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:

• 

  I love it, G/F Hates it - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Robert - December 21 - 12:40 pm

  Girlfriend hates it cause its for old people or police. My opinion, I hate FWD cars. V8-RWD is the only way to go. Only car left around $30k is Crown Vic. Actually paid $28k for the LX Sport. Love the auto climate, huge bucket seats, and power everything. Soft yet firm ride with the sport package. This thing is a real cruiser. People get out of my way going down the highway. For the money and the options, you cant beat it. Luxury car options and size for mid-size import cost. Lots of room everywhere. If police trust them, so can I. No problems with downshifting going up mountains. Everybody I talk to likes the car. I would buy again!

• 

  Nothing more than True Engineering - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By AJ - October 29 - 9:13 am

  Everyone in my family either has this car, or has had one. As a previous owner of 3 of these cars (2 police editions, and 1 base version), I cannot state how reliable and dependable this car is. The thing I truly love about this car, and cannot stress this enough, is that it is true quality engineering for the American car makers. I dont even believe Asian/European car makers can come close to how awesome of a car this is. Yes, the car is practically a submarine on wheels with its size and looks, and the entire isnt anything fancy. But what this is, is no stupid computers that break down, just quality mechanical engineering, and we truly need more of these types of cars now!

• 

  a - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By srcOR - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Buy the police package if you can find one in good shape. I have 140K on mine with no mechanical problems whatsoever. For the price, you cant beat it if youre looking for a solid, rear wheel drive, V8, full size vehicle that can drive like a smaller car.

• 

  Crown Vic - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rob - August 26 - 11:53 am

  Good solid old fashioned car.

• 

  Bad engineering - intake manifold - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By coololdguy - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This has been a dependable car, with the exception of a few manufacturing defects that Ford isnt ready to believe. 1. Plastic intake manifold tends to crack and loose antifreeze around 60m+ miles 2. Ball joints have no greasing feature and tend to make considerable noise and will fall out at 60M+ miles. 3. Hood safety catch will let loose when going down the road, making this car extremely dangerous.

• 

  Cruisin in a Crown Vic - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By The Shield - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Flyin down the highway with little or no worries.... A very dependable full size sedan!

• 

  Ford Tough Goes Beyond the Truck - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By wharfee - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The poor things been hit twice inside first year weve owned it. Once parked at a Hotel parking lot at sons wedding and once rear ended. Both times damage was small and almost un noticed. Door rocker panel came in right about $1K. The rear end under $700. Was hit hard too but except for TOYOTA imprinted on bumper panel and minor scraps, not one dent and you really would not know it was hit... See, truck arent only thing biult Ford Tough!!

• 

  Good so far - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rls2882 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Ford auto Ive owned. Thus far no problems of a major concern. Service has been acceptable if your willing to wait long periods. Car is very comfortable to drive long distances with. Wife says its too big!

• 

  crown vic performance - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By jim morgan - July 22 - 10:00 am

  with the handling and performance package, performance is must better, however fuel mileage suffers.

• 

  Sturdy and comfortable - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By mjjust - July 15 - 1:30 am

  I bought this car for this reason only; it was the only 4 door v8 rwd American car in my price range. I got much more. It has to be the most comfortable car I have owned, even my mother-in-law prefers the ride to her Caddy DTS (and she has ONLY driven Caddys for the last 30 years). There is plenty of room, huge trunk, great mileage (22 mpg in mixed driving, 26 on trips). The resale is horrible, so I found a certified pre-owned and saved $13000.