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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  Not a GTO but FUN! - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rugby01 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently found the perfect Crown Vic LX Sport after a long search. Monochromatic red with all the options. Tan leather interior. This is a great car with many nice features. Seems 2002 had everything going right for this vehicle. My other vehicle is a 1993 Mercury Cougar XR7 with 302 V8.

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  Why I bought a 2005 CV - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Michael Darnell - June 6 - 6:03 am

  I have been looking for a good rear wheel drive vehicle to buy for two years. Now in 2005 I found the CV LX Sport as the best option for a growing family, with lots of trunk room. Several website list owners of CV/GM that drive them more than ten years and they have over a 100,000 miles on the car. I just want a good riding vehicle and I have found it with this vehicle. I wanted a vehicle that I can drive for more than 15 years or more and I feel this car will last that long. To me the fact the car only has 240 horsepower engine.

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  Owner - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Lee - May 28 - 3:16 am

  Rear axles went bad 2 months after warranty was past, but less than 36,000 miles. The car was on recall for this problem if it was a fleet vehicle, but not for a private owner. Rotors went out of shape at 39,500 miles. Wind noise around the front doors at highway speeds. Its interesting that Ford now gives longer warrantys for the same car. Is Ford hurting? No more Fords for me

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  best car ever! - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By pespan1427 - May 13 - 1:16 am

  Its the most fun driving experience with plenty of v8 power. I cant believe its only 190 hp! Smooth driving, comfortable leather seats. I like how the dash board is all digital. Now I need to put a cd player that can match the green lighting. I bought it used with 84,000 miles. And its still smell new!

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  Fun to drive, Police Interceptor - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By hinderrocks25 - April 22 - 7:46 am

  the 2004 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is a big car that is fun to drive and has pretty good power for such a big car. However this year of car has a common problem of headlight failure due to the lighting control module. If you are going to buy one of these cars make sure the headlights work! and not just intermittently. Also about a week after buying this car with 123k miles on it the shocks that hold the hood open failed and now it slowly shuts the hood down so u have to hold it up with your hands. Also when pulling the lever to open the hood it doesnt open the hood all the way and u have to pry it open with something just to unlock the latch. Make sure you inspect it good b4 buying.

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  99Vic - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By johnM - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been a comfortable, reliable, and solid car. I am sorry to have to sell it.

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  Poor Mans Cadillac. - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CrownVicsPIsRule - April 11 - 3:26 pm

  I bought a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor In April of 2008 that had about 57,000 miles on it. It was in great condition and was only $4000. Its great for family trips and real fun to drive. It has plenty of passing power and is fast off the line. The engine is very quiet and the transmission shifts quiet softly. Mine is Performance White and looks like an unmarked police car. Cars tend to move aside for me on the highways and people aways drive carefully when Im around.

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  MORE BAN FOR YOUR BUCK - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By COPPEERHEAD - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic large car, nimble for its siz and weight. Large cavernous trunk, perfect for travelling. I dont get tired as easy because of the adjustable seating for the driver. All controls are within eay reach and entry and egress is easier than in most cars. My experience so far has me convinced that Ford is doing something right.

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  Surprisingly Ideal - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Benton S - March 26 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my green/grey LX because I wanted something more reliable for a long commute, but it turned into something much more fun. Im from an area where winter takes over half the year, and have experienced a fair number of fender benders that havent left a mark! Reasonable fuel economy and luxurious roomy interior makes my car a favorite for road trips, V8 power makes passing a breeze, and the spacious truck can easily haul anything I could ever want. Being a 20 yr old student, I didnt think Id love this land-yacht so much. But no cops pull me over because they think Im a ghost car, and nobody passes me for the same reason! Talk about added safety features. I dont think Ill ever sell.

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  This car saved my life! - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Stacey B - March 5 - 5:20 am

  The first thing that attracted me to this car was that it was a used police interceptor. I soon fell in love with the smooth ride and the way it drove. Hardly any problems with it, I have maybe replaced under $500 worth of parts in it. It was racking up around 120,000 when I hit a tree. I walked away fine from that accident, because my car took all the force. If that was a smaller car, I would be in the hospital or dead. I love this car so much, and even though I cant drive it because its smashed in, it still starts!