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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  Ford Crown Victoria - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By crown victoria - June 28 - 6:06 pm

  I personally like the Ford Crown Victoria. I have always said that a car that is used as taxis and police cars has to be built well. You know something? I was right! It handles very well, has a smooth ride, and is very quiet. For me the Ford Crown Vic Is an excellent car. A very dependable car.

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  Lot of car for the money... - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bryan S. - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car from a private seller with 61,400 miles on it in EXC shape. It had all options other than traction control and the trip computer. It has simply been one of the finest cars I have ever had the opportunity to drive. It rides great, has been stone cold reliable, gets decent milage for a large car (25MPG with cruise set at 60MPH), TONS of room, and it has plenty of power for passing, hills, and towing. I would not hesitate to buy another Crown Vic at all based on my experience with this car. It is a solid BUY.

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  Aging car - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By scooter - May 17 - 9:26 am

  Car has the handling and performance package which I feel makes it lively and more fun to drive than the standard Crown Victoria. But, the car is far overdue for a complete update if Ford wants this last big cruiser to continue selling.

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  Police Interceptor Tough as Nails - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fordmustang_27 - May 14 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car from auction in september 2011. Its the 2001 crown vic P71. Had low miles og 86k. It was a take home detective car. I bought it b/c it was in such good shape. Mechanically perfect absolutly no promblems what so ever. I loved the look, power, and comfort of it right away. It looked like a regular street car since it has the street package but i transformed it to a legit cop car. I did tint, center caps and spot light and came out great. Its silver and look very sharp with all the black I incorperated into it. Iv put 5000 miles on and i had no problems with it. Just did two oil changes and brakes thats it. Very reliable and dependable car. I will definitly buy another.

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  mileage, and ride - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tonyd - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I live in Mass. I purchased this in S.C. while visiting our daughter. I traded in a 91 Crown Vic. I couldnt believe how quiet it was, and how comfortable the ride was and the front leg room. I am 61" (rear leg room I dont know). The front leg room was a lot more than my 91 and my other vehicle, a mint condition 86 Town Car. Driving it around the Hilton Head/Bluffton area in heavy traffic and the Savanna GA area, all heavy city traffic, the car gave me 23mpg. Coming home on the Interstate with the cruise set around 70mph the car averaged 28 mph; that to me is unbelievable, I still average 23 & around 27 on the highway and theres a lot of hills up here. I LOVE IT.

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  2000 CROWN VIC - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DARYL DOVE - May 2 - 10:00 am

  SINCE I PURCHASED MY CROWN VICTORIA I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT POSITIVE THINGS TO SAY. THE RIDE IS VERY SMOOTH, ACCELERATION IS STRONG, THE ONLY THING I REALLY REGRET IS NOT GETTING THE LEATHER SEATS AND THE KEYLESS REMOTE ENTRY. I HAVE DRIVEN MY CROWN VIC TO MD, VA, DC AND ALL OT THE STATES DOWN TO FLA AND I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. THE LOOK OF THE CAR IS VERY SPORTY FOR A SEDAN. I HAVE OWNED FOR PRODUCTS SINCE 1996 TWO LINCONLN TOWN CARS AND THE CROWN VIC I HAVE NOW. GREAT CAR(S)!

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  The Best - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By hnk9452000 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The best part of the Ford Crown Victoria is the engine it has the perfomance of a mustang.

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  Sport model - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JIM - April 15 - 9:36 pm

  Very nice car. I bought it for myself but my wife took it. i never got it back. Good on all trips. fun to drive. Would buy again.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ottis Spunkmier - April 13 - 5:53 am

  I bought my LX in May 04 used with 19,000 miles on it for $13,500. It had EVERY option except a moon roof and leather (not a big fan of leather). I took a round trip of the U.S. in it going from Fl. to L.A. to WI. and back home to Fl. 9,000 miles total in 2 weeks only. Car ran perfect, was super comfy, and other cars got out of my way on the interstate. Get Mich Hydro Edege tires, they make this vehile perform flawlessly in any weather condition. Vehile was just totaled out due to a driver of an F-150 running a light. Other than air bag deployment, there was no interior damage. The crush zones work really well. I will most likely be geting another, I miss mine really bad.

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  My 1999 Ford Crown Victoria LX - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bob Macchia - April 2 - 9:20 am

  This is the most dependable, and best car I have ever owned. It is too bad that Ford has dropped the Crown Victoria.