The only problems I can remember, outside of regular maintenance were:
(1) The handle to the glove box broke one time.
(2) The dome light burnt out one time.
I bought my 2003 Ford Crown Victoria in 2003 to replace a RAV4. I had the last straw of foreign vehicles with my 1995 Civic after it bit the dust in late 1997 (transmission failure).
I bought a Windstar to replace the Civic because there was a dealer within 4 miles of my house, and I only had a broken seat latch and one power window regulator. I also needed more room than the RAV4 I had. It always served the family without a complaint or a cough, and, truth be told, I could not ask for anything more in a minivan.
I bought the Crown Victoria based on the fact that my Windstar was so reliable.
My favorite features of the Crown Victoria are interior space, comfort, and ride.
The amount of space in the Crown Victoria is the largest of any sedan sold in North America- with the exception of the extended-wheelbase Lincoln Towncar (a more expensive version of the Crown Victoria) and this generation Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable (previously known as the Five Hundred/Montego).
The comfort is second to none. The leather is supportive, and has worn extremely well. The seats adjust properly, and finding an appropriate driving position takes about a minute. I wish my particular vehicle had memory, so I could program two settings.
The ride is as smooth as silk. Every bump is absorbed in the suspension. I feel as if I am "riding on a cloud." This may also be in part to how comfy and welcoming the interior is.
The controls on the center stack are placed logically. They are accurately sized, and all buttons, including the radio display are still as readable as the day I drove my Crown Victoria off of the lot.
My least favorite aspects of the Crown Victoria are the gas mileage (which is understandable) and a few oversights.
I have the V8 engine. I do drive with a light foot, but I get 13 MPG in the city, and 19 on the highway. This is almost pitiful. The mileage has not increased or decreased in age, it has been like that its entire life. The gas mileage (or lack thereof) is probably my most major complaint. For the few times that I do 'floor it', it is worth it.
The engineers at Ford should have paid just a touch more attention to detail. For example, the pinstripe on the side is not straight and it does not match up to the door on the same side as it.
There are no adjustable rear headrests for an unidentified reason.
There should be a 'taillight adjuster' so that on foggy days, the taillights can be set to a brighter hue for better visibility.
In conclusion, I am very fond of my Crown Victoria for these reasons:
(1) It has never left me stranded.
(2) It is comfortable.
(3) It is luxurious and cheap.
(4) The engineers did their homework, and that's what matters to me.
What gears do you have? 3.55 ratio?
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE:
I do not know what ratio it is. I can tell you that it is stock.
I believe stock is 2.73. It should be on the door sticker.
www.crownvic.net
The LX Sport has 3.27 gears.
The Crown Vic and Mercury equivalent are in my opinion the nicest styled cars out there, and if ford ever bring in a replacement let's hope they don't try to look too modern, because the current which is 10 year old really is the oldest Ford on the market, and the nicest looking by a long shot.
10 years old?
Try 30 ---- the design of the "Panther" platform used by the CV/GM/TC dates back to 1979!
The last serious restyle of the CV occurred in 1998 if that is what you were referring to.
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE.
That was one of the main reasons why I bought the Crown Vic. It had been around for a while and had proven its capabilities.
Also, to comment 21st Dec 2008, 17:19, comment 22nd Dec 2008, 13:45 is correct. Another example is the Ranger pickup- going back to 1984.
Everyone seems to think "newer is better" with regard to auto design. As a mechanic I can guarantee you that is a MAJOR myth. Older designs are tried and proven, and have all the bugs worked out. I refuse to EVER buy the first year model of anything. I waited 2 years to buy the redesigned retro Mustang so others could go through the "first year headaches" and save me the trouble. My 2007 has been flawless thus far.
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE.
I totally agree with the last comment. Look at reliability charts of any model, and the reliability is always lower the first year of that model name or of a major redesign.
Well CV cars today or 30 years ago will still seat 4 adults in comfort; what more do you want. The current Crown Vic mechanically wise may be 30 years old, but its styling is 10 years old, and I do believe it is as good as you can get in this era, without copying the euroyachts or riceburners.
ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE.
Again, I agree with the last comment.
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