2003 Ford Crown Victoria Consumer Reviews

Classic American V8 road car

Written by: crunkcar on 12/09/2008

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

This car is so comfortable for long trips that I prefer to drive 12 hours rather than take a 2 hour flight. When I turn the key, the satisfying V8 burble soothes my ears and I wonder how anyone can stand the sewing machine whine of a V4 Japanese engine in a cramped little Honda or Toyota. The dashboard is plain and functional- oil gauge, temp gauge, and a speedometer, with a compass above the rear view mirror; there are none of the electronic gimmicks that other cars are tricked out with.

Favorite Features

Big trunk, big passenger compartment, smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

Make the horn louder and more aggressive, to almost sound like a police siren. That would make the sight of this large car even more intimidating to other drivers.

Report inappropriate post

Good car

Written by: Mike T on 12/04/2008

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

No real problems so far. Generally good performance & economy. At 73000 km both are starting to slip a bit but it's due for a tune up & sits a lot, so ethanol in fuel could be playing havoc with injectors. In warmer seasons,gets about 20 mpg city cdn & 30-33 on hwy. Wife has severe back problems & finds car very comfortable. But ride could be smoother. As someone else said, trunk lid holds water & soaks you when you open it. Pins & bushings in front door hinges worn out. Car is very well maintained - go figure? For 1/2-1/3 price of high end used import, take the Vic! Read consumer info! Fuel consumption in line with larger imports. With proper maintenance, I expect to have it a long time.

Favorite Features

Comfort, reliability, decent fuel economy, style. Closest thing to real cars of the 50's &60's.

Suggested Improvements

Harder hinge pins & bushings in doors. Better drainage of trunk lid. Soften the ride. Get rid of GM style starter & go back to old Ford positive engagement style starter. Performance gurus often converted to Ford style - fender mounted relays to solve hot cranking problems!

Report inappropriate post

Great car

Written by: bob cox on 02/13/2008

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased this car new after owning a couple of Tauruses, a Sable and a Grand Marquis. I chose the Sport package and it is awesome. The power, handling and seating is so much better than the Grand Marquis. This car has done 90,000 miles, both long trips and local driving and has only had one non- maintenance repair, the rear air suspension compressor at 60,000 miles. Fuel mileage is consistently in the 26 mpg range even with the lower differential gearing of the Sport pkg. I'm in process of buying a 7000 mile 2006 LX Sport to replace it. Best car I've ever owned.

Favorite Features

Sport package, performance, ride and handling, bucket seats with console, great sound system and total reliability. Great acceleration.

Suggested Improvements

Update the interior a bit. No tachometer on 2003, (added it again later)

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Owner

Written by: Lee on 10/12/2007

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Rear axles went bad 2 months after warranty was past, but less than 36,000 miles. The car was on recall for this problem if it was a fleet vehicle, but not for a private owner. Rotors went out of shape at 39,500 miles. Wind noise around the front doors at highway speeds. It's interesting that Ford now gives longer warrantys for the same car. Is Ford hurting? No more Fords for me

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Awesome vehicle

Written by: John on 05/22/2007

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I've had this car from 22,000 miles, now have 86,000, all trouble free. I've taken it on several road trips, even went camping (the trunk fit tents, 4 sleeping bags, a cooler, and a camp grill). I bought the car back when I worked at a Ford dealership, because I had seen how well built they are, and how rarely they had any serious concerns. I intend to keep it for a long time. Some reviews on here talk about weak brakes, but I've never had any trouble bringing it to a quick stop

Favorite Features

This car is bigger than most SUV's! Smooth power, awesome reliability

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy could be better. All vics should have dual exhaust. Rear seat headrests, I put full size adults back there better cupholder

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Comfort, safety, beauty

Written by: Hazel F on 05/15/2007

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I've owned it for 1 year now. Have had no trouble at all. I'm a tall heavy woman and the electronic adjustable seats are wonderful. Love to take it on long trips. Gas mileage about 27 mpg. Not bad for this size car.

Favorite Features

Power seats, tilt steering, leg room, arm rests, elbow room, large trunk.

Suggested Improvements

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

a few more adjustments...

Written by: Jeff on 09/12/2006

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

I've had three Vics (85,89,03). I like the room (I'm 6-3). You can fit two child seats in back and still squeeze someone in between. And the safety of a larger car-it can take a decent thump. The car "sits" nicely on the road (not a "boat"). Aerodynamically quiet-I can have the windows down at 55 and the air flows quietly around the car. Unfortunately, the noise I do hear comes from the tranny (my '89 was the same way!) a sort of low pitched whine - like blowing across the top of a nearly full soda bottle.Another peeve is the way the trunk lid holds water until you open it, then it drips into the trunk and on your head. Gets about 20mpg on 300 mi./wk. mostly rural, varied. Not too bad!

Favorite Features

A solid feel for the road. Stable, responsive steering. Nice passing power at highway speeds when you want it. Roomy interior! Roomy trunk even with a full-sized spare. Fairly quiet with windows up or down. Audio system is fairly strong 'as is'. Accessory outlet under console (two's better). Comfy. :)

Suggested Improvements

The tranny whine - fix it or hide it. Better drainage of water from the deck lid trim. A little more leg support in the front seat. Cornering lamps would be great. Does the paint have to be so thin-skinned? More power on the low- end. Put the powertrain from my '94 Marquis into this ride!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good travelin' car

Written by: Nathan on 05/24/2006

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Bought an 03 Crown Vic LX Sport for the trunk and low-tech V8. I'm young and wanted the sport for the console and more aggressive look. Have had only minor problems (brakes) in 70K miles. Did have to replace the AC control unit ($900) when it went out at 60K. Best mileage on a tank was 23, mostly highway. Tires are a little pricey. Also seems a little hard to control at speed in the wind.

Favorite Features

This car should go 200K no problem, and will probably keep it until about then. Trunk size and comfort reign supreme. Want RWD and size in an American car? This is your choice.

Suggested Improvements

The trunk hinges should be European design and not interfere with items in the trunk when you close the lid. Should be able to lift windshield wipers to clean windshield without having to half-cycle them--wiper arms do not clear the hood. Also needs a vent/floor mix on the climate control.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

'03 Ford Crown Vic LX Sport Review

Written by: Ed Poux on 03/16/2006

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Purchased used with only 4200 actual miles on vehicle to replace a '96 Impala SS (245K miles on the clock). Wanted a large, US brand 4 door, V8, rear wheel drive car under $25K to drive on company business (1996 was last year GM made the rear wheel drive Impala SS). I now have 27K on the Ford odometer and have had no problems so far.

Favorite Features

Bucket seats, 6 disc CD changer, center console with shifter, 17 inch alloy wheels with P235/55HR Goodyear Eagle tires, sports suspension and automatic load leveler.

Suggested Improvements

The 4 speed automatic/overdrive transmission shifts erratically ... needs improvement; car lacks power ... even with true dual exhausts, has only 240 HP. The car needs a minimum of about 300 HP.

2 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

best all around

Written by: pete on 02/24/2006

Vehicle

2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)

Review

Ride and handling are excellent but not for long trips. Bucket seats should be standard on all models as well as a gps system for police models. Otherwise leave well enough alone and keep making a quality product. I love my "Vic."

Favorite Features

Looks kind of like a police cruiser which is good because no one bothers the car or driver. Easy to enter and exit and trunk is humongous.

Suggested Improvements

Minor cosmetic interior changes. Bucket seats standard on all models and do away with the cheesy cup holder/ashtray and replace with a console between front seats. Directional arrows in rear view mirrors would add safety to vehicle.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post