1985 Ford Crown Victoria

Summary:

This car has been a dream come true!

Faults:

The headliner was badly sagging at time of purchase.

Both the throttle position module and ignition needed to be replaced at 36000 miles.

The front brake calipers were sticking last summer and needed replacement.

General Comments:

This car has been the perfect vehicle for a lengthy highway commute.

It's big, comfortable, and a joy to drive to work every day.

The gas mileage, though not great, it acceptable for a car of its size.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2005

22nd Nov 2006, 17:32

Dose it have a 302 0r a 351.

1985 Ford Crown Victoria 302

Summary:

The best car I've ever driven

Faults:

When I got the car, it had been in a front end collision. I replaced the front clip, bumper, and hood.

Glove box didn't close.

Lights didn't work.

Windshield is cracked.

Tires were flat.

Fenders are a bit dented up.

The antenna motor doesn't work.

General Comments:

With a Ford 302 engine, this car really goes. The speedometer can't keep up.

Though it is a gas hog. I get about 15/18 mpg.

It does have a big tank. I get about a quarter tank with ten dollars of gas.

The sound system is surprisingly good.

The handling is great, and the ride is perfect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2004

7th Jun 2004, 10:05

If this is the best car you have ever driven, you must have had some really crappy cars before...

1985 Ford Crown Victoria LTD 302 CFI

Summary:

Last of the Classic American Sedans

Faults:

Battery and Alternator changed at 120,000 miles. New 02 sensor, new air pump hoses to catalytic converters.

Changed all belts and hoses. Rebuilt front and rear brakes. New brake hoses. New master cylinder. New front rotors. New wheel cylinders on all four wheels. New brake hoses. Cost less than $250.00 in parts. Provided the labor myself. Not a bad deal considering a brake shop would charge much more. Brakes would have lasted a bit longer, but I figured I would just change all the parts, and not bother with it for several more years.

Changed Universal joints at 130,000 miles out of safety concerns. Change your your U joints at 100,000 miles. they have a limited lifetime. This is a safety issue on ANY rear wheel drive car. Bearings on mine at 130,000 were dust, drive shaft would have fallen off. This is to be expected. Not a manufacturers fault.

Changed water pump at 125,000 miles. Started to leak. This item usually goes around 100,000 miles. Water pump was only 35 bucks. 3 hours of work to install it myself. This is not Ford's fault. It is a normal wear item.

Changed the front and rear shocks, and put on a new muffler. New tires.

Change oil every 3,000 miles, rotate tires every 6,000 miles. Change coolant every year flush and fill. Change tranny fluid every 30,000 miles. Change spark plugs, rotor and distributor cap every 15,000 miles. Changed the wires.

General Comments:

Car runs like new. No hesitation, no stalling. It gets around 15/20 MPG.

I have done a lot of work on this car, but that is to be expected on car that is almost 18 years old and has well over 100,000 miles. Parts wear out. Change the normal wear items, and you will have a very reliable car.

This car is also great because it very cheap to repair, and is very easy to work on. Parts are everywhere and they are cheap.

I have known people to get 300,000 miles out of the engine and transmission. It all depends on how you take care of the car, and how you drive it.

It is too bad Detroit doesn't make a car like this anymore. This is truly the last of the traditional American full sized cars. Rear wheel drive with a big V8 and tons of room.

This thing is a freeway cruiser. I love the ride, and the way it handles. The power steering is effortless, you can turn the wheel with one finger. I miss this type of effortless handling when I drive my brand new car.

This is my wifes car, and I drive it whenever I can, as I just love the way it rides.

I have thought about selling this car, and getting a new one, but I just like it too much. I just don't want to part with it. I am actually thinking of having it repainted, and having a new vinyl top installed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

9th Feb 2003, 09:22

The Vics are the last of the big sedans, but the best. I own a 93 and I must say it is one of the best cars I've ever owned. Maybe your Vic will go another 200,000 yet!

25th Feb 2004, 10:17

Your lucky your car gets 15 to 20 mpg. My car gets 9 to 14 mpg. My car is very reliable. No major problems. Ford made a winner with the Crown Victoria. No wonder why Ford is the best.