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 Crown Victoria Does it Again!:P - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Matthew Jude - August 28 - 2:00 amTHis car is amazing!!!!!!If your looking for a good fast and comfy to drive car youve got it!If you havent test drived it yet your missing out BIG time!I love the engine of my baby!With a great patrole rate it is the car of my life!
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Fun to Drive - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By Mikesford - August 23 - 10:00 amGreat over all vehicle. Fun to drive and very reliable.
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Marys Crown Vic - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
By Louis Weimer - August 8 - 2:00 amThe car is wonderful and I love it. I am getting a new crown vic
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6th vehicle like this from Ford - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
By randy - August 6 - 1:33 amThis car style and model was always my ideal car, and when I finally bought my first one I could only one another and continued to upgrade till I have the current one I now have. Although I liked my 1997 model better than this one, only because it had all of the options and it was everything you could dream for in a luxury car and the electronic dash, I just love with the exceptional features it provides. This car is a road car fit for a tall man at 65" and needing comfort for travel. It is a highly reliable car that cannot be matched by any other car I can see on the road today. Sure it is not perfect, but I enjoy this car and hope FORD does not drop this car; it is the car to have.
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Classic American V8 road car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
By crunkcar - August 5 - 3:13 pmThis car is so comfortable for long trips that I prefer to drive 12 hours rather than take a 2 hour flight. When I turn the key, the satisfying V8 burble soothes my ears and I wonder how anyone can stand the sewing machine whine of a V4 Japanese engine in a cramped little Honda or Toyota. The dashboard is plain and functional- oil gauge, temp gauge, and a speedometer, with a compass above the rear view mirror; there are none of the electronic gimmicks that other cars are tricked out with.
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Love the car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Carra - July 31 - 10:00 amI love the car
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Get a Crownnie! - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By BIGSMOOTH215 - July 27 - 6:06 amMy Chrismas present was a 2005 Crown Victoria LX, was a perfect gift for my brother and I, its perfect on trips, in the city of Philly. These cars are very easy to maintain and friendly on regular gas. These cars a very easy to supercharge ( if you like racing ) Other than that no major problem, smooth rides and great trunk space
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Crown Jewel - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
By bob - July 9 - 3:20 pmThe Ford Crow Victoria is virtually indestructable. Used by law enforcement around the world. It is well built, comfortable to ride in and drive. Excellent visibility with good handling for a large car. If Ford Motors discontinues this one theyre crazy. I am decidedly one sided and will buy another when the urge hits. Till then, Im happy with what I have and hope Ford Motors will continue the excellent work.
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The best car ever!!! - 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
By Marco - June 17 - 9:23 amThe best in its class, the best mileage Ive ever seen for a 4.6L engine. Great reliability and parts a readily available. One of the best cars Ive ever driven!
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Excellent Car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
By Gary S - June 11 - 3:36 amThis was my first new car. At age 54, I had only driven used cars and decided to treat myself to a new one. Mine was a left-over 2004 model that I bought in early 2005 at a very steep discount. Its the cheapie base model, but who cares, I dont next extra plasti-chrome or fancy wheels. Its got a simple presentation but thats to my liking; I dont need extra cup holders or cargo nets or any of that fluffy stuff. Everything in mine is simple, like analog instruments, manual heat/def. controls, etc.
