2003 Ford Crown Victoria: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Revamped underpinnings and optional front side airbags highlighted the mid-2002 introduction of the 2003 Crown Victoria. Ford's rear-wheel-drive full-size sedan again shares its design with Mercury's Grand Marquis, which is similarly revised for '03--though Crown Vic has no counterpart to the new high-performance Mercury Marauder. These are among the few remaining body-on-frame automobiles, and the '03 versions have a redesigned frame and front suspension intended to improve ride and handling. Better handling also motivates the change from recirculating-ball steering to a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system. Dimensions are unaltered but styling gets minor tweaks, such as new headlamps. Crown Vic offers Standard, LX, and LX Sport models. Front side airbags are a first-time option available only on the LX and LX Sport. Standard and LX have a front bench seat; the LX Sport has buckets with a center console. Automatic transmission is standard. The sole engine is a 4.6-liter V8 with 224 hp in base form, 239 in the LX Sport or with the optional Handling and Performance Package. ABS is standard on all models for '03; traction control is optional. Also sharing this revamped design is the 2003 Lincoln Town Car.

COMPETITION

Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, plenty of power, and hefty manufacturer discounts. Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are our Recommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability and don't want an SUV, Ford Crown Victoria, with its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis, is an option. Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.