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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Vail - Value of my crown - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By Roy Vail - July 27 - 6:30 pmThis vehicle is very comfortable, has a heavy feeling, stable on the road; gets near 25 mpg on hwy; has required very little repair (some electronic parts replacement); has some of the heavier features on the police equipped cars.
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Crown Vic Review - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Jim Hall - July 23 - 11:16 amI have had this car for an year. Not a thing wrong with it, nor did anything go wrong. The ride is out of this world. The power is great. Not an hot rod but can hold its own. I just love this car.
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Sleeper - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By KAS - July 6 - 2:00 amI love cars and have always been attracted to BMWs and Mercedes and Acuras, However, I found myself admiring the CV. I drive about 30K a year. I have had the car for two months and I love the fact the car is big, comfortable, tight, pretty good looking and not $40K. Plus like Mercedes are used arround the world as taxis, so is the CV in the USA. In NYC they beat on them.
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2002 Crown Vic - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
By lewme - July 5 - 10:00 amThese cars are a raging bargain! For the price of a well-equipped Camry you can have the smoothness and power of a V8 engine and room for six. This is my sixth Crown Vic or Grand Marquis and I am skewing the averages for age of ownership, since I owned my first one at age 31 (Im now 44). Just try finding a comparable V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan for under $40k. If you rule out the Crown Vics uppity cousin, the Lincoln Town Car, the pool of contenders is left largely to the German and Japanese luxury marques--Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Infiniti and Lexus. And none of those will accommodate six passengers.
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Best cars ever - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
By Coinneach - July 3 - 4:40 pmIve driven Crown Vics (and variants thereof) since I first got my license in 1987. Theres a good reason for my loyalty: Vics do everything well. Take reasonable care of a Vic and it will last forever; abuse it and itll still do 250K easily. My current Vic is a 97 with 140K and my friends dont believe shes that old - she still looks, drives, and smells like shes fresh from the factory. Summary: best cars ever.
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Ford Crown Victoria Rocks - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
By Fahad - May 22 - 2:00 amI have 7 Ford Crown Victorias ranging from 1998 to 2002 and they are all very excellent and reliable cars. They can put up with the abuse i put them through such as peeling out and doing donuts. Unfortunately I will not get to drive them for long because they will be turned into fleet vehicles which is why they were bought. I am only 17 but I love the Ford Crown Victoria because it is a great American Muscle Car.
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Best Darn Car Period - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By crownviclover - May 13 - 9:06 amThe Crown Vic runs great. It has a lot of passing power on the mountains and easily passes any foreign competition. It gets good gas mileage and has given me no problems despite being driven up and down mountains daily. The car is always ready to pass when needed and offers great comfort for my 6 foot 2" frame. The car is the most reliable car I have ever had. I hope Ford will continue this basic car for many more years. I tried the new 300c and it cost more and has less visibility and not much more get up and go even with the Hemi. For the money, the Ford Crown Vic is the best car money can buy.
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Big Ford - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By JTRAIN369 - May 6 - 2:43 amI bought this Ford a year ago and it now has 65,000 miles on it. Everything works is the best running and most comfortable car I have owned. I get 30 mpg on the highway and 20 running around town. Love sitting at stop lights and young kids in little sports cars wanna run them. They get a quick surprise when all they see are my tail lights. I love my big Ford with the huge bench seat and the trunk you can put a small compact in.
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Crown Vic LX Sport - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
By Roy LaGrone - March 19 - 3:46 pmFun sported car to drive, center console and shift makes me feel 17 again. Very comfortable, and extremely safe car. One of lowest insurance ratings available. Besides I do not mind people thinking I am an Alabama State Trooper.
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Not just for taxi cabs and police cars! - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Love The Vic - March 18 - 8:33 amThis is far and away the best ride Ive ever owned. The interior is very roomy and quiet. The leather seats are so comfortable, especially on long road trips. It is amazing nimble for such a large car and I love the power under the hood. Surprisingly good gas mileage for an 8 cylinder engine makes it an excellent commute car.
