1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2007 Ford Crown Victoria
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1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria ▼
- Price Range: $800 - $13,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Optional antilock brakes
- Acceleration
- Passenger and cargo room
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Steering feel
- Radio controls (early models)
Vehicle Highlights
Still rear-wheel drive with its body mounted on a separate frame, the latest Crown Victoria debuted in March 1991. Only a 4-door sedan was offered, in base or LX trim. Mercury's Grand Marquis is similar. Four-wheel disc brakes and a driver-side airbag were standard; antilock braking and a passenger airbag optional. A new 4.6-liter overhead cam V8 made 190 horsepower (210 with dual exhausts). As the full model year opened, Ford added a Touring Sedan with handling/performance package and traction control.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Crown Victoria Base/LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Ford Crown Victoria:
Crown Vic got a new grille. The Touring Sedan departed, but the handling/performance package remained an option. Sedans wore a new applique between taillamps, and cupholders now were built into the dashboard.
1994 Ford Crown Victoria:
Dual airbags became standard for '94.
1995 Ford Crown Victoria:
Quite a few revisions were evident, led by a revised grille and taillamps, new bumper fascias, new trunk (with wider, lower opening), and color-keyed bodyside moldings. Dashboards wore new woodgrain trim and displayed outside temperature and "gallons to empty," door switches gained backlighting, and the front seat got more rearward travel.
1996 Ford Crown Victoria:
A new color-keyed steering wheel had a central horn pad, instead of the former spoke-mounted buttons. Standard variable-assist power steering was revised to deliver more feel.
1997 Ford Crown Victoria:
To improve handling, the power steering system was revised to provide more precision and on-center feel.
1998 Ford Crown Victoria:
Crown Vic again gets new front and rear styling and a revised rear suspension. Also, horsepower is up by ten on the base engine; five with dual exhausts.
1999 Ford Crown Victoria:
After the 1998 redesign, Crown Vic was a virtual rerun for '99.
2000 Ford Crown Victoria:
Several safety features were installed for 2000, including an emergency trunk lid release inside the trunk, three child seat upper anchorages for the rear seat, and a chime that sounds to indicate an unbuckled seatbelt. Torque output on both engines increased by 10 pound-feet.
2001 Ford Crown Victoria:
Changes for 2001 included adjustable pedals, front airbags that adjust deployment based on crash severity, and headlights that turn on automatically with the wipers. The 4.6-liter V8 engine also gained 20 horsepower this year.
2002 Ford Crown Victoria:
New standard features included a power driver seat and heated mirrors on base models, and automatic climate control and power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals for LX and LX Sport.
2003 Ford Crown Victoria:
Revamped underpinnings and optional front side airbags highlighted the mid-2002 introduction of the 2003 Crown Victoria. Frame and suspension were redesigned to improve handling and ride and steering changed from recirculating-ball to rack-and-pinion.
2004 Ford Crown Victoria:
No significant changes were made in 2004.
2005 Ford Crown Victoria:
Crown Vic carried over into 2005 with no significant changes.
2006 Ford Crown Victoria:
New for '06 is an in-glass radio antenna to replace an exterior mast-type.
2007 Ford Crown Victoria:
Crown Victoria is virtually unchanged for 2007.
Our road test for the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The Crown Vic's extra-smooth V8 sets the heavy sedan into motion swiftly enough, and past highway traffic without delay. Midrange response is more sluggish, however, worsened by the fact that the transmission seems reluctant to downshift. Gas mileage is nothing to boast about. One early test LX Crown Victoria averaged an impressive 19.9 mpg. Later, an LX yielded only 15.3 mpg. Handling and stability are fine for a big sedan--improved in '03. The base suspension absorbs bumps nicely, yet doesn't wallow or float past pavement swells. The handling/performance option delivers a jittery ride, aggravated by too-light, numb power steering that easily turns twitchy. Traction can be a problem in the snow belt. You're likely to hear virtually no road, wind, or engine noise. Expansive seating for six is marred only by a lack of lateral support in the driver's seat. Controls are grouped logically and work smoothly, though tiny horn buttons are an annoyance. Visibility is fine and the trunk ranks as close to cavernous, but a large well in the center of the floor could induce a little back strain when loading heavy objects.
Value for the Money
Vastly more impressive than the prior generation, this Crown Vic mixes traditional values with contemporary virtues--a good choice if you like rear drive in a body-on-frame vehicle. Crown Vic and Mercury's Grand Marquis are the last of their kind.
