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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Consider the CV - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Bill - June 25 - 12:50 pmI was trying to find a clean used Marauder, but no luck, so I found the CV LX Sport. It is a great vehicle. Solid, quiet, large cabin, great controls with the Sport package. Nice ride quality and decent mileage for a V8. Huge trunk. Absolutely no problems to date. The 4.6 SOHC is OK, but Ford should consider putting an optional 5.4 SOHC performance motor in it, but I think that they are phasing out the "Panther Platform" pretty soon. A great value in a full sized car.
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A Modern "Bluesmobile". - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
By Michael Poulos - June 4 - 1:30 pmThe P71 Crown Vic is a really cool car. If you like big and roomy, youll love the former cop car Crown Vic. If you like good performance, youll enjoy it too. Great acceleration with the 4.6L GT V8. Nice anti-lock brakes without a severe bucking bronco effect. Nice tight steering makes it quite maneuverable for a big car in city traffic but use two hands on the freeway at full speed. While not a race car, it does offer plenty of get up and go. Its no wonder cabbies like these birds! The main drawback is fuel consumption. I get about 15mpg (combined), so what you get is a car that is like the Concorde (the aircraft): Big, fast, and burns gas like one!
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1999 P71 Crown Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By Robert Schyck - April 23 - 3:20 amI purchased my Crown Vic early in 2008. I enjoy the ride and handling is very good. This is a nice looking car with just enough style mixed with plenty of performance. It seems that every where I go people are always looking over. Its appearance is striking. This car has plenty of room inside and the truck is spacious. Drivers seat should be more supportive especially when driving aggressively. When I purchased Vic it had the very high rated tires. The ride was very stiff so I immediately installed new 225x60 Goodyear touring type tires, the ride improved tremendously. Even though they are not rated the performance is virtually the same, still handles very good.
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Surprisingly fun to drive - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By TS - April 2 - 7:06 pmThis is a smooth "boulevard" cruiser in the classic sense, with surprising handling and braking capability. Once you become accustomed to the cars obvious size, you will enjoy the confidence this vehicle gives you. It feels safe, planted, comfortable, and powerful. The "ride and handling" package is a must in my opinion.
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2005 CROWN VIC - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Slikfuk - March 21 - 10:00 amNice smooth, quiet ride. Comfortable seats, easy to reach controls and responsive to steering.
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Police Interceptor - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By automaniac9 - February 1 - 11:29 pmThis car is great value for the money, especially used; thats if you find the perfect one. Now, this being a police version, it does ride a lot firmer than the standard car, but since the seats are so comfortable, it almost doesnt matter. Being a police spec car also means that it gets all the powertrain improvements over even the LX Sport. I was even lucky enough to get one with matching seats. The wheels on the car do rust quite easily; my car has 159000 miles and there is quite a bit of rust on each rim. The power delivery is very broad in this car, but I found that it loses power when getting close to the redline. It corners pretty flat, but its easy to upset, especially in the rain.
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The last of the full sized cars - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By Daves 99CVLX - December 12 - 10:00 amI bought this car over 2 years ago and have put 14000 miles on it since. I have not had a single problem with it in that time. Plows through the New England snow and handles cross country trips with ease. Takes on the heat of the south without blinking (although, it is a good idea to upgrade your alternator to the one in the police units, the stock one is pretty weak).
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Get outa my way - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By OkieDokie - October 12 - 2:00 amThis big bomber is terrific. I do a lot of interstate highway driving and am plagued by the "left lane bandits". Well, no more. I come up behind other motorists and they immediately move over, perhaps thinking I might be a unmarked state trooper. I can slide on by...and get back to getting on down the road in comfort.
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Hanover Ford - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
By Dick Wolan - September 5 - 2:00 amI bought this car as a used vehicle and 2001 (four years old) and was very surprised at the quiet and comfortable ride. It is a pleasure to drive this vehicle. I was looking for an SUV originally but after test-driving this car my search was over. I paid $11,977 in August of 2001 for a 1997 model year car! Was I crazy? A friend told me I should be able to get 150,000 miles from this vehicle. I currently have 103,000 miles on this car.
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Old reliable - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
By Old Bull - August 10 - 1:43 amThere is nothing like the ride of a rear wheel drive car. Nothing exciting in this car but a solid performer and a rare affordable big car.
