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 71 through 80 of 334.00-
97 Police Package - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
By drberetta - August 10 - 2:00 amThis car is great. Fast, roomy, reliable and comfortable. The police seats are super supportive. 115,000 miles and still plenty of power when you need it. Heavy duty suspension that still gives a comfortable quiet ride. I highly recommend picking on up.
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Awesome vehicle - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By John - July 30 - 6:16 amIve had this car from 22,000 miles, now have 86,000, all trouble free. Ive taken it on several road trips, even went camping (the trunk fit tents, 4 sleeping bags, a cooler, and a camp grill). I bought the car back when I worked at a Ford dealership, because I had seen how well built they are, and how rarely they had any serious concerns. I intend to keep it for a long time. Some reviews on here talk about weak brakes, but Ive never had any trouble bringing it to a quick stop
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1996 Crown Victoria - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By Easley - July 4 - 2:00 amGood solid car. Watch the plastic intake manifold (it splits and sprays water on the alternator). Also, the transmission can be faulty on shifting (it stutters between gears due to bad shift timing and faulty fluid).
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Great Car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By tanksher43 - June 27 - 2:00 amComfort and luxury of a Lincoln at the price of a Ford. Lots of power, grat iterior lay out, very quiet interior,comfortable leather seats. Best buy for the money
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2005 Crown Vic LX Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Ronn - June 7 - 1:36 pmI purchased a 2005 Crown Victoria LX Sport in March of 06. The vehicle had 82 miles on the odometer. In the past I have owned many full sized Fords, Mercurys and Chevrolets. This one is the best of the bunch! The LX Sport has the beefed up engine and suspension and holds the road like a sports car. We recently completed a road trip of over 1700 miles and averaged over 25 mpg. Driving around town Im averaging 21. Not bad for a big car.
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A nice car - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
By 2smooth - June 4 - 10:00 amLast of the surviving "real" cars America makes. The reason their used as cop cars and taxis is because their reliable, comfortable, handle good, and reasonably powerful. They have a nice quiet smooth ride like driving a sofa. Oh yeah, huge trunk too (who needs a bike rack?). Great for long trips. I think the 98 body style is a little better on the eye, but thats just my opinion.
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boat anchor - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
By fletch lives - June 1 - 12:53 amThis heavy cruiser is a fantastic highway car getting a high of 27.3 mpg on a trip from Savannah to upstate NY. Smooth ride as long as the hiway is smooth. Poor around town performance as the tall gearing has the transmission constantly downshifting at even the slightest hint of throttle depression. Huge trunk is not the most usable as everything has to fit in the well. Poor sense of straight ahead. Handling is pretty much non existent as the car has very poor steering feel and is easily affected by bumps and ripples on these old Savannah streets. I bought this after an accident thinking that I would be safer. I have been and it has been mechanically reliable but the downside is a boring car
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My crown victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By Mary Ann DeShazer - May 10 - 9:16 amThe only drawback that I can see with this crown victoria is the trunk space. It is definately too small an area to place much luggage or items that you purchase on shopping trips. (i.e.) you cant put a fold up wheel chair in the trunk.
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P71 Interceptor - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By Jay - April 30 - 4:53 amI bought this car two months ago. The car has the police interceptor package. Ive fixed the handful of minor problems the car had upon intital purchase. Its fun to drive with plenty of acceleration and good handling for a car that size. Plenty of room for the wife and kids. Also a lot of metal around you in the event of an accident.
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EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By RAD1234 - April 21 - 10:00 amDRIVES WELL, FAIR GAS MILAGE, GOOD PICKUP
