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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  My car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By golfer - June 12 - 6:20 am

  We have owned one Ford Crown Vic, then a Mercury Marquis and now another Crown Vic. We find them both to be the same and will always prefer them over other cars. We have looked at many and always come back. The ride and reliability is always great. When travelling we have always found great dealerships to help us out if there is a problem.

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  Crown Vic Lover - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By bob & his wife - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is our 6th Crown Victoria (to date). We love these cars! We have 4 kids and this vehicle is a nice alternative to the mini-van. By the way, we are not old (mid-30s!).

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  Old school in all ways - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jimscar - June 1 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this car after totaling a 626 in a rear ender. The car is great out on the road. She literally is a land yacht on long interstate trips and I got 27.3 mpg on one trip from GA to upstate NY. Around town here in Savannah is another story. Potholes and washboard surfaces befuddle the old live axle and shes a handful to park and maneuver around the squares in Savannah. and then, of course, when gas went to $4 a gallon even the fair mileage wasnt looking to good.

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  Just got it!! - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CJin MS - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I have only had it a week and already I am enjoying this vehicle. I have driven suvs since 1996. I was a change to return to a car, but I have yet to regreat the decision to purchase the Crown Victoria.

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  I love it! - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Griffin - April 8 - 12:36 pm

  Having been a GM guy all my life and owning a Chevy and 2 Oldsmobiles, I was a little hesitant to drive a Ford, having known nothing much about them. This car has suprised me. I find myself driving with the radio off just so I can hear the engine! This car has a serious road presence, and with my Michigan Sheriff front license plate, I find myself often stuck behind traffic doing exactly the speed limit! Mine is a loaded up LX, gently used with 19k on it. I picked it up for only $15k. It has a smooth ride, not too floaty, and not too stiff, and good road feel for such an old-fashioned car.

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  Solid Car - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Walter - April 7 - 10:10 pm

  This is my third Crown Victoria since the current styling came in 1992. It is not very fancy, but it is very solid transportation. It has adequate power when needed. If you are trying to impress or need more performance, you probably shouldnt be driving this car.

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  Goodbye Honda! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By T. Everhamn - March 23 - 9:56 am

  Traded a Honda Accord which had problem after problem for the Crown Victoria after having rented one on a business trip. I will say I did hear a few comments from the family after doing so. But I now have a reliable and very safe car. Truly the most overlooked vehicle on the road.

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  A great bargin with lots of character. - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fieldtd - March 23 - 5:19 am

  This review is for the Police Interceptor model of the Crown Vic. I bought mine at a bargain price with low mileage, but some work needed, almost immediately after it was decommissioned from a metro police department. More than a year and several repairs later, I can say that this car was still a great deal: its fairly reliable, comfortable, gets decent gas millage for a 2-ton car: about 19 city 25 highway if driven with a light foot (driving like Mad Max nets something closer to 15/20) and is very fun to drive. It also has a lot of character: there really arent many other contemporary cars like it on the road. If Ford still made them, the first car Id buy new would be another Crown Vic.

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  King of the road - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DAB - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Solid, stable, and reliable sums up my experience with the Crown Victoria. Performance is startlingly good and is matched by predictable handling. On the highway this car rules supreme - its free reving V8 gives a surge of overtaking power when needed, and yet, when driven gently provided quite economical cruising. Its big enough for all to see, and gives really good all-round visibility. I love the car!

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  Good travelin car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Nathan - January 11 - 6:23 am

  Bought an 03 Crown Vic LX Sport for the trunk and low-tech V8. Im young and wanted the sport for the console and more aggressive look. Have had only minor problems (brakes) in 70K miles. Did have to replace the AC control unit ($900) when it went out at 60K. Best mileage on a tank was 23, mostly highway. Tires are a little pricey. Also seems a little hard to control at speed in the wind.