Vastly more impressive than the prior generation, this Crown Vic mixes traditional values with contemporary virtues--a good choice if you like rear drive in a body-on-frame vehicle. Crown Vic and Mercury's Grand Marquis are the last of their kind.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Crown Victoria Base/LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Crown Victoria includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Crown Victoria .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Accessory belt:
The serpentine accessory drive belt on 4.6L engine comes off in wet weather requiring a redesigned water pump, tensioner pulley or both. (2001-02)
Accessory belt:
The serpentine belt may come off in wet weather. A revised belt tensioner and water pump pulley are available. (2001-02)
Air springs:
Air springs are prone to leaks caused by the bag rubbing against the axle or control arm. (1992-96)
Automatic transmission:
The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1992-95)
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission is notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed. (1992-94)
Brakes:
A corroded electrical connector may cause the antilock brakes to activate unnecessarily and/or flash the ABS light. Revised connectors are available. (1995-97)
Coolant leak:
The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-2001)
Engine misfire:
The cam lobes may become loose on 4.6-liter V8. The only solution is camshaft replacement. (1992)
Engine noise:
The drive belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)
Hard starting:
The connector at the starter solenoid tends to corrode resulting in a "no crank" condition. (1992-94)
Hard starting:
If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle air-control valve may be sticking. (1996)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1985-2002)
Oil leak:
The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil pump relief valve sticks. Higher than recommended viscosity oils cause wear to the valve bore. (1992-94)
Spark plugs:
Spark plug hole threads in cylinder heads are easily damaged or stripped out when removing plugs because carbon builds up on them. (2004-05)
Vehicle noise:
A broken gusset or weld separation at the frame crossmember causes a rattle from the rear of the car. (1992)
Vehicle noise:
A chattering noise that can be felt, and sometimes heard, coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok (limited-slip) differential. (1992-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $380 |
| Alternator | $375 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $870 |
| Brakes | $275 |
| Exhaust System | $353 |
| Radiator | $380 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $505 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $330 |
| Universal Joints | $125 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Crown Victoria details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 2007 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $11,000-12,500 | $9,900-11,300 | $5,900-6,800 |
| Crown Victoria LX | $12,800-14,500 | $11,600-13,200 | $7,300-8,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $9,500-11,000 | $8,600-9,900 | $4,900-5,700 |
| Crown Victoria LX | $11,200-12,700 | $10,100-11,400 | $6,000-6,900 |
| 2005 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $8,300-9,700 | $7,500-8,700 | $4,300-5,000 |
| Crown Victoria LX | $9,800-11,000 | $8,800-9,900 | $5,100-5,700 |
| 2004 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $7,200-10,000 | $6,400-8,900 | $3,500-4,900 |
| 2003 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $6,200-8,500 | $5,400-7,400 | $2,700-3,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $5,500-7,000 | $4,700-6,000 | $2,300-2,900 |
| 2001 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $4,800-6,000 | $4,000-5,000 | $1,800-2,300 |
| 2000 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $4,200-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 1999 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1996 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1995 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1994 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Crown Victoria | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Crown Victoria include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 212.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.8 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3780 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 20.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Output from the Crown Victoria's 4.6-liter overhead-camshaft V8 engine depends upon its exhaust system. In standard form, the V8 produced 190-210 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. But with the optional dual exhaust setup, horsepower jumps to 210-215 and torque to 270. Either way, a 4-speed overdrive automatic is the only transmission, with electronic controls from mid-1992 onward. Torque outputs rose by 10 pound-feet in 2000. The 4.6-liter V8 gained 20 horsepower in 2001 to 224 with single exhaust and 239 with dual exhaust.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 190-239 | 260-287 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: 15.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Crown Victoria include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Crown Victoria |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992:
"Antilock" brake warning lights in small number of cars will not actuate.
1992-1998 Crown Victoria w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1992-1998:
This vehicle was previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity. Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component.
1992-93:
Speed-control deactivation switch can develop a short, which could potentially result in fire even if engine is not running.
1992-99 police/fleet/natural gas:
Bearing within lower ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack; could result in separation, allowing control arm to drop to the ground.
1993-94 w/police option:
Upper-control-arm bolts can loosen and fracture, causing substantial negative camber and steering pull; fracture at both holes could result in loss of control.
1994:
Nuts and bolts that attach rear brake adapter to axle flange can loosen and eventually separate.
1995:
In the event of short-circuit or overload, both headlamps can go out without warning.
1995:
On some cars, passenger-airbag's inflator body is cracked and may not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate.
1995:
Rivet heads holding rear outboard seatbelt D-rings may fracture under load, reducing belt's restraining capability.
1995:
Seal material between fuel-filler pipe and tank may not have been fully cured, which could allow fuel to leak.
1995-96 fleet cars only:
Corrosion of inadequately lubricated Pitman arms can cause abnormal wear of joint, resulting in separation.
1996:
Driver's door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain specified load.
1996-00:
Replacement seatbelts made by TRW and sold by Ford may not restrain occupant in a collision.
1996-03 CNG vehicles:
Vehicle fire could lead to natural-gas tank explosion.
1997 w/traction control:
Rear brake line may chafe due to contact with floor pan stiffening rib, resulting in brake fluid leakage; brake pedal could develop "spongy" feel and brake performance may be compromised.
1998-00:
Incorrect jacking instructions may cause personal injury.
2000:
During high-load conditions (ice, snow, or other debris), windshield wipers could become inoperative with no advance warning.
2000:
Left-rear seatbelt-retractor bolts were incorrectly tightened on a few cars.
2000:
Loose module on a few cars could result in delayed airbag deployment.
2001:
A restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing.
2001:
Driver- and/or outboard front-passenger's seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.
2002:
A T-fitting that connects two of the fuel tanks can develop a leak when the ignition switch is on or during refueling, increasing the risk of fire.
2003 Fleet:
Overloading the wheel bearings and axles on certain police, commercial and passenger models sold to fleets could lead to early bearing failure, and ultimately to axle-shaft fracture.
2003-04 Heavy-duty Fleet and Police:
At extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel could sag and possibly contact the catalytic converter, resulting in burning odor, smoke, and potential for fire.
2003-05 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor models w/steel wheels:
Some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk. The cracks can ultimately result in rapid air loss from the tire and could affect vehicle control. Dealers will inspect and replace affected wheels.
2007:
The windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body, resulting in wind noise, squeak/rattles, and/or water leaks. Dealers will replace the windshield.
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