Overview & Reviews

Large V8-powered sedans made a comeback in the 21st century, but the Ford Crown Victoria was one of the very few full-size, rear-drive sedans that never left. The "Crown Vic" moniker goes back several decades to when Ford adopted the name for a high-line trim level on the full-size LTD sedan, as baby boomers and their elders no doubt recall. The LTD name was dropped in 1992.

The Crown Vic's model run continued uninterrupted until 2007, the last year it was available for consumer purchase. However, it is still produced for fleet use by law enforcement and other agencies.

Unlike its more modern competition, the throwback Ford Crown Victoria uses stout but heavy body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle. The ride and handling envelope suffered somewhat as a result, but it is a durable and cost-effective approach -- which, no doubt, is why it's so popular with cab companies, police departments and fleet operators.

For the car's most recent redesign in 2003, Ford fitted it with an all-new frame, a redesigned front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, all of which improved the big Vic's crash performance and handling dynamics. But, equipped like a Police Interceptor or not, it still couldn't match the agility and overall refinement of its American and Japanese peers, which feature modern unibody designs with fully independent suspensions.

Most Recent Ford Crown Victoria

Last produced for civilian use for the 2007 model year, the Ford Crown Victoria was a full-size, six-passenger sedan available in base and LX trim levels. The LX model had a few extra upscale features and also allowed access to a couple optional packages such as the premium handling and performance package (previously known as the LX Sport trim level).

Despite its 2-ton curb weight, the Crown Victoria was reasonably quick thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 224 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque; LX models equipped with the upgraded performance package were a bit swifter, with 239 horses and 287 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission available, although Crown Vics equipped with the sport package also had an upgraded torque converter and shorter rear-axle gearing that made for quicker initial acceleration off the line.

Inside, the dated design and budget materials quality were immediately apparent. The vehicle's strengths were reflected in its solid value for the money and the roomy, comfortable accommodations for five or six. This included a huge 21-cubic-foot trunk that could easily swallow a week's worth of luggage for four adults or a family.

In reviews, we found that the Ford Crown Victoria delivered a forgiving ride quality. Handling was acceptable but sloppy, and there was just no getting around this big sedan's decades-old design, substantial weight and large dimensions. If you're looking for nothing more than a simple family cruiser or roomy commuter, a used, well-kept Crown Vic will perform admirably. But if you want a full-size V8 sedan that also feels nimble and refined, we believe you'll be happier with this Ford's more modern competition, such as a Chrysler 300.

Past Ford Crown Victoria Models

Though it's received a variety of updates in the past 15 years, the most recent Crown Victoria is still basically the same car as it was back in 1992, the time of the last major redesign.

The most recent body style dates back to 1998, though in 2003 it received an all-new chassis under that now-familiar body shell. The suspension design was largely the same, but it featured many updates and incorporated more responsive rack-and-pinion steering for the first time. Antilock brakes were made standard that year, and front side airbags were available on both the LX and LX Sport.

The Crown Victoria was dramatically restyled for 1998 by adopting the formal roof line previously used exclusively on its Mercury Grand Marquis twin. Powertrains were revised to deliver more power, and the rear suspension was tweaked to improve handling. There were only detail changes until 2001 when adjustable pedals were first offered, and the engine was tweaked yet again to boost output to 220 hp on the base and LX models and a dual-exhaust-enabled 235 hp on the LX Sport.

Following the end of the previous model's long run, the '92 Ford Crown Victoria debuted with a restyled body and a new-generation, overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 rated at 190 or 210 hp that we found much smoother and more powerful than the ancient overhead-valve V8s it replaced. Minor improvements carried through to 1995, when a new grille, lighting, bumpers, trunk lid and modified dash arrived. After that, not much changed until the next big update three years later.

User Reviews:

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  Road Cruiser - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By sk8teacher - January 22 - 5:23 pm

  Bought new with most options installed including sport suspension. Used primarily for road trips. At 65mph on interstate highways with cruise control gets 26-29mpg. Good power accelerating to highways speeds, 6-way power seats ensure a comfortable ride. The trunk space is superior, its amazing what you can put in it. The automatic air suspension allows for carrying extreme amounts of stuff while the car stays level and stable. For its size and weight, handling is exceptional.

