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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  Problematic Ford - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James - November 11 - 11:50 am

  This is my first and last Ford vehicle. I like the car but it has cost me $9000 in repairs over the last 14 months. The plastic intake manifold cracked 1 month out of extended warranty and Ford corporation would not help whatsoever. I thought I had done my research on this car but perhaps mine is a lemon. I have had numerous electrical problems, replaced many coils. Brake jobs are quite frequent. The fenders have rusted through. There has been a high speed vibration that even Ford cannot figure out. I am absolutely disgusted with the repairs and the cost of repairs on this. You have just pushed another die hard American car lover to swing over to Japanese. Ford...your time is running out!

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  My Crown - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rod H. - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car to drive mainly on the highway. It is an extremely excellent highway car. For the size it gets very good mileage. It has plenty of power and corners much better than expected. (Dont try to outrun one of these in the police car dressing, you cant.)

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  I love The 1997 Ford Crown Victoria - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By James Ross - October 28 - 10:00 am

  good cars they ride great and the got good gas milage they are the bast in my book i dont really lik the 1998- 2002 crown vics ford did good when they made these cars thank you ford

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  2003 Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Luigi - October 23 - 10:16 pm

  Forget it, this car by far is the best car that i have owned. Every aspect of this vehicle adds up to its greatness. At the beginning i was a bit concerned about mpg, reliability, and comfort. I drove from New York to Vermont, last exit before Canada. I got 28.5 miles a gallon, even with the heat on. Have you seen the size of this car? It could be -30 degrees like it was out there and it started up right away no flaus and the heat of thr summer up to 105 degrees, no problem. This car offers a smooth ride, and fun to drive. I Love This Car.

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  great car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By val clayton - October 15 - 10:53 am

  What a great car! If more people would drive the Crown Vic more would love it! Good mileage great seats and control placement. Lots of power and oh so quiet.

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  LX Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By LX Sport - October 1 - 3:36 pm

  Have owned several imports and would say I enjoy driving. The LX Sport is one of the best kept secrets out there. It is quick and with the handling package it corners like a lighter sportier import. 5 Star safety rating is a strong plus. Rear impact issues that used to haunt this model are mostly corrected. Car really likes to cruise and loves curves. Exceptional brakes!

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  Crown Vic P71 - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By MaikeP71 - September 29 - 7:10 pm

  An amazing car, fun to drive and stylish in a more classy sense. Unimpressive, but understandable gas mileage. Mine is a decommissioned cop car and has been beaten on, handles the beating unbelievably. Five-star reliability. Had accidents NO DENTS, the damage to the other car is astounding though. Its a 2 ton battlecruiser with great handling. My recent hobby is this car. Im very impressed. A solid car. I improved my gas mileage with water4gas(tm) and a smart chip.

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  2000 Crown Vic LX - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Reab - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Have driven 3000 miles since purchase of 2000 Crown Vic. Digital instruments are the greatest and leather seats are a real plus. Only downside is NO CD player in dash. Only CD changer plug is available in trunk. Otherwise a great riding car with excellent fuel mileage of 25-26 mpg

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  great car - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By dextertharp - September 13 - 10:46 pm

  My crown vic was givin to me by my dad in 2006 or 07 it almost as 200000 miles on it and still running like it was bran new. it handles really great driving it is so smooth and when it shifts you cant feel it it gets about 20 to 25 miles to a gallon

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  CROWN VIC - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By MAC - September 7 - 7:23 am

  This vehicle provides extreme comfort for all passengers as well as a sense of security. It rides like sitting on a cloud and handles like a sports car. Excellent braking. Many user comforts. I couldnt be more satisfied.