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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  The last of the full sized cars - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Daves 99CVLX - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car over 2 years ago and have put 14000 miles on it since. I have not had a single problem with it in that time. Plows through the New England snow and handles cross country trips with ease. Takes on the heat of the south without blinking (although, it is a good idea to upgrade your alternator to the one in the police units, the stock one is pretty weak).

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  Almost 2 tons of fun - 2010 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Brad - December 9 - 11:37 am

  This car is large yet nimble and the performance police interceptor is fun to drive. got no problems passing people on the freeway, this is where she likes to stretch those legs. The cost for repairs is pretty cheap for a 2010 which I havent had to do other then the blower motor easy to work on. To much to list about why I am happy with this car all I have to say is full frame and rear wheel drive, what else could you ask for.

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  Police interceptor - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JX426 - December 5 - 5:53 am

  Fun car, people think im a cop. Very fast, fun to drift, burn out with. Very roomy. Large trunk. Has more hp and torque than my dads 5.4

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  The mother ship - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By teacher man - November 18 - 10:20 am

  This car is old fashioned boat anchor technology but it cranks and goes reliably every time. Fuel mileage is respectable for the size and weight of the vehicle 18-20 city/suburban 22-27 highway. They dont build them like this anymore and for that we should be both sad and grateful. Sad because it is a very reliable car and great on long distance road trips. Grateful because this car is navigated more than driven and is a festival of squeaks and rattles. Resale value tanks early so if you buy one plan to drive the wheels off it.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By HeRCuLeS - October 24 - 10:00 am

  i love this car ..

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  its called "Crown Victoria" for a reason - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Phil - October 20 - 12:33 am

  Great big car ride and quality without the big price tag. What a value! Suspension and performance package makes it perfect.

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  great car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By sharpdress - October 16 - 11:36 am

  Great road car. Very comfortable, quiet and responsive. Good gas mileage-never below 20mpg even in city. Open road always 25mpg or better.

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  Quality Car - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Pete - October 14 - 7:06 am

  This is my first new Crown Vic after four used ones ranging from a 1984 to a 2000. Its a very comfortable car to drive, handles well and has a lot of room. It has the sport package, with console, buckets and leather upholstery; I did have the dealer replace the 17" original rims with 16" so I could use snow tires on it (a must in upstate New York). I couldnt be more pleased; its incredible that Ford is phasing the car out -- Id trade for another one in the future if I can find a good, low-mileage one with significantly less mileage than Ill have on this one at the time, but I know Crown Vics can go 200000 miles, so Im not in any hurry.

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  Get outa my way - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By OkieDokie - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This big bomber is terrific. I do a lot of interstate highway driving and am plagued by the "left lane bandits". Well, no more. I come up behind other motorists and they immediately move over, perhaps thinking I might be a unmarked state trooper. I can slide on by...and get back to getting on down the road in comfort.

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  I absolutely love this vehicle. - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Luke - September 16 - 1:46 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. I bought it from a good friend of the family. It only had 19,000 miles on it. I love this car a lot. It is the most comfortable car, seats are just amazing. Best ride ever, eats up the bumps and potholes excellent. Has a lot of power, never have trouble getting car up to speed. I also love the steering on this car, for such a big car, it handles amazing. Also the gas mileage just shocked me to death. For a full size rear wheel drive with a V-8, on the highway i get 27 mpg, mixed driving i get 23 mpg. The only thing I was worried about was driving it in the snow, but it doesnt handle that bad in the snow. I am only 20 years old. Im shocked how much I like it.