Ford Crown Victoria

Car Specification:
Ford's traditional full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan saw only modest changes for the 2007 model year. An AM/FM stereo with CD player and a remote keyless entry system are now standard on all models, and a perimeter alarm system and daytime running lamps are available. Exterior colors include two new choices, Norsea Blue Pearl Clearcoat Metallic and Driftwood Beige Clearcoat Metallic.

Ford has simplified the Crown Victoria lineup for 2007, now offering just two trim levels, standard and LX. A new LX performance package includes several features found in the discontinued LX Sport model, including the 239-horsepower V-8 engine. Heavy-duty Crown Victorias for police and taxi use come in standard or extended-wheelbase form.

Exterior
Styling features include wide door openings, wraparound aero headlights and color-keyed bodyside moldings. Riding a 114.6-inch wheelbase, the four-door sedan is 212 inches long overall and 58.3 inches tall.
The standard sedan has 16-inch steel wheels, while the LX sedan features 16-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels. The new LX performance package features 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels and a body-colored grille.
Solar-tinted glass is standard, and optional laminated front side glass reduces outside noise and filters out most ultraviolet rays.

Interior
Five or six people fit inside the Crown Victoria, depending on whether bench or bucket seats are installed up front. An overhead console is standard in the LX. The sedan's trunk holds 20.6 cubic feet of cargo, and a trunk organizer and power moonroof are optional.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering column, an AM/FM stereo with CD, an eight-way power driver's seat, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Electronic climate control is installed in the LX sedan. The new LX performance package adds power bucket seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and floor-mounted gearshift lever. Power-adjustable pedals, a six-disc CD changer and heated side mirrors are optional.

Under the Hood
The Crown Victoria's 4.6-liter V-8 produces 224 hp and 272 pounds-feet of torque and drives a four-speed automatic transmission. Optional all-speed traction control uses the antilock braking system and throttle intervention to manage wheelspin. The new LX performance package features a 239-hp version of the V-8 and a dual exhaust system.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and dual front airbags are standard. A dual-rate brake booster applies full braking power automatically in a panic stop. Side-impact airbags are optional.

Driving Impressions
Though the past two model years have seen the introduction of other rear-drive models, relatively few choices are available for drivers who seek rear-drive motoring at a moderate cost. Fortunately, the Crown Vic yields a generally pleasant experience, led by an easygoing ride. As long as you don't expect sharp handling, this sedan can be a sensible purchase, though it's bigger than most people need.