2006 Ford Crown Victoria Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Ford's big rear-wheel-drive sedan is a close cousin of the Mercury Grand Marquis. Crown Victoria offers Standard and LX models with a front bench seat and an LX Sport with front buckets and center console. A 4-speed automatic transmission mates to a 4.6-liter V8 with 224 hp in base form, 239 in LX Sport or with the Handling and Performance Package available for LX. ABS is standard for all, traction control optional. Curtain side airbags aren't offered, but front side airbags are available for LX and LX Sport, which now come with a trip computer. New for '06 is an in-glass radio antenna to replace an exterior mast-type.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they also include the only 6-passenger cars. Large Cars offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and Toyota Avalon. At this time we have no Recommended picks.

News

Informants expect few changes for Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis until the end of the decade, when the vintage-1979 underpinnings may finally be retired for a clean-sheet design. Because Ford is strapped for cash, the replacements are expected to use either a reworked Mustang platform or a large-sedan architecture from Ford Australia.

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

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
57	63.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		63
High Score		70

2006 Ford Crown Victoria Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Standard 4-door sedan	$24,510	$23,084	$775

LX 4-door sedan	$28,055	$25,785	$775

LX Sport 4-door sedan	$30,830	$28,282	$775

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Standard

Powertrain

4.6-liter V8 224-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, wiper-activated headlights, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 8-way power driver seat, cupholders, column shifter, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

LX adds to Standard:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, trip computer, compass.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

LX Sport adds to LX:

Powertrain

4.6-liter V8 239-horsepower engine, performance axle ratio.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/power lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, center console w/floorshifter, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance suspension, load-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 235/55HR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premier Group
LX	$1,030	$896
Power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Premier Group w/CD changer
LX	$1,495	$1,301
Premier Group plus in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Handling and Performance Pkg.
LX	$615	$535
Includes 239-horsepower engine, dual exhaust, performance springs, shocks, and stabilizer bars, load-leveling suspension, performance axle ratio, 225/60VR16 touring tires, unique alloy wheels. NA w/chrome alloy wheels.

Powertrain
Traction control
LX, LX Sport, Standard	$175	$152


Safety
Front side airbags
LX, LX Sport	$300	$261


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
LX, LX Sport	$1,095	$953
LX requires Premier Group.

Power-adjustable pedals
LX, LX Sport, Standard	$120	$105


Remote keyless entry
Standard	$255	$222


Leather upholstery
LX	$795	$692
Requires Premier Group.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Standard, LX	$185	$161


In-dash 6-disc CD changer
LX, LX Sport	$650	$566


Heated power mirrors
LX, LX Sport, Standard	$35	$30


Trunk storage unit
LX, LX Sport	$190	$166


Laminated side windows
LX, LX Sport	$295	$257


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alarm
LX, LX Sport, Standard	$175	$152
Standard requires remote keyless entry.

225/60TR16 whitewall tires
Standard, LX	$80	$69
NA w/Handling and Performance Pkg.

Full-size spare tire
Standard, LX	$115	$100


Chrome alloy wheels
LX	$650	$566

2006 Ford Crown Victoria Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Crown Victoria 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	114.6

Overall Length, in.	212.0

Overall Width, in.	78.3

Overall Height, in.	58.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	4129

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	20.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.0

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	39.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V8	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.6 /281	4.6 /281

Horsepower @ rpm.	224 @ 4800	239 @ 4900

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	272 @ 4000	287 @ 4100

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	17/25	17/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Ford Crown Victoria 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	5/100,000 on Focus. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid components.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/Unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Photos

Also in the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Review:

Ford Crown Victoria

Ford Crown Victoria Road Test

Ford Crown Victoria Prices & Equipment

Ford Crown Victoria Specs & Safety

Ford Crown Victoria Photos

Ford Crown Victoria Full Review

All Ford Crown Victorias

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