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:
Showing 131 through 140 of 334.00-
Best Ford buyI purchased - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By myles haynes - October 27 - 10:00 amI purchased this vehicle at a sale through the dealer buyer with 10,500 miles on the odometer> It had its first check-up at 13,000 and everything was up to factory specs. Ive had nothing but good service up to the present at 16,000 miles. This is my second Crown Vic, the other being a 1996 which my son now owns and continues to run good at 96000 miles.
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This is a great car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By James Ryan - September 26 - 10:00 amThis car is the most quality built car I have ever owned
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Great road car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By keno55 - September 26 - 10:00 amWhen my other car went south on a trip to the west coast in Albuquerque,N.M. we purchased a 2003 Red sport model Crown Vic and the rest of the trip was a fun time. The car has a great ride and is just outstanding on the road plus its power to get up all of the mountains in Ca.,Or. and Washington. The XM radio the dealer installed was great we could receive the same station no mater where we drove.
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Police Car in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Green52 - September 15 - 10:00 amNice sporty full sized automobile. Love the center console with shifter and the responsive V8 engine. Steering is very responsive with the big 17" tires and wheels. Have noticed that the car begins to get light and floaty in the front end at around 100 MPH. 100 MPH happens with very little effort.
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a - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By srcOR - September 3 - 10:00 amBuy the police package if you can find one in good shape. I have 140K on mine with no mechanical problems whatsoever. For the price, you cant beat it if youre looking for a solid, rear wheel drive, V8, full size vehicle that can drive like a smaller car.
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Crown Vic - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Rob - August 26 - 11:53 amGood solid old fashioned car.
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Bad engineering - intake manifold - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 amThis has been a dependable car, with the exception of a few manufacturing defects that Ford isnt ready to believe. 1. Plastic intake manifold tends to crack and loose antifreeze around 60m+ miles 2. Ball joints have no greasing feature and tend to make considerable noise and will fall out at 60M+ miles. 3. Hood safety catch will let loose when going down the road, making this car extremely dangerous.
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Rattles Abundant - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 amThe major problem Ive had with this car is the plastic on the doors make terrible noises with going over rough roads. Its the noiseiest Ford Ive ever owned. Ive owned quite a few Fords and Mercurys and this is the least acceptable.
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Cruisin in a Crown Vic - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By The Shield - August 14 - 10:00 amFlyin down the highway with little or no worries.... A very dependable full size sedan!
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Ford Tough Goes Beyond the Truck - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By wharfee - August 8 - 2:00 amThe poor things been hit twice inside first year weve owned it. Once parked at a Hotel parking lot at sons wedding and once rear ended. Both times damage was small and almost un noticed. Door rocker panel came in right about $1K. The rear end under $700. Was hit hard too but except for TOYOTA imprinted on bumper panel and minor scraps, not one dent and you really would not know it was hit... See, truck arent only thing biult Ford Tough!!
