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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 334.00-
Just got it!! - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By CJin MS - April 14 - 10:00 amI have only had it a week and already I am enjoying this vehicle. I have driven suvs since 1996. I was a change to return to a car, but I have yet to regreat the decision to purchase the Crown Victoria.
-
I love it! - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
By Griffin - April 8 - 12:36 pmHaving been a GM guy all my life and owning a Chevy and 2 Oldsmobiles, I was a little hesitant to drive a Ford, having known nothing much about them. This car has suprised me. I find myself driving with the radio off just so I can hear the engine! This car has a serious road presence, and with my Michigan Sheriff front license plate, I find myself often stuck behind traffic doing exactly the speed limit! Mine is a loaded up LX, gently used with 19k on it. I picked it up for only $15k. It has a smooth ride, not too floaty, and not too stiff, and good road feel for such an old-fashioned car.
-
King of the road - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
By DAB - February 24 - 10:00 amSolid, stable, and reliable sums up my experience with the Crown Victoria. Performance is startlingly good and is matched by predictable handling. On the highway this car rules supreme - its free reving V8 gives a surge of overtaking power when needed, and yet, when driven gently provided quite economical cruising. Its big enough for all to see, and gives really good all-round visibility. I love the car!
-
Crown Vic lx sport - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By chip Gladding - January 6 - 2:00 amFast car, very good at handling in tight spaces. Not the best mpg but knew this when I purchased it. All in all, I love it
-
My Highway Cruiser - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By ob1 - January 6 - 2:00 amSMOOTH COMFORTABLE FAST A pleasure to drive on a long trip. Get lots of looks, on the road Thanks SPEED DEMON
-
Used Crown Vic. Cant go wrong - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
By Wiley Wesson - October 16 - 3:53 amGot 23.5 mpg driving back from San Diego the day of the purchase. Put duals on it and got 28.9 mpg. Power is more than enough, comes out of passing gear at 90 mph and handles quite well in winding roads, not much leaning and didnt break lose unless put into the curve really hard. Im 63" and find more than enough room for me in the drivers seat or shotgun.. rear seats no. Road noise on concrete Hwy is a bit loud. Going to put some QuietCar in the trunk, which is super big and can handle all.
-
Crown Vic Reliability - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By Jack Flash - October 7 - 2:00 amI bought my Crown Vic used and it has nearly 100,000 miles on the odometer as I travel a lot. I service it regularly and have never had a problem. Maintenance costs have been front brakes and a new set of Michelin tires at 65000. Just returned from 3600 mile trip and averaged 27 mpg.
-
NOISY CAN"T HEAR YOUR SELF TALK - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By Philip Costantino - September 29 - 10:00 amThe only bad thing I can say is,TOO MUCH NOISE FROM THE TIRES cant here your radio or some one talking.
-
VORTECH VIC PROJECT CAR - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By Jason Wendel - September 18 - 2:00 amId give my Vic a perfect 10 even though nothing is perfect. When I am complete with my project Ill certainly make it viewable to everyone who would like to see it. RENEGADE VORTECH VIC *
-
Paid $10,000 for 99CVLX w/25K miles - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By Georgia Troutman - September 1 - 10:00 amBulletproof engine that pulls hard under throttle, even at 70MPH! Smooth comfortable ride. 25MPG at 70MPH+ on the highway, with the air on...try that with anything else that is a V-8!! God Bless Big US built V-8 engines powering rear wheel drives!! You will not find a better deal, in terms of bang for the buck, power, ride and MPG than a used Crown Vic. This car had 25,000 miles on in in 6/02, stickered for $26,000, looked damn near brand new, and we paid $10,300 out the door.
