Not tinkering too much with a winning format has contributed to Crown Victoria's success. In an era of small, front-wheel drive economy coupes, Crown Victoria stands out larger than life; and larger than most new cars on the road. Ford's largest sedan is a throwback to an earlier time when large, rear-wheel-drive cars roamed the roadways. It's a four-door sedan with a powerful V-8 engine and enough interior capacity to transport six real-world adults. It's a great highway cruiser, delivering a soft, subtle ride. Crown Victoria is available in two trim levels; base and upscale LX. Our LX test model, with electric red exterior and metallic leather interior had a starting price of $21,970. After preferred equipment packages, better stereo system and handling upgrades are factored in, the bottom line added up to $26,285. This price includes destination charge and Ford's special-value discount. Heated outside rearview mirrors, solar tinted glass and rear window defroster, which were options last year, are standard equipment this year. The radio antenna has been relocated, and is molded into the rear window, similar to the defroster. Also standard this year is a battery saver, which shuts off electrical accessories, including headlights, after a 10-minute delay if left on inadvertently. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is the 4.6-liter overhead cam engine that delivers 190 horsepower. Inside, the six-passenger Crown Victoria posses a roomy and spacious ambience. Ford redesigned the front and rear bench seats, making them roomier and more comfortable. Drivers enjoy an uncluttered, simplistic wood grain dashboard. Ford managed to incorporate an electronic message center, yet kept the look traditional. The message center provides information concerning fuel range, miles per gallon, and gallon to empty, all available at the tough of a button. Dual cup holders retract from the dashboard. Ford's stereo system has large, station preset buttons, making it easier to change radio stations without taking your eyes off the road. Drivers may have to stretch slightly to reach some of the radio controls, depending on how far up the driver's seat is positioned. Power windows and power locks are activated from large buttons and rocker switches found on the door. Front seats move forward or backward a full 10 inches. Fuel and trunk release buttons, along with controls for the heated side-view mirrors, are also located on the driver's side door. Both front doors have large pockets for storage of maps and other items. One subtle, but nice touch is the digital clock. Ford positioned the clock in-dash, separate from the stereo sound system. This eliminates having to press buttons or turn knobs when checking the time. Even though Crown Victoria is aimed at a conservative crowd, all models have a new 12-volt power point, near the floor heat register, for such modern amenities as cellular car phones. Back-seat travelers have outstanding headroom, and enough room for three adults to sit comfortably. Ceiling handles make exiting the vehicle easy for back seat and passenger-side occupants . Rear heating ducts pump bursts of heat or air conditioning to passengers. Because Crown Victoria is rear-drive, middle riders in back and front must straddle the transaxle hump running down the center of the interior floor. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles have a better overall weight distribution, which delivers a smoother ride and better handling characteristics than most front-wheel-drive cars. Rear-drive is also better suited for towing trailers or boats. Antilock brakes and traction control provide much needed assistance on ice and snow, and are recommended options for driving in Chicagoland winters. Dual air bags are standard as are four-wheel disc brakes. A new rear end design, including new tail lamps, complement Crown Vic's huge, deep trunk. The rear deck lid is aluminum this year, and 19 pounds lighter than last year's steel deck lid. Liftover height also has been lowered, making it easier to load and unload cargo. Crown Vic's gas mileage figures are also a throwback to a time when fuel was 32 cents a gallon. Ford estimates mileage at 17 mpg city, and 25 highway. Our test model clocked in at 19 mpg combined. The gas tank holds 20 gallons of fuel. The future looks brighter than ever for Crown Victoria and its corporate cousin, the Mercury Grand Marquis. General Motors announced last month that it's discontinuing its large, rear-drive cars; including the Chevrolet Caprice, Cadillac Fleetwood and Buick Roadmaster, currently assembled in Texas. The plant will produce pickup trucks for the 1997 model year. Ford assembles Crown Victoria in the Virgin Islands. |
