1997 Ford Crown Victoria LX review from North America
"If you can get one -- get one, but used"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Steering wheel leather wrap wore out after 10,000 miles, ash tray started squeaking at 9,000 and is there until today like a pest. Suspension started falling apart around 60,000 miles.
General comments?
This is second Crown Vic I own and I must say that when treated nicely, the car is VERY RELIABLE. Aside from being far from luxury (even though classified as one) the car is a great day-to-day car - a workhorse.
Pros: Extremely reliable. Rear wheel drive (oh yeah, very handy for cornering in the winter in Chicago) makes up for it's size and turning radius. Big sized boat, mafia sized trunk to fit 6 bodies, smooth ride, enough torque to push any 4 cylinder car from your parking spot. Still plenty of power to punch it at 85 MPH and be pushed into your seat.
Cons: No resale value - once you buy it you better drive it to the ground. Cornering should not be attempted at more than 35 MPH due to over-powered power steering and suspension that barely holds this 2 ton monster. Brakes way underpowered -- every 10,000 miles a new set of pads is required. 4 door illusion -- despite it's size no back seat. Engine has no performance edge. Poor attention to details. Luxury price for an average bargain.
Recommended reviews
| 1997 - Crown Victoria LX 281ci / 4.6L SOHC V8 The cops and cabbies use them for a reason |
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| Best, most dependable car I have owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6 SOHC Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 80000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Crown Victoria |
| Date of Entry | 30th October, 2002 |