1997 Ford Crown Victoria review from North America
"Let's just say that my Crown Vic isn't the Crown Vic that my Grandfather drove."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This car was ordered from the factory by a man born in 1917. Allow me to say that he didn't drive like an old man.
This car has EVERY item that goes into a Police Interceptor (except for the exclusive police package items.)
The car was meticulously maintained by the dealer he purchased it from. I have a buddy who is a "wrench," and I have him do all my service work.
Other than regular preventative maintenance, I had the brake pads changed on all four wheels. I did this only because I had a brake squeal, and figured it wouldn't hurt to change the pads.
The only other item that I have had serviced, by the local Ford dealer, was to have a complete transmission service. I did this for two reasons... one being that the maintenance book in the glove box suggested it at 50,000. However, I also had a "rumble strip" chatter occasionally and they oil change place showed me that my transmission fluid was "a bit weak."
Since the transmission service, I have no further chatter.
General comments?
There are only two other items that I have on my "list" to take care of.
First, the factory has the car set up to have the PCV valve changed, at Ford's expense, at 60,000.
And second, I plan on replacing the P225-60R16 high performance Michelin tires that came stock on the car with identical rated and size Yokohama tires. I am not a fan of Michelin tires, and have been told by several people that the Yoko tire will be the closest match to the performance/handling specs of the Michelins... if not be an improvement.
It is important to me that the car's handling performance not be altered, seeing as it is an "unofficial" police interceptor.
Oh...and the running cost number above, being a 7/10 is simply because of the performance of the car and MY RIGHT FOOT.
Recommended reviews
| 1997 - Crown Victoria P71 police interceptor 4.6 ltr 281c.i. Very nice heavy riding muscual comfortable automobile |
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| 1997 - Crown Victoria police interpector 4.6L This is a fast, reliable, cheap, safe car that you can buy cheap |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 35000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 51000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Venture |
| Date of Entry | 15th June, 2003 |