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 31 through 40 of 334.00-
Great car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By bob cox - February 6 - 2:46 amI purchased this car new after owning a couple of Tauruses, a Sable and a Grand Marquis. I chose the Sport package and it is awesome. The power, handling and seating is so much better than the Grand Marquis. This car has done 90,000 miles, both long trips and local driving and has only had one non- maintenance repair, the rear air suspension compressor at 60,000 miles. Fuel mileage is consistently in the 26 mpg range even with the lower differential gearing of the Sport pkg. Im in process of buying a 7000 mile 2006 LX Sport to replace it. Best car Ive ever owned.
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Most Reliable Car On The Planet - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
By viclover - January 24 - 11:03 pmI just keep buying tires and change the oil. I havent had to do anything to my ex cop car. After the pigs beat it up for 130k miles I put another 190k on her. She is at 420k miles and still going.
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Well worth the money - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By PoliceInterceptor - January 1 - 2:00 amReady to hit 100,000 miles already, nothing done other than routine maintenence.
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03 Crown Vic - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By JayB - December 27 - 2:00 amThe new Crown Victoria has several design and mechanical innovations for 2003 that improve its ride and handling, but it will always be what it has always been - a large, traditional, body-on-frame, rear-wheel drive sedan that comfortably transports 5 or 6 adults. It is excellent value for the money it costs, and maneuvers in city traffic more nimbly than one would expect of a car this size.
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cant complain yet - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By sean - December 12 - 12:40 pmThe 05 is my second Crown Vic. I had a 93 with 158,000 on it when I sold it to a friend and its still running great, I love the cars, I love the space, I love the way they drive, I love the looks I get Im 28 and people dont know what Im doing in that car. They are very commanding and posh cars. If I get the mileage out of the new one I got from the old one with the reliability of the old one Ill have no problem spending $31,000 on another one,
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Cheapening of the Crown - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Mike - November 17 - 6:20 pmI am greatly disappointed on how this vehicle was cheapened. I owned the same vehicle seven years ago and it was a better vehicle.
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The Best - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By OH YEA - October 31 - 6:00 pmThis is the best car ever. It is my second Vic. I love these cars. If you want a highly dependable car, buy a Vic. Only had car in the shop for regular maintainence, and small stuff like tires or brakes, ac recharge
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Average Car - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By swong - October 20 - 10:00 amcheapest V8 full sized car I could afford. Two real weak components and they are the plastic resin intake manifold which tends to crack leaving you stranded. Other MAJOR weakness is the 4R70W transmission which has "torque converter shudder". This shudder is hard to explain but when it does occur (trust me it will occur after youve accumulated 20k per tranny fluid change) it is the most irritating thing going. Ive had my tranny replaced under waranty and it still occurs but am living with this problem until I can squeeze another 3 years out of it until I dump the car. Next time Ill go with Honda or Toyota.
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WOWZER, never thought I would, but I did - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By 30somethin - October 6 - 8:33 pmAfter being in an accident in a 01 Accord that left me with injuries I happened to ask the adjuster his opinion of the safest car to be in ... and he didnt hesitate a second. "Crown Victoria", he said with a smile. Guess what Im driving now? Yep, you guessed it. And Ill tell you the truth, Im loving every second of it.
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Fords best car. Period. - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Mark - September 21 - 2:50 pmI have had very good luck with Ford Crown Vics. I put 150,000 miles on them and then sell them to folks who proceed to drive them for years. Reliability is probably the best of any American car. No electrical problems, no head gasket problems, no tranny issues. I never spend money for repairs other than regular maintenance. My 2005 LX Sport is very comfortable, great in the snow and ice with the traction control and gets 25 mpg. on the highway. I also like the safety as I live and travel in Minnesota and the drivers here are the worst in any state I have been in. I have tried other cars, none compare in value and reliability.
