Snapshot:
A big, rear-drive V-8 sedan built on a separate chassis, the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria is a page from the past, but it's just the ticket for owners needing 6-passenger seating with a large trunk. Gets a 5-star safety rating.
How Much?:
Price for a base 2004 Ford Crown Victoria in the US is $24,345; $30,315 for the LX Sport.
The Inside Story:
Bench seats in front and rear with no intruding console make it possible to accommodate six adult-size passengers and their golf bags. Power locks/windows/mirrors, air, tilt, AM/FM stereo cassette, cruise, acres of carpet, front and side airbags and numerous cupholders are standard.
Under the Hood:
The one engine available in a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria is a 224 SOHC V-8 delivering 224 hp. EPA mileage in the base engine is 18/25.
Transmissions:
The only transmission in the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria is a 4-speed automatic.
Warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper. 3 years/36,000 miles powertrain.
Should You Buy a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria?:
Chances are you'll eventually get to ride in a 2004 Crown Victoria if you take taxis often as they're popular for fleet use. But they make safe, comfortable family sedans, too, and provide not unpleasant transport for folks who demand 6-passenger seating. In our view, three abreast up front is not the safest way to travel as it impedes the driver when evasive maneuvers are suddenly required but hey, we don't play golf either. If we did, we'd probably appreciate that commodious trunk. You won't buy a Crown Vic because it's fun to drive; you will buy one because it meets your personal needs better than other cars in its class.
