2003 Ford Crown Victoria Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

One of the last rear-drive, V8, traditional full-size sedans. A host of 2003 changes should keep it in favor with taxi cab drivers, police departments and those looking for a lot of room at a reasonable price.

Pros

Rear-wheel drive, plenty of interior space, comfortable ride, excellent crash-test results.

Cons

Large size makes it difficult to park and maneuver.

What's New for 2003

Ford's big sedan receives a number of updates for 2003. A new full-perimeter frame uses strong, lightweight hydroformed steel sections for the front rails to improve frontal and offset crash performance. Redesigned frame crossmembers and new optional side impact airbags improve side impact crash performance. Additionally, the new frame -- combined with a redesigned independent front suspension and new monotube shock absorbers -- contributes to a smoother, more controlled ride and improved handling. Other changes include a new variable ratio rack and pinion steering system with variable power assist and a new dual-rate brake booster that automatically supplies full braking power in a panic stop. Inside, revised seats offer improved comfort and appearance; the cupholders are new; and a three-point seatbelt has been added for the rear center passenger.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

My blue-collar Bentley

Written by: Heroic Oaf on 06/20/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

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

Review

We've had this car for almost a year as of this writing and are very, very satisfied with its performance and comfort. Large, yet modest. Doesn't leak a drop of nothin', except a/c condensation. Yes, we did have to replace a rear axle shaft a few months in, but flawless otherwise. Though it gets a lousy 12 mpg in the city, it gets 28 to 30 on the highway - incredible! And that's with three adult-sized people with luggage. Smooth as honey on the interstate.

Favorite Features

Heck,I like all the features we've got (it was a fleet vehicle, so it was not overly loaded).

Suggested Improvements

Those cupholders are really pathetic - gotta improve on that. Wish I had more room at the front trans bump, so I could put a coin caddy there (or a decent cupholder!) And find a way to keep the rain out of the trunk when you have to open it!

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best car i,ve ever owend

Written by: jim on 06/03/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

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

i bought my crown vic 2yrs ago ai ilove it it,s th best car i ever bought it had only 47579 on it when i got it it rides an handle very good its iceblue mat; i get 20 mpg around townit get up an go when i want it to go ihave it service every 3000 or les thanks ford for builtin a great car

th stereo system great sound

none sorry they stop makin them for public

Surprisingly Ideal

Written by: Benton S on 02/23/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	2	Exterior Design:	7

I bought my green/grey LX because I wanted something more reliable for a long commute, but it turned into something much more fun. I'm from an area where winter takes over half the year, and have experienced a fair number of fender benders that haven't left a mark! Reasonable fuel economy and luxurious roomy interior makes my car a favorite for road trips, V8 power makes passing a breeze, and the spacious truck can easily haul anything I could ever want. Being a 20 yr old student, I didn't think I'd love this land-yacht so much. But no cops pull me over because they think I'm a ghost car, and nobody passes me for the same reason! Talk about added safety features. I don't think I'll ever sell.

Comfortable seating, lots of truck space, plenty of power, and my particular vehicle is loaded with features! Overall, the best, most reliable car I've ever owned by far.

Fuel economy in the city is disappointingly low, (around 16mpg) and the headlights are dimmer than I would like, as they've started to cloud. Also, it is a full size sedan, so it's not quite as appealing to the eye as a 20 year old would like.

Classic American V8 road car

Written by: crunkcar on 12/09/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	10

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.

Big trunk, big passenger compartment, smooth ride.

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.

Good car

Written by: Mike T on 12/04/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

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.

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

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!

2003 Ford Crown Victoria Consumer Ratings & Reviews