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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  1999 P71 Crown Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 1999 Crown Vic P71 - March 24 - 11:13 am

  Purchased 2/2008, 98,000 miles, $2700. Crown Vic has very good handling, excellent style. I installed extra reflectors that are well placed, interceptor emblem, converted to honey comb grille, impressive looking vehicle. With the spotlight, dark wheels and recognizable style, people tend to move out of the way or even better stay away. Also converted to Goodyear touring instead of high rated, ride is significantly smoother. Performance is very good but it seems to shift into overdrive at a low rpm, however push the pedal and the Crown Vic has impressive power for a heavy vehicle. Interior design is basic but fine with the center console installed, overall rating 8.

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  Best Vehicle for the Money! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By notch9 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a base 04, with every option. Very comfortable, very economical, very reliable, and very safe. Sharp looking car, too!

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  The only one for me - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Danny Cello - January 12 - 8:03 pm

  I find the looks of the LX Sport to be perfect. Not too much chrome, and perfect trim with the icing being the wheels. Strong look. Strong ride with amazing comfort. I dont always like where Im going, but I love driving this car there. I dont want any other car.

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  3rd Crown Victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By mrvalue - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best value hands down either new or used. Dealer often discounts to small car price range for the Crown Victoria and sister car, the Grand Marquis. Used examples are hard to locate in some markets as owners often drive them to well over 200,000 miles! This one is my 4th! The 1st.was totaled, then rebuilt and sold @ 229,000 miles. The 2nd was given to a relative and is healthy @ 155,000 miles. My 3rd will go to 300,000 per my mechanic barring any accidents. I love this car!

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  Former Lexus owner - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Lee - December 15 - 8:00 pm

  This is my first Ford. Im a 36 year old woman who has always owned imports and sports cars; I sold a Lexus LS 430 and a Porsche 911 when I bought this car. Purchased it with 9k miles for $15k from my local dealer. I wouldnt pay sticker price (at $30k new) but for $15k I feel I have a safe, reliable, large sedan with real wheel drive and a V8. Is it as refined as my Lexus? No, but it didnt cost $60k. The styling is dated, but I dont mind people having to take a second look to see if Im a police car. The best thing about this car is that every time I get in it I am reminded that I have a lot more money in the bank than if I drove a "luxury" car. Excellent value!

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  Sensible Muscle Car - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Black Beauty - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first CV Sport Models in 01. It is comfortable and sporty. Some women like it and some hate it. Being single I would prefer women like it. Its forboding and I get kidded about it looking like a police car. But what do they know! It is a very sensible car and I consider it a muscle car not unlike a Mustang although most women would perfer the Mustang. Rides great and handles well with fair gas milege.

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  Good Car - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By aldo - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Surprising power with decent gas milage. Good on long trips with the family. Plenty big trunk. Handles well, steering kind of twitchy. Drivers seat uncomfortable but with electric adjustability I can usually find an acceptable position. My friends love this car on road trips.

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  97 Crown Vic - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By panther - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Have 186,000 beat the snot out of it miles...original owner. 10% on bad dirt roads. Regular 3000 mile oil changes and tires rotations. Only replaced the intake manifold, defect, likely...a vaor line that wore on the frame, door latch and brakes (many, but easy and cheap). Also have a fuel leak I have to find from tank area, but guessing I will get another 10-40k out of it. Seems to have at least 90% of as new performance. Have a 95 Grand Marquis with 85k (also bought new)...so its just getting broken in. Incredible vehicle.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By supreme2005 - July 20 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my Crown Victoria two years ago and I now have just under 50k on it. I havent had a single problem with it during its entire lifetime. It hasnt been in the shop except for regular oil changes. I feel extremely safe in this car; its very solidly built. I bought this particular car over a similar 2002 Sport model because it had a much firmer ride with better road feel. Its very fast with ample power for freeway merging.

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  Poor Dealer Service & Concern - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By George B - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Too much wind turbelence and had defective steering box, replaced at 2000 miles, damaged arm rest, they installed one with a fabric that did not match. AC had leak and would not cool properly-dealer is rated tops in south but wonder why as too many complaints and mad people when you visit. Requires one to fill out survey about service when vehicle is picked but tell you what you report goes against service writer. That way they manipulate the owner into giving them a good review.