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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  LX SPORT - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Pete1935 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is not your grandpas Crown Vic! I have a black on black, VERY nice look! At first I wanted the Merauder but for $ 7,000 more Mercury can keep it. All thats lacking is about 60hp which with a couple of cheap add ons, youre right there. I intend to keep this car for a long time. The only thing it lacks is a sun roof and manual trans. Believe it or not!

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  80,000 miles in Crown Vic LX Sport - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By LX Sport Driver - May 6 - 7:36 am

  Put the vehicle in service on January 1, 2002. Have just about 80,000 miles on it at this point. Of course have mounted new tires, replaced brake pads, replaced two windshields, tune up and normal maintenance. Ford replaced one sensor without charge. Nothing has broken. The vehicle is problem free. The car is no drag racer but for its size and weight its mid range acceleration is impressive. Handling, including braking, is very competent for a car this size. Even with the older steering (it is not rack and pinion) the feed back/control are fine. We get a lot of bad weather, i.e. snow, but the traction control and ABS helps. Not as good as AWD or front wheel drive but not bad for rear wheel drive.

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  wedgewood masterpiece - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By paul cardin - April 12 - 11:30 pm

  its been 6 years since i purchased the car, what a great car ,no problems.ford did an awesome job on this one. 110,000miles.this is definately a keeper! buy one!

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  Police Interceptor - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By T Morgan - April 5 - 5:53 pm

  I purchased my 97 Crown Vic Police Interceptor from an estate sale. It has 72,000 miles on it, never registered as a police car. It has all the heavy duty extras of a police car. On the road I get 24.5 MPG, great for a large car. I havent had any problems with it until recently. The intake manifold is plastic composite material. It cracked and the engine began leaking anti-freeze. Costs me $1100 to fix. This hasnt been a recall yet. I found out it is a common problem with Crown Vics and Mustangs of this era. Who would have thought Ford would have used plastic composite in a place engine heat is terrific. I could write a book about people who thinks Im a cop! They slow down.

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  Affordable Comfort - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By The Duke - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Quite, smooth, comfortable ride. Great car for long road trips. Handles very well with the handling pkg option. MPG is lower than advertized for city and highway, but California gas is partly responsible for missing the milage numbers.

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  last canadian crown - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tim14 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier...Im 65", 300 pounds and have spent far too much time in cars built for average sized people. Its effortless driving this car. Its too bad Ford no longer sells the Crown Vic in Canada.

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  Great Car. - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Pat - February 26 - 8:26 pm

  I started out with a ’95 Crown Vic, which I bought used. In the 8 or 9 years that I owned it, I never had a break-down or any problems mechanically or otherwise. I also average about 5mpg better than the EPA rating. However I had the opportunity to drive a new one, while my car was getting some bodywork done. And well, old reliable is getting an upgrade. These cars are comfortable, have plenty of power, and corners like theyre on rails. There is definitely a reason why all of the police departments depend on them. I could easily drive this for another 10 or more years, but some of the new features, like an available moon roof, and the front bucket seats, have me thinking about upgrading.

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  Quality &Comfort Without the Hype - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By HAS - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The C. V. is used for taxis and law enforcement because of their durability, safety and performance. My last car a Mercedes E class is also used as a taxi in Europe. Great V8 power, style, safety and comfort. Simply a good car for a very good price. A V8 Bmw or Mercedes will run you $20-40K more. As for the SUV craze I dont get why people give up highway performace for off road capabilty they will never use.

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  Bobemakk Review - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bobemakk - January 27 - 10:00 am

  It is one of the very best vehicles I have ever owned. A few minor problems like squeaky brakes and now a squeak in the front end are the only problems I have encountered. Plenty of power, extra comfortable ride and awesome design on one of the safest American cars built.

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  Love the size! - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By skirrits - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my first new car in 1968 (a Ford), Ive also driven Mercurys, Lincolns and Cadillacs. The wife currently drives a 99 Town Car and I traded my 96 Cadillac for this Crown Vic! I like the rear-wheel drive and the handling & power that comes with the Crown Vic.