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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  Good so far - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rls2882 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Ford auto Ive owned. Thus far no problems of a major concern. Service has been acceptable if your willing to wait long periods. Car is very comfortable to drive long distances with. Wife says its too big!

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  Love my big Ford - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Iowa Bill - August 4 - 11:03 pm

  Just finished a 4,416.6 mile trip from IA to CA and my overall milage was 26.3 at 75MPH+. Took I-35 & I-80 out there then 101 to north CA and then i-80 home. Drove flatland and the high passes in the Mountins. I could not ask for a better car for the trip. Ford please do kill this car or it sister ships off. They are the best road trip cars around. Mine is a LX with the 224 hp single exhust and I never wanted for power in the hills.

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  1999 Ford Crown Victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dan G - August 3 - 5:16 am

  Great built car. worked at Chevy dealership and new Chevys dont even compare. V8 engine, 20-25 mpg, fast, and reliable. Have had no problems in the time I have owned. Would own another one.

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  7/8 Marauder - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dr511scj - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Until the price gouging on Mercury Marauders subsides, the Crown Victoria LX Sport is a worthwhile alternative. Although in a side-by-side test drive, I could really notice the Marauders extra horsepower, better sound and larger tires, it wasnt $10,000 better than the LX Sport (including incentives). Both the Marauder and the LX Sport are VASTLY superior to their progenitors (Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria, respectively). Both are much quicker and handle significantly better. The LX Sport is as close to a Police Interceptor as a the average civilian can buy.

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  crown vic performance - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jim morgan - July 22 - 10:00 am

  with the handling and performance package, performance is must better, however fuel mileage suffers.

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  Sturdy and comfortable - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By mjjust - July 15 - 1:30 am

  I bought this car for this reason only; it was the only 4 door v8 rwd American car in my price range. I got much more. It has to be the most comfortable car I have owned, even my mother-in-law prefers the ride to her Caddy DTS (and she has ONLY driven Caddys for the last 30 years). There is plenty of room, huge trunk, great mileage (22 mpg in mixed driving, 26 on trips). The resale is horrible, so I found a certified pre-owned and saved $13000.

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  I miss my Honda - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By ScubaSteve - June 27 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car with just over 21000 miles a little over a year ago. Great ride, great handling and excellent mileage for a V8. Now at about 45000 miles of mostly highway driving, the front end pops and squeaks like crazy and have already replaced the a/c unit.. Also, the CD changer croaked too.

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  1999 P71 Crown Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Robert Schyck - June 26 - 7:46 pm

  The 1999 Crown Victora is an amazing vehicle when purchased brand new. The rating on a new Police Interceptor model would be very good to excellent in all catagories, however when individuals including myself purchase these used police interceptors the opinions may not be totally accurate, mostly we are evaluating the current condition. Notwithstanding, my Crown Vic has 99,000 miles, impressive power, being white with dark wheels, honeycomb grille and spotlight its appearance is recognizable. Interior in very good condition, altho somewhat plain. It should be noted that for a vehicle this size and weight it has a sport car feel and ride. Overall rating for this particular 99 Crown Vic B+

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  29 year old Crown Vic owner - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By copcarguy - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I guess Im a little bit younger than the average Crown Vic owner, but I love them! This is my 4th one. All of my Crown Vics have had excellent reliability and are still going strong. I have sold my old ones to friends and the 91 has 250K, the 92 has 198K, the 95 has 154K all on the original unrebuilt drivetrains.... Need I say more?? The comfort on the highway is unsurpassed. I would recommend this car to anyone. After all, this basic design (V8, auto, rear wheel drive, full body on frame) dates back to the dawn of automobiles and Ford has certainly exterminated the bugs out of this design. :)

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  CROWN VIC "THE BEST" - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jerry Lawrence - June 18 - 11:50 am

  Being a paraplegic and towing a small travel trailer this car meets my needs.It has plenty of power but as soon as you take it out of over drive pulling the trailer you mpg takes a nose dive.The Crown is still one of the finest looking cars on the road!I love it!