2006 Ford Crown Victoria Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria help you decide if a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria is right for you.

2006 Ford Crown Victoria Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
5	5.6

Crown Vic, Grand Marquis 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	4.5

Test 239-hp model averaged 22.4 mpg in mostly highway driving, another averaged 16.3 in a city/highway mix. Base 224-hp 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	6.7

Base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, but soft enough to allow some float on undulations. Firmer Handling and Performance setup can be jittery over sharp, closely spaced bumps, but quells most float and exacts no big penalty in overall comfort.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.9

Steering linear and accurate in city driving, steady and slop-free in highway cruising. Still, Crown Vic and Grand Marquis show marked body lean and mediocre grip in fast cornering. Handling and Performance Package doesn't seem to help much, but is recommended for its included load-leveling suspension.

Quietness

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.8

Road and mechanical noise are well-isolated. Wind rush, too, though one test Crown Vic suffered intermittent side-window whistle. Unable yet to test with optional laminated side glass.

Controls

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
4	6.5

Climate and audio systems set fairly far from driver; available steering-wheel controls help. LX Sport has extra gauges, sporty floorshifter console. A plethora of hard plastic surfaces gives a budget-grade cabin ambience, even with leather upholstery.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7.8

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	7.1

Bench seat too soft for long-distance comfort. Great space, though center driveshaft tunnel intrudes on foot room.

Cargo Room

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

Trunk holds lots of stuff, but space concentrates in a deep center well, so removing heavy objects is a strain and some bulky items are a tough fit. Optional trunk storage unit drops into well, provides useful covered bins. Spare tire stows far ahead above rear axle.

Value within Class

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
5	7.1

Big-car traditionalists are well-served by Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. But these cars are ancient in design terms, so they're far less nimble and efficient than the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, and Ford's own Five Hundred and Mercury Montego--Best Buys all.

Total Score