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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  Best Ford buyI purchased - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By myles haynes - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle at a sale through the dealer buyer with 10,500 miles on the odometer> It had its first check-up at 13,000 and everything was up to factory specs. Ive had nothing but good service up to the present at 16,000 miles. This is my second Crown Vic, the other being a 1996 which my son now owns and continues to run good at 96000 miles.

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  This is a great car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James Ryan - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most quality built car I have ever owned

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  Great road car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By keno55 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When my other car went south on a trip to the west coast in Albuquerque,N.M. we purchased a 2003 Red sport model Crown Vic and the rest of the trip was a fun time. The car has a great ride and is just outstanding on the road plus its power to get up all of the mountains in Ca.,Or. and Washington. The XM radio the dealer installed was great we could receive the same station no mater where we drove.

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  Police Car in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Green52 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Nice sporty full sized automobile. Love the center console with shifter and the responsive V8 engine. Steering is very responsive with the big 17" tires and wheels. Have noticed that the car begins to get light and floaty in the front end at around 100 MPH. 100 MPH happens with very little effort.

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  Love my big Ford - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Iowa Bill - August 4 - 11:03 pm

  Just finished a 4,416.6 mile trip from IA to CA and my overall milage was 26.3 at 75MPH+. Took I-35 & I-80 out there then 101 to north CA and then i-80 home. Drove flatland and the high passes in the Mountins. I could not ask for a better car for the trip. Ford please do kill this car or it sister ships off. They are the best road trip cars around. Mine is a LX with the 224 hp single exhust and I never wanted for power in the hills.

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  1999 Ford Crown Victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dan G - August 3 - 5:16 am

  Great built car. worked at Chevy dealership and new Chevys dont even compare. V8 engine, 20-25 mpg, fast, and reliable. Have had no problems in the time I have owned. Would own another one.

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  7/8 Marauder - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Dr511scj - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Until the price gouging on Mercury Marauders subsides, the Crown Victoria LX Sport is a worthwhile alternative. Although in a side-by-side test drive, I could really notice the Marauders extra horsepower, better sound and larger tires, it wasnt $10,000 better than the LX Sport (including incentives). Both the Marauder and the LX Sport are VASTLY superior to their progenitors (Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria, respectively). Both are much quicker and handle significantly better. The LX Sport is as close to a Police Interceptor as a the average civilian can buy.

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  CROWN VIC "THE BEST" - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jerry Lawrence - June 18 - 11:50 am

  Being a paraplegic and towing a small travel trailer this car meets my needs.It has plenty of power but as soon as you take it out of over drive pulling the trailer you mpg takes a nose dive.The Crown is still one of the finest looking cars on the road!I love it!

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  My car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By golfer - June 12 - 6:20 am

  We have owned one Ford Crown Vic, then a Mercury Marquis and now another Crown Vic. We find them both to be the same and will always prefer them over other cars. We have looked at many and always come back. The ride and reliability is always great. When travelling we have always found great dealerships to help us out if there is a problem.

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  Crown Vic Lover - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By bob & his wife - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is our 6th Crown Victoria (to date). We love these cars! We have 4 kids and this vehicle is a nice alternative to the mini-van. By the way, we are not old (mid-30s!).