2001 Ford Crown Victoria: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Crown Victoria and Mercury's similar Grand Marquis are the only traditional American rear-wheel-drive full-size cars, though the luxury Lincoln Town Car also shares this platform. Crown Vic comes in base and LX models. Automatic transmission is standard. Sole engine is a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 220 hp in base form, 235 with optional Handling and Performance Package or new LX Sport package. Both packages include dual exhaust, firmer suspension, and higher numerical rear-axle ratio. LX Sport package gets 17-inch wheels and replaces the front bench seat with buckets, console, and floor shift. Traction control and ABS are optional on all Crown Vics. Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are optional on LX. Side airbags are unavailable.

COMPETITION

This segment has been hardest hit by the huge popularity of sport-utility vehicles. Just a few years ago there were more than 12 cars in the segment and now there are just seven. Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, and plenty of power.

Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are two Recommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability or don't mind having a rear-drive car, then we recommend you take a look at the Ford Crown Victoria. With its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis it's a dinosaur in this class, but Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.