Acceleration

LX	Class Average
6	5.6

Smooth and strong, with good passing power. Optional traction control is recommended, but still doesn't match grip of front-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy

LX	Class Average
4	4.6

Test cars averaged 14.7 mpg with the 235-hp engine; base V8 shouldn't be significantly thriftier. Ford and Mercury recommend 87-octane regular gas for both.

Ride Quality

LX	Class Average
7	6.7

Base suspension is soft and absorbent, fairly controlled, despite some floating over pavement undulations. Stiffer suspension in optional Handling and Performance Package not a big ride negative. We haven't yet tested a Crown Vic LX Sport.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX	Class Average
5	5.3

While Crown Vics and Grand Marquis are not sloppy handlers, they're far less-agile than trimmer front-drive rivals. Steering effort too light. Handling and Performance Package no big advantage. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes have good stopping power.

Quietness

LX	Class Average
6	6.1

Good isolation from wind, road, and mechanical noise.

Controls

LX	Class Average
4	5.3

Old school. We prefer the standard analog gauges, but optional digital instruments are easy to read. Controls are large, but those for climate system are a reach; upper-range models add redundant audio/climate controls on steering wheel, which help. Mix of plastic and vinyl panels, seats of cloth or leather, create conservative, serviceable interior decor.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX	Class Average
7	6.9

Good-old big-car feel, with adult-size room and easy access. However, contour-free bench seat is poor at holding occupants in place during fast turns. Available bucket seats may do better.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX	Class Average
6	5.9

Spacious, but too soft for long-distance comfort. Center driveshaft tunnel intrudes on foot room.

Cargo Room

LX	Class Average
6	5.8

Trunk holds plenty of luggage, but the space is concentrated in a deep center well, so some bulky items are a tough fit.

Value within Class

LX	Class Average
5	6.9

We favor the more modern approach of front-wheel-drive rivals like the Dodge Intrepid and Buick LeSabre, but rear-drive V8 traditionalists won't be disappointed with the reasonably priced Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis.

Total Score

LX	Class Average
56	59.1

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		52
Average Score		59
High Score		65