4
0
Large car; Built in Canada
  • 4-door sedan
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,100 – $12,500*


1992 Ford Crown Victoria


1994 Ford Crown Victoria


1996 Ford Crown Victoria LX


1995 Ford Crown Victoria


1995 Ford Crown Victoria LX

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Optional antilock brakes
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Trailer-towing capability
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Radio controls (early models)
  • Steering feel

Vastly more impressive than the prior generation, this Crown Vic mixes traditional values with contemporary virtues–a good choice if you like rear drive in a body-on-frame vehicle. Crown Vic and Mercury’s Grand Marquis are the last of their kind.

Overview

Still rear-wheel drive with its body mounted on a separate frame, the latest Crown Victoria debuted in March 1991. Only a 4-door sedan was offered, in base or LX trim. Mercury’s Grand Marquis is similar. Four-wheel disc brakes and a driver-side airbag were standard; antilock braking and a passenger airbag optional. A new 4.6-liter overhead cam V8 made 190 horsepower (210 with dual exhausts). As the full model year opened, Ford added a Touring Sedan with handling/performance package and traction control.

Yearly Updates

1993 Crown Victoria
Crown Vic got a new grille. The Touring Sedan departed, but the handling/performance package remained an option. Sedans wore a new applique between taillamps, and cupholders now were built into the dashboard.
1994 Crown Victoria
Dual airbags became standard for ’94.
1995 Crown Victoria
Quite a few revisions were evident, led by a revised grille and taillamps, new bumper fascias, new trunk (with wider, lower opening), and color-keyed bodyside moldings. Dashboards wore new woodgrain trim and displayed outside temperature and “gallons to empty,” door switches gained backlighting, and the front seat got more rearward travel.
1996 Crown Victoria
A new color-keyed steering wheel had a central horn pad, instead of the former spoke-mounted buttons. Standard variable-assist power steering was revised to deliver more feel.
1997 Crown Victoria
To improve handling, the power steering system was revised to provide more precision and on-center feel.
1998 Crown Victoria
Crown Vic again gets new front and rear styling and a revised rear suspension. Also, horsepower is up by ten on the base engine; five with dual exhausts.
1999 Crown Victoria
After the 1998 redesign, Crown Vic was a virtual rerun for ’99.
2000 Crown Victoria
Several safety features were installed for 2000, including an emergency trunk lid release inside the trunk, three child seat upper anchorages for the rear seat, and a chime that sounds to indicate an unbuckled seatbelt. Torque output on both engines increased by 10 pound-feet.
2001 Crown Victoria
Changes for 2001 included adjustable pedals, front airbags that adjust deployment based on crash severity, and headlights that turn on automatically with the wipers. The 4.6-liter V8 engine also gained 20 horsepower this year.
2002 Crown Victoria
New standard features included a power driver seat and heated mirrors on base models, and automatic climate control and power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals for LX and LX Sport.
2003 Crown Victoria
Revamped underpinnings and optional front side airbags highlighted the mid-2002 introduction of the 2003 Crown Victoria. Frame and suspension were redesigned to improve handling and ride and steering changed from recirculating-ball to rack-and-pinion.
2004 Crown Victoria
No significant changes were made in 2004.
2005 Crown Victoria
Crown Vic carried over into 2005 with no significant changes.
2006 Crown Victoria
New for ’06 is an in-glass radio antenna to replace an exterior mast-type.
2007 Crown Victoria
Crown Victoria is virtually unchanged for 2007.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Output from the Crown Victoria’s 4.6-liter overhead-camshaft V8 engine depends upon its exhaust system. In standard form, the V8 produced 190-210 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. But with the optional dual exhaust setup, horsepower jumps to 210-215 and torque to 270. Either way, a 4-speed overdrive automatic is the only transmission, with electronic controls from mid-1992 onward. Torque outputs rose by 10 pound-feet in 2000. The 4.6-liter V8 gained 20 horsepower in 2001 to 224 with single exhaust and 239 with dual exhaust.

ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 190-239
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 260-287
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 17/25

 15.3

Road Test

The Crown Vic’s extra-smooth V8 sets the heavy sedan into motion swiftly enough, and past highway traffic without delay. Midrange response is more sluggish, however, worsened by the fact that the transmission seems reluctant to downshift. Gas mileage is nothing to boast about. One early test LX Crown Victoria averaged an impressive 19.9 mpg. Later, an LX yielded only 15.3 mpg.

Handling and stability are fine for a big sedan–improved in ’03. The base suspension absorbs bumps nicely, yet doesn’t wallow or float past pavement swells. The handling/performance option delivers a jittery ride, aggravated by too-light, numb power steering that easily turns twitchy. Traction can be a problem in the snow belt.

