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 CV - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By WHH - November 29 - 10:00 amBest car on the road for the money. Mine has the handling package, well worth the extra money. Very smooth and stable ride.
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Best Car I ever owned - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Bobby Fisher - October 18 - 10:33 pmI have owned many cars, including Cadillacs and Lincolns, but this Crown Vic is by far the best overall of any car I ever owned. I started driving in the early 60s when cars were cars. My Crown Vic is as close to the cars of those days as you can get. Very comfortable, great ride and what a trunk! My mileage is better than the 97 T-Bird it replaced. If Ford ever stops making the Crown Vic I will have to buy my cars on some other planet.
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owner - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By johnathan sexton - September 30 - 2:00 amthese are realy good cars. we currently own 2 but we have owned 4. this car is a classic and part of a dying breed of automobiles. i love its large size.
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Six years, 76000 miles - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By sk8teacher - September 23 - 3:15 amBought new in Sept 2005. Had every option available for the LX, and was over $30k. Got a really great deal and have loved the car. We live 45 miles outside of DC and average 22-23mpg mixed driving, and 26-28mpg highway. You can ride all day and never get tired. Very smooth ride. Use the cruise control on the highway or you will find yourself going well over the speed limit it is so smooth and effortless. It still amazes me how much you can get into the trunk. At 21 cubic feet, it is huge! If you can find someone willing to part with theirs, buy it. You wont be disappointed.
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great 99 - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By First Ford - September 19 - 3:56 amI bought my 99 with low low mileage. We have put almost 50,000 miles on it with only a brake rotor going bad. It is a great car, I hope they never drop it like the rumors that have been thrown around. GM threw away the LeSabre; 30 mpg full size car for another small bucket seat four passenger car like everything else on the street and road. I am getting sick of medium size cars with no room for head or body.
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Excellent car! - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
By Mr Bean - September 2 - 5:00 amThe Crown Victoria is a great car. This is the third one that I own and it is just as good as the other two that I had. These cars hardly ever brake down and the only maintenance thats required is regular fluid changes. Crown Victoria is also very comfortable to ride in. It drives as smooth as a boat which it kinda is. The handling has been greatly improved since a few years ago and it has plenty of power.
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Great Ride - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
By WRD - August 22 - 5:33 pmI have had mine over a year and traded in a 98 Mercury GM. Will upgrade to a new one soon. I have the Police Package and still get 24-25 MPG.
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Last of the best big sedans, - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Copper - August 18 - 2:00 amgreat car. Excelaent build quality and performance. Very comfortable and lots of compliments on the black on black color scheme. Looks like a state trooper coming up behind you and the road magically clears. On the freeway I average 23mpg. 25K miles and no problems.
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Classic Family Car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
By vince - August 11 - 3:43 pmI have been very happy with my Crown Victoria. It was hard to find one in my area, but I am very happy with rear wheel drive performance, with a cozy ride. I have yet to find a seating position throughout the car that anyone is not completely comfortable with. Give a Crown Victoria a try!
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Never own a Ford b4, nothing else now. - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By Bobby D - August 5 - 10:00 amSolid !
