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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  Owner - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Frogman88 - February 8 - 7:23 am

  The car is a little harder to drive on the snow. I had gotten stuck at least 3 times in a month. On dry roads the handles like a dream. I am 6foot 3inches and I have no problems with my leg. On average, I will get 20 or more mpg. Highway mpgs I will get around 25 or more. I was very surprised with the gas mileage I was getting. I have over 200,000miles on the car right now and I am the second owner and have had nearly no problems. The only problem that I have is a minor problem, which will cost about $100 total. I am very mad about Ford is not going to sell the Crown Victoria for civilian use. I would buy this car all over again, only brand new. That will never happen. A must buy

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  LX Sport - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By crvic03 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  excellent road vehicle-should have a tach---gas mileage is not what I expected---very comfortable--single color with no chrome stands out in a crowd---purchased 9/2003

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  Wisdom of Solomon - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James Dean - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Only for the wise, best value, only for experienced human beings who are not purchasing a vehicle simply for the illusions of others.

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  My Crown Victoria Experience - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jr77864 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I continue to be impressed with the smooth handling and overall comfort of the Crown Victoria and the relatively good gas mileage for that size vehicle.

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  crown vic - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mable - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Crown Victoria because I wanted a luxury ride.Even so, I never thought it would be this smoothe with such wonderful gas mileage and comfortable too. It is a quiet car with lots of space, luxury, and easy to handle. Makes driving a pleasure, and a real relief to tired muscles and back. A must have for those who want comfort, good gas mileage and luxury. Storage space is also incredible. And it handles like a smaller car, easy to park, easy to manuever. Just a great find in luxury car.

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  Not aging gracefully - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mark - December 8 - 11:33 am

  Granted, its an older car but you shouldnt have to replace the intake manifold for $1000 because it is made of a cheap material. Why did fleet cars get warranty coverage on this and personal owners didnt? Headliner is falling down, ball joints were shot, plastic door handle snapped off, plastic cover fell from above onto the drivers feet. Now we have a leak somewhere causing the floor to be swamped with every rain. Overall, mechanically pretty sound but body interior and exterior quality is very poor. Especially for a luxury car. Ford was really milking this cash cow when they sold this junker in 1997.

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  traded for another - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By stickbow - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My previous Crown Vic was 1992 with 175K, engine and transmission still good. But it needed tires and exhaust so I traded for 1997 Crown with 65K. These vehicles run strong for a long time, thousands of police forces cant be wrong. Great for long trips, comfortable, roomy, good V8 power, and gets 26 mpg. My experience is every 50K change the spark plugs, plug wires, and thermostat, they are easy to get to, unlike most V6 engines.

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  Solid Choice - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By yankeev8 - October 8 - 10:21 pm

  Its a solid, dependable and comfortable car. Bought it from my aunt and have had no problems. Surprisingly good fuel economy, I easily average between 22-25 mpg driving with a bit of a heavy foot. Power is good as well, has no problem passing and gets up to speed quickly. Transmission shifts smoothly and down the highway the car is quiet aside from some minor wind noise from the back drivers side window. Has an absoluely huge drunk and lots of interior space. A very easy car to drive but one that you can have a bit of fun with too.

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  NOT WORTH THE PRICE - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By BANDIT - September 27 - 2:00 am

  CAR IS NOISY- SEATS ARE NOT VERY COMFORTABLE -VERY FEW APPOINTMENTS FOR A CAR OF THIS PRICE. COULD HAVE BOUGHT A CADILAC SEDAN DEVILLE WITH LESS THAN 10000 MILES AND ABOUT 3 MONTHS OLD FOR THE SAME PRICE WITH A BETTER WARRANTY

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  Back to Ford - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jim Warren - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Drove 6500 miles in two and a half weeks flawlessly. 29 mpg. interstate driving, was a pleasent surprise. Very precise handling. Much improved over my previous rwd. car