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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Great All American Car - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By 2004co - March 31 - 4:43 amI purchased a pre-owned P71 Police Ed., Crown Vic and have never been happier! Anyway, this car is very solid and easy to self service, engine compartment is nicely layed out- great for self fixers. The car has a lot of pep, really great handling, fast braking, can easily go super fast and has pleasent featuers-- need to mention that the trunk is hugh. I am a EMT/firefighter and need plenty of room for both people and cargo. Ride is very comfortable-- w/secure feeling, outside noise is almost eliminated but the engine has a nice pur when bookin it! Handles like a champ!
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Ford Crown Vic Review - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Ray Lutz - March 8 - 2:00 amCrown Vic/Mercury Marquis owner since 1985. 2000 model gives superb mileage (20 in town/26.6 highway), has huge trunk, excellent reliability, low insurance rates. Just may be the best car value for the money, all things considered.
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Inherited fathers car! - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
By Denis - March 2 - 1:10 pmThe Crown Victoria is an excellent car to carry six and all their luggage and stuff. I have a baby car seat, plus grandma and the kids. I like the five star rating in comparison to the SUV rollover problems! I can carry six people in comfort and safety.
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Great car for the price - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Rook3300 - March 1 - 2:00 amWent from a Japanese compact to this car. It was a huge change. Lots of room and lots of power. The trunk is huge and could probably store all of the bags of a full family for a two- week vacation. The handling is great and it takes corners better than the smaller car I had. The air suspension works very well and keeps the car level during turns and on the freeway.
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Best Crown Vic yet ! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Crown Vic Jim - March 1 - 2:00 amThe new for 04 LX Sport is the best Crown Victoria ever offered to the consumer. A joy on extended road trips. Optional side air bags boost already impressive safety. The big deep trunk carries more cargo than most of todays wagons and even mid-sized SUVs. Rack and pinion steering is great, and the MPG has improved too!
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Get up and go the cheap way - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
By Marsha Colucci - February 16 - 7:23 amI can drive from south Lawton, Oklahoma to Mobile, Alabama on $50.00 for gas. This car does not use any oil. I had to do little work to this car. I have bought 2 batteries, upper ball joints on front (both), shocks all around, belt, and gas cap. I bought this car in 2005. It had 23000 miles and looked new. It needs a paint job as the paint is fading but I have never had a car as good as this one. I have several people tell me if and when I want to get rid of it to let them know. They are amazed of the gas mileage. I have traveled with other people, they were in their car, I was in mine, they had to stop for gas and every third stop I would fill up only using half a tank. They were amazed. That was from south of Lawton, Oklahoma to Mobile, Alabama. Great Car!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Straightforward Design - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By ssw118 - February 5 - 10:00 amTheres a reason why Edmunds ranks this car as a best bet. Its very smooth and comfortable and has plenty of power from the 4.6L V-8. Fords been making Crown Victorias for a long time so they should be pretty good. The only problem Ive had so far is with the front ball joints. The front end squeaks and creaks. My mechanic said that is a commone problem with these cars. Its been great other than that.
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2000 Lx commute vehicle - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By hank.pedersen - January 31 - 10:00 amThis is a great car to commute to work in. Its reliable,very quiet and comfortable to ride in. The only problem is the city gas mileage. The hwy mileage is about 24mpg. Overall a great car.
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SAFETY - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By DENNIS - January 13 - 10:00 amI WAS INVOLVEDIN A HEAD=ON COLLISION WITH A TRUCH DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDEOFTHE HIGHWAY. MY 2004 CROWN VIC WAS TOTALED AND KNOCKED SOMETHIRTY FEET FOLLOWING THE HEAD-ON IMPACT AND I WAS SLIGHTLY SHAKEN, BUT OTHERWISE UNHURT.
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Awesome Car - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By Bill - January 13 - 1:33 amGreat ride, plenty of power, plenty of room, 22mpg town driving, 25+ highway (actually got 26.2 once!). Nothing fancy about this car but it does what is was designed for. This is a fabulous road cruiser. No wonder the police departments love them!
