Acceleration

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
5	5.8

Generally smooth and strong around town, but transmission's tardy downshifts make for lazy merging and passing response in a broad 40-60-mph range. Traction control is a snowy-climate essential.

Fuel Economy

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
4	4.6

Test 239-hp LX averaged 22.4 mpg in mostly highway driving; an LX Sport averaged 16.3 in a city/highway mix. Base V8 isn't significantly thriftier. Crown Vics and Grand Marquis use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.6

Soft base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, despite some float on pavement undulations. Firmer Handling and Performance setup can be jittery over sharp, closely spaced bumps, but quells some float and is no big penalty in overall comfort.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.8

Steering linear and accurate in turns, steady and slop free in highway cruising. Still, Crown Vic and Grand Marquis handling characterized by marked body lean in fast changes of direction, mediocre tire grip. Little evident difference with Handling and Performance Package, but we recommend it for the included load-leveling rear suspension.

Quietness

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.7

Good isolation from road, mechanical noise. Wind rush, too, despite intermittent side-window whistle in one test Crown Vic.

Controls

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
4	6

Climate and audio systems set far from driver; available steering-wheel controls help. LX Sport has extra gauges and floorshift console. Crown Vic's optional digital instruments easy to read, but we prefer the standard analog gauges. All models suffer from a plethora of hard plastic surfaces that lend the cabin a budget-grade feel, even with leather upholstery.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7.6

Good-old big-car feel, with adult-size room and easy access. However, seats in all models are virtually flat, so lateral support in turns is poor.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.5

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

Cargo Room

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.6

Trunk holds lots of luggage, but space is concentrated in a deep center well, so removing heavy objects is a strain and some bulky items are a tough fit. Spare tire still above rear axle, but available trunk storage unit divides center well into more-useful covered bins.

Value within Class

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
5	6.6

Rear-drive traditionalists are well-served by the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. But these sedans still don't feel or act as lively and efficient as more-modern designs such as the Chrysler 300.

Total Score

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
57	61.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		61
High Score		71