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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  P71 Police Cruiser - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jacob L. - January 13 - 8:50 am

  This is one reliable and strong vehicle. Bought used w. 117000 miles - only spent ~ $1000 on service/repairs over the last 4.5 years / 40.000 miles. Appears reasonably simple and cheap to fix. Somewhat noisy on highway. Winter traction is not very good, but winter tires help a lot. Lower rear diff. in police vehicle results in max. 23 mpg. on highway. Spacious interior and trunk - though trunk could be more regular and not so deep. Passing anywhere is swift and effortless with strong engine - though you can REALLY hear it because of the minimal sound insulation. If you dont commute this is one solid, safe car thats affordable used and cheap to maintain.

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  My 11th Crown Vic in 19 Years - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By H P - December 15 - 3:03 pm

  As a sales representative in Metro Detroit for over 20 years, the Crown Victoria has been perfect. Roomy, reliable, attractive with LX chrome, wheels and whitewalls. The Crown Victoria has never made too much of a "statement" to customers. This is fine product of the Ford Motor Company exudes the reliable American car driving experience. I hope Mr. Mulally and his team keep full-size rear wheel drive sedan products in the Ford lineup forever.

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  Like a Tank - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By DEAA17 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I have the heavy duty model and its large and fast and comfortable.Plus it is cheap.When you are in the fast lane people get the hell out of your way.GREAT!!!! Get a white one.

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  03 Ford Crown Vic LX Sport Review - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ed Poux - October 13 - 7:30 am

  Purchased used with only 4200 actual miles on vehicle to replace a 96 Impala SS (245K miles on the clock). Wanted a large, US brand 4 door, V8, rear wheel drive car under $25K to drive on company business (1996 was last year GM made the rear wheel drive Impala SS). I now have 27K on the Ford odometer and have had no problems so far.

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  Nice updates for 2003 - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rodger1203 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Crown vic in the past 11 years. Being tall (63"), I need a larger car. The leg room is great! The new bucket seats in my LX Sport are very comfortable and suportive. I have traveled for as many as 8 hours at a time, no back pain no muscle cramping. Traction control is wonderful. Compared to the 92 and 93 Crown Vics I have ownered, excellent skid and "fishtail" control in snow. Great for a full size long wheel based rear drive car. Quality has been excellent during my first year and 31000 miles, no problems what so ever. Id recommend this car to anyone who wants a full size sedan!

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  Panthers rule! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Turbo301 - July 15 - 4:36 am

  The current-generation Crown Victoria is perhaps a bit dated-looking, but its still sharp and still looks way better than "cutting edge" designs like the Chrysler 300. Trunk room and ride comfort are everything youd expect from a traditional big car (again, better in every way than the 300), and it couples that with reasonably good fuel economy and performance. The 4.6 pulls a lot harder than I thought it would, and even with a full load of people and cargo, its never short of passing power (something the old 5.0L cannot claim!).

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  Aging car - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By scooter - May 17 - 9:26 am

  Car has the handling and performance package which I feel makes it lively and more fun to drive than the standard Crown Victoria. But, the car is far overdue for a complete update if Ford wants this last big cruiser to continue selling.

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  Police Interceptor Tough as Nails - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fordmustang_27 - May 14 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car from auction in september 2011. Its the 2001 crown vic P71. Had low miles og 86k. It was a take home detective car. I bought it b/c it was in such good shape. Mechanically perfect absolutly no promblems what so ever. I loved the look, power, and comfort of it right away. It looked like a regular street car since it has the street package but i transformed it to a legit cop car. I did tint, center caps and spot light and came out great. Its silver and look very sharp with all the black I incorperated into it. Iv put 5000 miles on and i had no problems with it. Just did two oil changes and brakes thats it. Very reliable and dependable car. I will definitly buy another.

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  Godd deal. - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Hoover - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Engine is turbine smooth.

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  My Crown Vic - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Arnold - January 5 - 12:33 am

  This car is a winner. It accelerates well, cruises without any problem and handles well in tight situations. No wonder law enforcement relies on this car to be its "police interceptor." I love this car.