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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Best of the Best - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Glenn1149 - October 26 - 3:53 amThis automobile is without a doubt the best overall vehicle I have ever owned within this class. It has looks, performance and serviceability like none other on the market. It is great in the economy category too. I just came off of a trip that I exceeded 26.5 miles per gallon on for the second or third time in two months. This with a V-8 that runs like nothing I have ever owned before or since the Sixties anyway. It has been a long time coming but I do not see how anyone can buy a smaller car in this price range with a V-6. You get less space, less performance and less economy. The comfort is beyond belief and this vehicle is absolutely fun to drive.
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2011 Crown Vic - 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
By deep_southwest - October 21 - 3:36 pmFrom the first gen mustang, the full size Bronco, the 90s taurus, the 7.3 diesel powerstroke, and now the Crown Victoria; Ford has developed a reputation for killing the winners...Why Ford didnt throw a couple bucks into an updated interior, along with exploring options such as offering this vehicle with the newer Ecoboost and Coyote V-8 engines will forever be a mystery.
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Great value in a safe, practical car. - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
By dave mccusker - October 13 - 10:00 amThis is my second CV, (previous was a 92) I chose the base model for the standard axle ratio- for lifetime and economy. It has new airbags and seatbelt features. This car is so nice to drive that we replaced an SUV with a car since nobody wanted to drive it anymore after buying the CV. It is almost fast, tracks well, is very quiet, and has good brakes. Our car also has adjustable pedals which keep smaller drivers away from the airbag and it has traction control that really works.
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03 Ford Crown Vic LX Sport Review - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Ed Poux - October 13 - 7:30 amPurchased used with only 4200 actual miles on vehicle to replace a 96 Impala SS (245K miles on the clock). Wanted a large, US brand 4 door, V8, rear wheel drive car under $25K to drive on company business (1996 was last year GM made the rear wheel drive Impala SS). I now have 27K on the Ford odometer and have had no problems so far.
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Crown Vic - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Mr.P - August 28 - 10:00 amAn awesome car! A total pleasure to drive.
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Good car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Mike T - August 26 - 1:10 amNo real problems so far. Generally good performance & economy. At 73000 km both are starting to slip a bit but its due for a tune up & sits a lot, so ethanol in fuel could be playing havoc with injectors. In warmer seasons,gets about 20 mpg city cdn & 30-33 on hwy. Wife has severe back problems & finds car very comfortable. But ride could be smoother. As someone else said, trunk lid holds water & soaks you when you open it. Pins & bushings in front door hinges worn out. Car is very well maintained - go figure? For 1/2-1/3 price of high end used import, take the Vic! Read consumer info! Fuel consumption in line with larger imports. With proper maintenance, I expect to have it a long time.
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Nice updates for 2003 - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Rodger1203 - July 27 - 10:00 amThis is my 3rd Crown vic in the past 11 years. Being tall (63"), I need a larger car. The leg room is great! The new bucket seats in my LX Sport are very comfortable and suportive. I have traveled for as many as 8 hours at a time, no back pain no muscle cramping. Traction control is wonderful. Compared to the 92 and 93 Crown Vics I have ownered, excellent skid and "fishtail" control in snow. Great for a full size long wheel based rear drive car. Quality has been excellent during my first year and 31000 miles, no problems what so ever. Id recommend this car to anyone who wants a full size sedan!
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Junk - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
By big barn - July 26 - 12:13 pmUp until 50000 miles the vehicle was flawless; after that it has been nothing but down hill. Coil pack, plug wire, starter, a/c (several times) rear wheel bearing (twice), all kinds of electrical problems. I have been a Ford man all my life, but I will never buy any Ford product newer than a 96 model again. I would not recommend the 2002 Ford Crown Vic.
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Good car - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
By Carmen Bradshaw - July 15 - 5:36 amI purchased this car used and drove 200 miles to Memphis getting around 28 miles/gallon. For the size, excellent gas mileage. Great looks, roomy interior, and roomy trunk that holds more than my patents Windstar are great advantages. It already had plenty of power, but I installed dual exhaust, K & N Air Filter, and Performance Chip now has more power than I could ever use or need. With the 17" wheels, the looks are great as well. Insurance cheap at around $500.00 full coverage. Beats the Mustang GT I owned at one time.
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Panthers rule! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Turbo301 - July 15 - 4:36 amThe current-generation Crown Victoria is perhaps a bit dated-looking, but its still sharp and still looks way better than "cutting edge" designs like the Chrysler 300. Trunk room and ride comfort are everything youd expect from a traditional big car (again, better in every way than the 300), and it couples that with reasonably good fuel economy and performance. The 4.6 pulls a lot harder than I thought it would, and even with a full load of people and cargo, its never short of passing power (something the old 5.0L cannot claim!).