You’re likely to hear virtually no road, wind, or engine noise. Expansive seating for six is marred only by a lack of lateral support in the driver’s seat. Controls are grouped logically and work smoothly, though tiny horn buttons are an annoyance. Visibility is fine and the trunk ranks as close to cavernous, but a large well in the center of the floor could induce a little back strain when loading heavy objects.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Ford Crown Victoria Base/LX

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 5
50%

Total: 53

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
114.4 212.0 77.8 56.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
20.6 20.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.4 38.0 42.5 39.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Crown Victoria 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 73
Injury 61
Theft 52

Trouble Spots

Air springs
Description: Air springs are prone to leaks caused by the bag rubbing against the axle or control arm. (1992-96)
Automatic transmission
Description: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1992-95)
Automatic transmission
Description: The automatic transmission is notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed. (1992-94)
Brakes
Description: A corroded electrical connector may cause the antilock brakes to activate unnecessarily and/or flash the ABS light. Revised connectors are available. (1995-97)
Coolant leak
Description: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-2001)
Engine misfire
Description: The cam lobes may become loose on 4.6-liter V8. The only solution is camshaft replacement. (1992)
Engine noise
Description: The drive belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)
Hard starting
Description: The connector at the starter solenoid tends to corrode resulting in a “no crank” condition. (1992-94)
Hard starting
Description: If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle air-control valve may be sticking. (1996)
Heater core
Description: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1985-2002)
Oil leak
Description: The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil pump relief valve sticks. Higher than recommended viscosity oils cause wear to the valve bore. (1992-94)
Spark plugs
Description: Spark plug hole threads in cylinder heads are easily damaged or stripped out when removing plugs because carbon builds up on them. (2004-05)
Vehicle noise
Description: A broken gusset or weld separation at the frame crossmember causes a rattle from the rear of the car. (1992)
Vehicle noise
Description: A chattering noise that can be felt, and sometimes heard, coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok (limited-slip) differential. (1992-96)
Accessory belt
Description: The serpentine belt may come off in wet weather. A revised belt tensioner and water pump pulley are available. (2001-02)
Accessory belt
Description: The serpentine accessory drive belt on 4.6L engine comes off in wet weather requiring a redesigned water pump, tensioner pulley or both. (2001-02)

Recall History

1992
Description: “Antilock” brake warning lights in small number of cars will not actuate.
1992-93
Description: Speed-control deactivation switch can develop a short, which could potentially result in fire even if engine is not running.
1992-98 Crown Victoria w/speed control system
Description: The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1992-98
Description: This vehicle was previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity. Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component.
1992-99 police/fleet/natural gas
Description: Bearing within lower ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack; could result in separation, allowing control arm to drop to the ground.
1993-94 w/police option
Description: Upper-control-arm bolts can loosen and fracture, causing substantial negative camber and steering pull; fracture at both holes could result in loss of control.
1994
Description: Nuts and bolts that attach rear brake adapter to axle flange can loosen and eventually separate.
1995
Description: On some cars, passenger-airbag’s inflator body is cracked and may not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate.
1995
Description: Seal material between fuel-filler pipe and tank may not have been fully cured, which could allow fuel to leak.
1995
Description: In the event of short-circuit or overload, both headlamps can go out without warning.
1995
Description: Rivet heads holding rear outboard seatbelt D-rings may fracture under load, reducing belt’s restraining capability.
1995-96 fleet cars only
Description: Corrosion of inadequately lubricated Pitman arms can cause abnormal wear of joint, resulting in separation.
1996
Description: Driver’s door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain specified load.
1996-00
Description: Replacement seatbelts made by TRW and sold by Ford may not restrain occupant in a collision.
1996-03 CNG vehicles
Description: Vehicle fire could lead to natural-gas tank explosion.
1997 w/traction control
Description: Rear brake line may chafe due to contact with floor pan stiffening rib, resulting in brake fluid leakage; brake pedal could develop “spongy” feel and brake performance may be compromised.
1998-00
Description: Incorrect jacking instructions may cause personal injury.
2000
Description: During high-load conditions (ice, snow, or other debris), windshield wipers could become inoperative with no advance warning.
2000
Description: Loose module on a few cars could result in delayed airbag deployment.
2000
Description: Left-rear seatbelt-retractor bolts were incorrectly tightened on a few cars.
2001
Description: A restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing.
2001
Description: Driver- and/or outboard front-passenger’s seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.
2002
Description: A T-fitting that connects two of the fuel tanks can develop a leak when the ignition switch is on or during refueling, increasing the risk of fire.
2003 Fleet
Description: Overloading the wheel bearings and axles on certain police, commercial and passenger models sold to fleets could lead to early bearing failure, and ultimately to axle-shaft fracture.
2003-04 Heavy-duty Fleet & Police
Description: At extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel could sag and possibly contact the catalytic converter, resulting in burning odor, smoke, and potential for fire.
2003-05 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor models w/steel wheels
Description: Some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk. The cracks can ultimately result in rapid air loss from the tire and could affect vehicle control. Dealers will inspect and replace affected wheels.
2007
Description: The windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body, resulting in wind noise, squeak/rattles, and/or water leaks. Dealers will replace the windshield.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 10, 2014.
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