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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  If you dont have one, get one - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Peshopavlov - December 28 - 2:00 pm

  I am a Ford guy and I owned couple of Tauruses before but when I bought my Crown Vic I discovered a completely new class of vehicle. The comfort and the style beat any other car on the market; the price too. Ive been in many cars (I am not fan of SUVs) but the size and almost classical style make it stick out in the sea of compact imports. It can always use some more power but the stock engine is easily upgradeable to about 300HP with couple of mods. Its easy to work on the engine if youre into that - there is a lot of room under the hood to add stuff too.

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  No excitement! - 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
  By das66 - December 21 - 9:29 am

  The car is surprisingly noisy at highway speeds and feels cheap. The road noise coupled with the growling exhaust note at acceleration made me feel like I was driving a smaller import. I was also surprised at how much you feel bumps during normal driving. It didnt have that big car ride. I will give it high marks for braking since it has four wheel disc brakes. The interior is just plain dull and cheap. I guess considering the majority of these become taxis and law enforcement vehicles interior design is not a high priority. My 96 Buick Roadmaster embarrasses this car in every catagory and thats a difference of 15 years!

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  Wants old cab back 986,000 miles - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Don Winters - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Riding a cab, the cab driver was mad. His boss wanted to turn, 1 million miles. It had one transmission replaced 500k miles and the cab has never had a wrench on it except for the tran 986k miles. 1 million miles no engine work 1 tranmission. It had doubled any Gm product line and 3-4 times the Japan cabs. I wonder why Ford does not run add like, 1 million mile club with no engine work. The ride in the 986,000 cab was smooth and no noise. Note the next cab had 990,000 but two tranmissions. Quite a contest. I did buy a diffent model Lincoln Cartier, hope my grand kids, finish the test. You can not tell how fast its going

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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bang for the buck - December 9 - 2:56 am

  Others rate fuel economy as poor yet this car will give you 35 mpg Cdn (28 US). Try it. Non interstate routes 60 mph (Ottawa to Orillia and return) passing normally, booted it twice and got 34 mph. Amazing car and its about as fast as a Hemi PU truck. Pricing is fantastic. $20,000 Cdn for a $41,000 car a year old and about 20,000 miles. Look at the whitest model and you will see one of the most beautiful cars around plus others will pull over and let you pass. Wearing a hat helps. There is nothing like the sound of a V8 as you all know.

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  Crown Vic - Good and not so Good. - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rosalia C. Hunt - December 2 - 4:33 am

  All good - still have slight rattle in drivers door but I can live with it. This is my 3rd Crown Vic. I would of bought a Lincoln (which I also have owned, 3) but the price was right for the Vic. The dealer told me that after 2006 there would be no more Crown Vics made. Then why a 2007?

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  crown vic - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By spartan - November 30 - 10:00 am

  plenty of space, and comfortable

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  First Form Product - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rls2882 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Ford product Ive ever owned. Thus far Im very satisfied in general. Its a "big" car with rear wheel drive. Not used to that. Traded an Impala which was the second one I had owned but retired and wanted a "large" car. Car is not a responsive as Id like it to be but guess Im not used to the "bigness". Ride is perfect and wife loves it. See how it does in time.

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  Ford, Where Quality is Job 1, Ha! - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JamieL - September 13 - 2:00 am

  In the two years Ive owned the CV its been lots of trouble. Bad emission sensors required a trip back to the dealer within two weeks. Add to that the occasional engine troubles and I was mad enough. Last week the serpentine sp? belt broke causing the elctrical system to fail, the steering to quit working completely, and the engine to overheat. As for traction in PA winters, they ought to rename the CV to the Ford Death Sled. Couple this with the exploding gas tank in rear-end collisions (I havent experienced this personally) along with the super bland exterior styling and its easy to see why people buy Japanese.

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  Best car value - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By racinchef - September 3 - 3:00 pm

  When I first saw this car I passed it by, but after looking at a few other cars on the lot the dealer pointed it out to me, so I looked at it more closely; from that point on this car has grown on me. The car is super reliable, gets good gas mileage on the highway, and rides very comfortably. A/C is awesome too! Replaced headliner, ball joint and upgraded OEM stereo. Also had all windows tinted except windshield. Great value car, I love it!

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  Comfortable and economical - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Manchester - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I get up to 26 MPG on the highway in full comfort and luxury! What more can you ask for in transportation?