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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1996 Crown Vic is great car - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By mike_weiss - September 9 - 10:00 amMy father got this car from a retiring cop in NYC. It is seriously the greatest car I have ever driven, and I own 3 other cars; a 2003 Cadillac Escalade, a 2002 Lincoln LSE, and a 1998 Ford Windstar. The Vic just gives me a good feeling when I am driving it.
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Reality Check - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
By Brett - August 21 - 3:46 pmThe fellow complaining about his resale value is blaming someone else for his own lack of research. I bought mine to drive until the wheels fall off, so depreciation wasnt an issue. I knew about it going in. The complaint in the Vehicle Overview that the car is large and unwieldy is absurd. Compared to a full-sized SUV this thing is like a Miata to drive and park. The alloy suspension pieces, power rack and pinion steering, and the 17" alloys make it handle like a 5-series BMW. If Ford spent another $100 in materials inside the cabin, dropped the 300HP 3 valve engine in the LX Sport and actually _marketed_ the bloody thing, they could sell a ton of them. Who cares about the 300C?
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What not to buy - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
By David - August 19 - 9:30 pmI purchased a 2004 Crown Vic Sport in late 2003 and really liked the car. It has a big car but sporty feel with plenty of power. The problem came when I tried to get out of the car 18 months later. After paying the hefty $31,000 price for this car I really expected it to be worth more than a standard LX. It depreciated $15,500 in 18 months. How Ford can still sell this with a straight face is beyond me. Do yourself a favor, DONT BUY ONE!
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4.6 liters can it get any better - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By enjbriggs - July 9 - 10:00 amI always had my heart set on a crown vic, once I test drove one I was sold I traded in my dodge Neon and was the proud owner of a 2000 crown vic. At only 23yo I still get funny looks on road
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I Love Mine - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By bamaroy2 - July 6 - 10:00 amAlways dependable and in style
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Love It - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By sigvold juliussen - July 6 - 12:13 amJust bought this 7 year old car and drives like a dream. Great gas mileage, I just put over 700 biway miles on it. I got 26mpg on Alaskas mountain roads (my Focus only gets 30 pmg) I get 18 mpg in city driving and my Focus only got 20 mpg. Im 64" and 280 lbs and my hips no longer hurt. I guess Im to big for the Focus. Well worth the extra 10% in gas.
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dependable - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By may - June 26 - 5:00 pmI find that the Crown Vic is pretty dependable. Its had a few minor problems. Just recently I had the intake manifold replaced for "free"; there was a settlement with Ford about the intake having possible cracks because it came out with an intake that could crack. Ive had to replace my windshield wiper motor twice within like 2 years and had air conditioner problems; thats about all the problems Ive had out of mine. My Crown Vic gets run hard, it doesnt get babied around; and it still is running pretty darn good.
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a few more adjustments... - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Jeff - June 26 - 12:16 amIve had three Vics (85,89,03). I like the room (Im 6-3). You can fit two child seats in back and still squeeze someone in between. And the safety of a larger car-it can take a decent thump. The car "sits" nicely on the road (not a "boat"). Aerodynamically quiet-I can have the windows down at 55 and the air flows quietly around the car. Unfortunately, the noise I do hear comes from the tranny (my 89 was the same way!) a sort of low pitched whine - like blowing across the top of a nearly full soda bottle.Another peeve is the way the trunk lid holds water until you open it, then it drips into the trunk and on your head. Gets about 20mpg on 300 mi./wk. mostly rural, varied. Not too bad!
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Tons of unexpected fun! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Thinker99 - June 10 - 2:43 amYeah, we all know that well get called "Grandpa" for driving one of these but its serious fun. Mine is deep grey/black, dual-exhaust and all tinted. Watching all those speeders suddenly slow down is a laugh, and this beast has endless power. The styling is good, mileage is surprisingly good for a large car, and its super safe and comfortable. They might call me Grandpa, but Im enjoying every moment on the road with a big smile on my face.
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LX Sport-Worth a look - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By gigfy60 - May 24 - 2:00 amIf long distance driving is part of your normal commute to/from work,than look no further,this is the vehicle for you.Ford continues to fine tune a proven,yet dated platform and still make it a viable alternative when choosing your next car.Although the gas mileage isnt great, 20.7 MPG it is still better than some SUVs out there.Comfortable driving is what this auto is about.
