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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My "cop car" - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By espici - June 29 - 2:00 amIm 510", 165 lbs, slim, and find it difficult getting into and out of the car. I also have trouble reaching the dash-mounted radio and climate control dials/buttons. R/W defroster control difficult to find. Tranny dipstick difficult to access.
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What a car! - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By Luke Houston - June 28 - 5:03 pmIm 16, just got it. I know that youll think I only like it because its my first car... that may be partly true, but I asked for this car. I love it; its got a lot of power, acceleration, and interior room. This is a police interceptor I own; it has no carpet, the heater core leaks, and the exterior has some missing trim. However, as far as the car itself.. it still performs very well.
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My Ford - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Rob54 - March 7 - 10:00 amruns great, very solid, good pickup, nice styling. Gas mileage not so great, but good for a v-8. Runs great on the highway
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2000 HPP - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By BigJon - January 22 - 2:00 amI just bought this car about a month ago and I absolutely love it. This is my 3rd Crown Victoria(88, 94, and now a 00). This is definitely the best one yet. If you plan on getting a Crown Vic, definitely spend the money and get a HPP or an LX Sport. The extra horsepower and ride feal is worth it!
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bought it used but love it - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By andy fan - January 17 - 10:00 amI cant understand the under rating some people give this cruiser on gas milage. I recently went into the mountains by way of MT Airey NC {Andys hometown} across US58 in Va. to South Boston Va.,and averaged 28 MPG.,with the air on.How could anyone expect more with such a large and comfortable car? As for me, Im very pleased and reccomend this vehicle to anyone considering a Crown Vic!!!
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Former law enforcement vehicle - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By oldschool360 - January 16 - 7:50 amI bought a 99 with only 86k miles. Its white and looks like a lot of highway patrol cars. It drives like a sporty tank and I still managed over 18 mpg on 90 mph road trip. I really like this car and think it will be a good starter car for my two sons in a few years. Definitely a great value. With needed repairs, I only have $3400 in it and can expect to drive it for quite some time. Good bye car payments.
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best all around - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By pete - December 2 - 8:46 amRide and handling are excellent but not for long trips. Bucket seats should be standard on all models as well as a gps system for police models. Otherwise leave well enough alone and keep making a quality product. I love my "Vic."
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Solid Car - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Rob54 - November 21 - 11:40 pmWell built; they improve it every year. The "old" platform makes it a great value and it makes for a quality car because Ford has all the "bugs" out of it. It does have one minor wind noise in the driver side window, however. If you arent a car snob, this is a car to look at, and you cant beat the price.
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6th vehicle like this from Ford - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By randy - August 6 - 1:33 amThis car style and model was always my ideal car, and when I finally bought my first one I could only one another and continued to upgrade till I have the current one I now have. Although I liked my 1997 model better than this one, only because it had all of the options and it was everything you could dream for in a luxury car and the electronic dash, I just love with the exceptional features it provides. This car is a road car fit for a tall man at 65" and needing comfort for travel. It is a highly reliable car that cannot be matched by any other car I can see on the road today. Sure it is not perfect, but I enjoy this car and hope FORD does not drop this car; it is the car to have.
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Classic American V8 road car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By crunkcar - August 5 - 3:13 pmThis car is so comfortable for long trips that I prefer to drive 12 hours rather than take a 2 hour flight. When I turn the key, the satisfying V8 burble soothes my ears and I wonder how anyone can stand the sewing machine whine of a V4 Japanese engine in a cramped little Honda or Toyota. The dashboard is plain and functional- oil gauge, temp gauge, and a speedometer, with a compass above the rear view mirror; there are none of the electronic gimmicks that other cars are tricked out with.
