2003 Ford Crown Victoria Review
2003 Ford Crown Victoria Review
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Used Crown Victoria for sale
Appraise This CarFord Crown Victoria model years
Ford Crown Victoria types
- Sedan
- Natural Gas
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$228/mo for Crown Victoria Base
Crown Victoria Base
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Introduction: The Victoria debuted in the Ford lineup in 1951 as a new derivative of the 1949 Ford, the company's first new post-war car. The Crown Victoria, a top-of-the-line version highlighted by a "basket-handle" chrome accent strip that looped over the greenhouse, joined the lineup in 1955. The Victoria models continued throughout the 1950s as derivatives of the Fairlane series. Other models included a luxury Town Victoria and stylish Club Victoria. The Victoria designation went on hiatus in 1965 in favor of the Galaxie 500 and LTD series Fairlanes. The Crown Victoria name returned in 1980 as the high end of the full-size LTD models and once again became a best seller.
Currently, the Crown Vic is the favored ride of taxi drivers, police departments and fleet services. Decades-old technology and platform sharing (the Mercury Marquis and Lincoln Town Car are progeny) allows Ford to keep the prices low.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: Ford's full-sized Crown Victoria comes in two trim levels, base and LX. The base model comes equipped with basics like air conditioning and a cassette stereo, as well as heated side view mirrors. It may be equipped with such convenience features as power adjustable pedals and remote keyless entry. Step up to the LX trim to get them standard, as well as a CD player, passenger power seat, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls and a spare tire. You can order a handling and performance package that includes performance tires and aluminum wheels, revised suspension components, a 3.27 axle ratio (compared to the 2.73 for the non-performance package), dual exhaust, leather trim for the seats and a six-disc CD changer. Traction control and a trunk organizer are available for both trim levels. Powertrains and Performance: The two-ton Crown Victoria was never a slouch in terms of acceleration, with the 4.6-liter V8 engine pumping out 224 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of thrust. For 2003, Ford has made a few minor improvements that reduce emissions and boost oil longevity. The only transmission offered is a four-speed automatic. Safety: All Crown Vics come supplied with ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Side airbags are available this year, but only on the LX trim level. The Crown Victoria has done well in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests; for 2002, it earned double five stars for frontal crash and double four stars for side impact testing. With a crash-severity sensor, safety belt pre-tensioners, dual-stage airbags and seat-position sensors, this full-size sedan protects occupants like few smaller cars can. Added standards like EBD, brake assist, traction control and power adjustable pedals boost the Crown Victoria's safety content even more.
Interior Design and Special Features: If you've ridden in a taxi cab recently, you know that the Crown Victoria's strength is not inventive interior design. For better or for worse, it's basic, roomy and comfortable. A cavernous trunk of 20.6 cubic feet will swallow any luggage you might have. The Crown Vic can seat six passengers thanks to a column-mounted shifter and a front bench seat. Driving Impressions/Opinions: These days, the Ford Crown Victoria and its Mercury Grand Marquis stable mate offer much more value than most compact and midsize cars being peddled at your local auto mall. Think about this: The Crown Vic costs about 30 grand fully loaded with electric everything and a leather interior. In contrast, a similarly equipped Toyota Avalon runs several thousand dollars more. If you're one of the few people unwilling to pay for a sport-utility's high insurance premiums and abysmal gas mileage and if you just can't stand the idea of a minivan, we hope that you like the Crown Victoria. It's your only choice for an American full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Ford Crown Victoria.
5 star(60%)
4 star(36%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
48 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Not the car I would have bought
Dominick, 01/05/2018
2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
I inherited this ‘03 Crown Vic with 14k miles in 2008. Ten years later, i’ve Logged over 217k miles on one of the great American road cars. My father-in-law ordered the LX model with a roll bar / upgraded suspension package. I guess he knew I would be driving the Sonoma / Mendocino Coast often, & quickly. Once I got used to throwing the weight, the car proved powerful, predictable & very … capable in course of my outside sales job. The trunk carried a great deal & likely over stressed its limits. About 14 months after I carried 28 cases of wine from Watsonville to Berkeley (and many other smaller transfers as well), the rear end failed & a transmission issue was identified. As I paid nothing for the car, I elected to repair the issues & it served well for several years thereafter. At this date the rear end is making noises again & ive opted to sell it or give to charity.
5 out of 5 stars
Safe!!! Reliable.
PolishPaul, 05/02/2003
2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
We've been buying CVs for many years
and owned at least 4 or 5. We
currently own 2. What makes it great
is its safety, it is constructed on a
metal frame/foundation. My mother was
in
accident in which she was rearended
and smashed from the front. The other
cars were wrecked, the CV was fine and
no one was seriously hurt.
My father will not drive any other car
and … i definetly agree with him.
Best part is people assume youre a
police cruiser and tend to get out of
your way. I'd reccomend this car for
anyone in the market for such a
vehicle.
The only negative is people who get
car sick will get sick quicker due to
its smooth ride.
4.88 out of 5 stars
2003 Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor
Luigi, 02/10/2010
2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Forget it, this car by far is the best car that i have owned. Every aspect of this vehicle adds up to it's greatness. At the beginning i was a bit concerned about mpg, reliability, and comfort. I drove from New York to Vermont, last exit before Canada. I got 28.5 miles a gallon, even with the heat on. Have you seen the size of this car? It could be -30 degrees like it was out there and … it started up right away no flaus and the heat of thr summer up to 105 degrees, no problem. This car offers a smooth ride, and fun to drive. I Love This Car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Fourht One of these in a decade!
slcdbc, 09/07/2002
2003 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
This is 4th CV I have purchased new in
a decade. All of them have been
EXTREMELY reliable and trouble free.
Gas mileage is very good - comparable
to smaller cars with six cylinder
power. ONLY complaint ... needs to have
a bit more power - ALL CVs need the
extra power from dual exhaust. Best
value in a car today, considering cost,
maintenance, upkeep.
2003 Crown Victoria Highlights
Sedan
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,705 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 20.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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