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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Good basics, but needs some work - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By CVPI2000 - October 13 - 4:13 amI bought a 2000 Police Interceptor based on its safety and cooling capacity. Its a blast to drive, but some things need work. I bought an aftermarket console for between the seats for $50 on eBay- great investment.
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My 2000 Crown Victoria - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By Gerry House-Peters - February 14 - 8:40 amI purchased my 2000 Crown Victoria for $20,500 in November of that year. It is the basic model and I have put 20,000 miles a year on it. I thoroughly enjoy the roominess and being 6".2" can really stretch out in it. As for the trunk, well, it has as much luggage space, if not better than any large SUV on the market. I intend to buy another one when the 2007 models come out. Its a bargain! As far as the Chrysler 300 is concerned, well its certainly a lot flashier than the Vic but Im afraid Id suffer from claustrophobia with those narrow "gangster windows!
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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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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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Not bad - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By gman1 - February 22 - 2:00 amIve had my crown vic for about 6 years now and it is a nice comfortable car to drive. I have never gotten the mileage some are boasting about here, I do about 50/50 city highway never any traffic at 4 am when I go to work. During the summer months I get about 250 miles to a full tank of gas. If I do all highway it might get 300 miles/tank. If I were to do it again I would opt for a newer model with the rack and pinion steering because the antiquated system on these cars wear out parts quickly (ball joints, tie rods, etc.) Ive gone through 2 sets of brakes since Ive bought it so no complaints there. It has decent power but is no mustang. Had to change the manifold and the coils, big $
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I love these cars - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By randysvh - November 9 - 5:00 amThe car to me is one of the most reliable cars in the industry overall. This is far from a perfect car, but it offers features that make it desirable and most importantly reliable. Gas economy is way below what i think it should be able to get, and shame on FORD for not doing better in this department. The engine though is rock solid. The body seems solid and quiet. There is nothing tinny about this car. My car has the digital instrumentation and I love it. The AC is solid and easy to use. The stereo is good, but i have seen other models that were better than the one I now have. I have owned a 1993 and 1997, both brand new and now this 2000. Each of them had over 200,000 miles.
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Rattles Abundant - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 amThe major problem Ive had with this car is the plastic on the doors make terrible noises with going over rough roads. Its the noiseiest Ford Ive ever owned. Ive owned quite a few Fords and Mercurys and this is the least acceptable.
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Old school in all ways - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
By jimscar - June 1 - 7:06 pmI 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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No excitement! - 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
By das66 - December 21 - 9:29 amThe car is surprisingly noisy at highway speeds and feels cheap. The road noise coupled with the growling exhaust note at acceleration made me feel like I was driving a smaller import. I was also surprised at how much you feel bumps during normal driving. It didnt have that big car ride. I will give it high marks for braking since it has four wheel disc brakes. The interior is just plain dull and cheap. I guess considering the majority of these become taxis and law enforcement vehicles interior design is not a high priority. My 96 Buick Roadmaster embarrasses this car in every catagory and thats a difference of 15 years!
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old reliable - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
By sapelo jim - June 2 - 10:43 amI have a love hate relationship with this car. I love that it has 122k on it an other than a few minor problems there hasnt been anything major happen with this car. I bought it because the reliability of these old school tools is reknowned in fleets and with loyal customers. The down side is that if the road is anything less than billiard table smooth the car rattles, squeaks, shakes, and shimmies its way over every bump and pothole on these budget deprived streets of Savannah. No sense of straight ahead on the road. Crosswinds blow the old girl all over the road. And yet, I average 20 miles to the gallon on my commute and can get up into the high 20s on road trips.
