHC - P74, P75)
Displacement:
4.6 Liters (281 Cubic Inches)
Horsepower 2011:
Approximately 240-250 hp (depending on specific application, e.g., police interceptor variants may have higher output)
Torque 2011:
Approximately 270-280 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Minimum)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for models tested, but structure may show signs of intrusion in some tests)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Assist (may be standard or optional depending on package)
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts
Infotainment System 2011:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems, optional satellite radio. Ford's SYNC system was becoming more prevalent but may not be standard on all 2011 Crown Victorias.
Driver Assistance Features:
Rear parking sensors (optional on some trims), cruise control.
Connectivity Options:
Optional SYNC system (Bluetooth, voice commands, USB connectivity) on some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (recommended service interval for optimal transmission life, check manual).
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic. API Service Category SN or earlier equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mercon V (Motorcraft XT-5-QM or equivalent)
Coolant Spec:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (VC-7-B) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Ford specification.
Common Issues Engine:
Spark plug ejection (especially early models with PI heads, less common on 3-valve), occasional intake manifold gasket leaks, carbon buildup.
Common Issues Transmission:
Overdrive band wear, torque converter issues, electronic solenoid failures (less common but possible).
Common Issues Suspension:
Ball joint wear, sway bar links, strut mounts.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failure, instrument cluster faults (e.g., dimmer switch, illumination), alternator and starter motor wear.
Common Issues Body:
Rust on rear quarter panels and rocker panels (especially in rust-belt regions), door seal deterioration.
Ford Heritage Context:
Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a history of producing reliable and durable vehicles across various segments.
Crown Victoria Evolution:
Developed from the Panther platform, which also underpinned the Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car. The Crown Victoria evolved through several generations, with the 2011 model being part of the final iteration before discontinuation.
Production Start Year:
1980 (as LTD Crown Victoria)
Production End Year:
2011
Manufacturing Location:
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Police Department Adoption:
Widely adopted by law enforcement agencies across North America for its durability and performance, often designated as Police Interceptor.
Consumer Reports Reliability Index:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability, particularly for the powertrain, though some areas like electrical components and body rust can be points of concern depending on maintenance and environment.