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  HEAVEN - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tanksher43 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Best bang for the buck. No need to buy a Lincoln. This has it all. Very quiet, lots of power and comfort. Excellent for highway driving. MPG 29 to 30 on cruise control. I am buying another this year.

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  P71 Police Cruiser - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jacob L. - January 13 - 8:50 am

  This is one reliable and strong vehicle. Bought used w. 117000 miles - only spent ~ $1000 on service/repairs over the last 4.5 years / 40.000 miles. Appears reasonably simple and cheap to fix. Somewhat noisy on highway. Winter traction is not very good, but winter tires help a lot. Lower rear diff. in police vehicle results in max. 23 mpg. on highway. Spacious interior and trunk - though trunk could be more regular and not so deep. Passing anywhere is swift and effortless with strong engine - though you can REALLY hear it because of the minimal sound insulation. If you dont commute this is one solid, safe car thats affordable used and cheap to maintain.

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  Part Tank Part Car Best Car Out there period. - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By atro - January 11 - 11:24 am

  I have owned a variety of vehicles and worked in a full auto repair shop for years. The Crown Victoria Ia an amazing vehicle. I get 22 MPG average. Lots of Power in the engine and for all and any electronics i want. Drive is smooth and it is very fun to work on with sooo much room. Even got hit by a rice burner couple dents missing side view mirror but the other cars front end was destroyed and bounced off my back tire!!! This car is a Tank on wheels!!!

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  More Bang for the Buck! - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Fort Worth Flyer - December 23 - 5:30 am

  The positive factors including the low insurance costs, the smooth quiet ride, decent performance, and excellent crash ratings, make this AMERICAN car one sweet ride. I drive in excess of 50K per year so Im always looking for the maximum car for the least amount of money. This ride is the best going is this category. I bought my slightly used 2006 LX with 11,000 miles for under $15,000. I average 25.5 miles per gallon.

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  My 11th Crown Vic in 19 Years - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By H P - December 15 - 3:03 pm

  As a sales representative in Metro Detroit for over 20 years, the Crown Victoria has been perfect. Roomy, reliable, attractive with LX chrome, wheels and whitewalls. The Crown Victoria has never made too much of a "statement" to customers. This is fine product of the Ford Motor Company exudes the reliable American car driving experience. I hope Mr. Mulally and his team keep full-size rear wheel drive sedan products in the Ford lineup forever.

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  Crown Vic - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James F R Hall - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Its one of the best cars I ever owned. I used to be an truck guy. But thought I would try an Crown Vic, since I had an 2003 Ranger, which my wife took over. The ride and power the car is will good. No race car but good. It may be the last new car I buy. But sure hope not.

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  I love these cars - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By randysvh - November 9 - 5:00 am

  The car to me is one of the most reliable cars in the industry overall. This is far from a perfect car, but it offers features that make it desirable and most importantly reliable. Gas economy is way below what i think it should be able to get, and shame on FORD for not doing better in this department. The engine though is rock solid. The body seems solid and quiet. There is nothing tinny about this car. My car has the digital instrumentation and I love it. The AC is solid and easy to use. The stereo is good, but i have seen other models that were better than the one I now have. I have owned a 1993 and 1997, both brand new and now this 2000. Each of them had over 200,000 miles.

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  Like a Tank - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DEAA17 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I have the heavy duty model and its large and fast and comfortable.Plus it is cheap.When you are in the fast lane people get the hell out of your way.GREAT!!!! Get a white one.

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  Hard to beat - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Carl - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  Bought this loaded LX (leather, dual power seats, climate control, etc.) in June 04 for $10,000 off sticker price of almost $30,000. For performance, comfort, safety and quality, this car is hard to beat. My wife loves it. Gets solid 25 mpg on highway and almost 16 around town.