1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Ford Crown Victoria. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Ford Crown Victoria.

1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria Review

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.

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 pounds-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.

1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room	Steering feel

Trailer-towing capability	Radio controls (early models)

Optional antilock brakes

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Ford Crown Victoria Base/LX	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	4

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:	54

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.

1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria Reliability

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 belt may come off in wet weather. A revised belt tensioner and water pump pulley are available. (2001-02)

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)

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

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.

1992-93: 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.

1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
Crown Victoria	$1,400-1,800	$900-1,200	$200

1993
Crown Victoria	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300

1994
Crown Victoria	$1,900-2,400	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1995
Crown Victoria	$2,300-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$400-600

1996
Crown Victoria	$2,700-3,300	$2,000-2,500	$600-700

1997
Crown Victoria	$3,200-3,800	$2,500-3,000	$800-1,000

1998
Crown Victoria	$3,700-4,400	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300

1999
Crown Victoria	$4,200-5,000	$3,400-4,100	$1,400-1,700

2000
Crown Victoria	$4,800-5,700	$4,000-4,800	$1,800-2,200

2001
Crown Victoria	$5,400-6,500	$4,600-5,600	$2,200-2,700

2002
Crown Victoria	$6,400-7,900	$5,600-7,000	$2,800-3,500

2003
Crown Victoria	$7,500-9,800	$6,800-8,800	$3,800-4,900

2004
Crown Victoria	$8,600-11,000	$7,700-9,900	$4,500-5,700

2005
Crown Victoria	$10,000-11,100	$9,000-10,000	$5,200-5,800
Crown Victoria LX	$11,500-12,500	$10,400-11,300	$6,300-6,900

2006
Crown Victoria	$11,500-12,500	$10,400-11,300	$6,300-6,900
Crown Victoria LX	$13,200-14,500	$12,000-13,200	$7,700-8,400

2007
Crown Victoria	$13,500-14,500	$12,300-13,200	$8,000-8,600
Crown Victoria LX	$15,200-16,700	$13,800-15,200	$9,600-10,500

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.

1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Canada

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-2007 Ford Crown Victoria Review:

Ford Crown Victoria

Ford Crown Victoria Road Test

Ford Crown Victoria Reliability

Ford Crown Victoria Prices

Ford Crown Victoria Specs & Safety

Ford Crown Victoria Photos

Ford Crown Victoria Full Review