1999 Ford Crown Victoria LX review from North America
"The best car I have ever owned"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Needed new front and rear brakes at 40K.
The screws that hold the front drivers and passengers door panel on have to be tightened every month or the door panels rattle.
The worst thing about this car is the dealer network. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealers absolutely stink. I've taken the car to a F/L/M dealer 3 times (different dealers) and each time they failed to preform the maintenance correctly AND tried to tell me that I needed to spend an additional $1500-$2000 for UNNEEDED repairs. I immediately took the car to a trusted mechanic and he said that none of the repairs that they told me about needed to be done.
General comments?
This car is huge, but handles like a sports sedan.
The ride on the interstate is perfect and the passing power is more than adequate.
The car is very reliable. I have not had a single serious issue with this car.
Be sure to replace your trans fluid every 15k with Mercon V to avoid tranny shudder.
My car has traction control which is wonderful. I was able to get through the snows of Boston better than most of the FWD cars out there.
I'm 6'2" and find that the backs of the seats are a bit low. The seats in the newer (01 and up) cars are better. I've also found that the rear view mirror is very much in the way. I've relocted it higher on the windshield which has made forward vision much better.
The only car that even comes close (actually, slightly surpasses) to this one as far as driveability and joy of ownership was the 1990 Audi 100 that I owned for 3 years. But, the Crown Vic has been much more reliable.
Basically, this is the best car that I have owned. I've been driving for 20 years and have owned 9 cars and this one is by far the best.
Recommended reviews
| Great car but buyer beware |
|
| I'd buy another if they still made it; I'll have to "settle" for its sister, the Grand Marquis! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 52000 miles |
| Previous car | Audi 100 |
| Date of Entry | 7th February, 2004 |