Last produced for civilian use for the 2007 model year, the Ford Crown Victoria was a full-size, six-passenger sedan available in base and LX trim levels. The LX model had a few extra upscale features and also allowed access to a couple optional packages such as the premium handling and performance package (previously known as the LX Sport trim level). Despite its 2-ton curb weight, the Crown Victoria was reasonably quick thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 224 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque; LX models equipped with the upgraded performance package were a bit swifter, with 239 horses and 287 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission available, although Crown Vics equipped with the sport package also had an upgraded torque converter and shorter rear-axle gearing that made for quicker initial acceleration off the line.

Though it’s received a variety of updates in the past 15 years, the most recent Crown Victoria is still basically the same car as it was back in 1992, the time of the last major redesign. The most recent body style dates back to 1998, though in 2003 it received an all-new chassis under that now-familiar body shell. The Crown Victoria air ride suspension design was largely the same, but it featured many updates and incorporated more responsive rack-and-pinion steering for the first time. Antilock brakes were made standard that year, and front side airbags were available on both the LX and LX Sport. The Crown Victoria was dramatically restyled for 1998 by adopting the formal roof line previously used exclusively on its Mercury Grand Marquis twin. Powertrains were revised to deliver more power, and the rear suspension was tweaked to improve handling. There were only detail changes until 2001 when adjustable pedals were first offered, and the engine was tweaked yet again to boost output to 220 hp on the base and LX models and a dual-exhaust-enabled 235 hp on the LX Sport.

Inside, the dated design and budget materials quality were immediately apparent. The vehicle’s strengths were reflected in its solid value for the money and the roomy, comfortable accommodations for five or six. This included a huge 21-cubic-foot trunk that could easily swallow a week’s worth of luggage for four adults or a family. In reviews, They found that the Ford Crown Victoria air suspension kits delivered a forgiving ride quality. Handling was acceptable but sloppy, and there was just no getting around this big sedan’s decades-old design, substantial weight and large dimensions. If you’re looking for nothing more than a simple family cruiser or roomy commuter, a used, well-kept Crown Vic will perform admirably. But if you want a full-size V8 sedan that also feels nimble and refined, They believe you’ll be happier with this Ford’s more modern competition, such as a Chrysler 300.

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The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size, six-passenger sedan available in base GS and upscale LS trim levels. The GS gives you A/C, suspensions parts full power accessories and a CD player. The LS model has a few extra features such as leather seating and alloy wheels. The LS also allows access to some options not available on the GS. Despite its 2-ton curb weight, the Grand Marquis feels reasonably quick off the line thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 224 hp and 272 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Traction control is standard, but stability control is not available. Inside, the dated design and spotty materials quality are immediately apparent. The vehicle’s strengths are its solid value for the money and the roomy, comfortable accommodations for five or six. This includes a huge 21-cubic-foot trunk that’ll easily swallow a week’s worth of luggage for four adults or a family.

In reviews, we’ve found that the Mercury Grand Marquis delivers a soft, forgiving ride quality. As one might expect, handling is mushy. Ultimately, there’s just no getting around this big sedan’s decades-old design, substantial weight and large dimensions. If you’re looking for a used current-generation Grand Marquis, there haven’t been many significant changes since its debut. One exception was the handling package, which was discontinued for 2008. Only available on the LS, the handling package upped the V8’s output to 239 horses and 287 lb-ft and notably improved handling, as the name would suggest. With the demise of this package, the base engine became the Grand Marquis’ sole power plant.

Though it’s received a variety of updates throughout the years, the Grand Marquis is still basically the same car as it was back in 1992, the point of the last major redesign. The current body style dates back to 1998, and there were only detail changes until 2001 when available adjustable pedals debuted and engine output increased to 220 hp and 235 hp (with dual exhaust). For 2003 the Grand Marquis received an all-new chassis under that now-familiar body shell. The suspension remained largely the same, but the frame was beefed up for greater rigidity and more responsive rack-and-pinion steering was fitted for the first time. Antilock brakes were made standard that year, and front side airbags were available on the LS. The V8 was revised to deliver a bit more power, and the rear suspension was tweaked to improve handling. The performance-minded Marauder with its 302-hp V8 and bucket seats debuted that year but would die a few years later, as the general public just wasn’t receptive to a hot-rod Mercury.

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Technorati Tags: Alloy Wheels, Body Style, Conversion Kits, Curb Weight, Grand Marquis, Lb Ft, Leather Seating, Line Thanks, Ls Model, Mercury Grand Marquis, Mercury Marquis, Mercury Suspension, Pound Feet, Power Accessories, Sole Power, Stability Control, Substantial Weight, Suspension Problems, Traction Control, V8 Engine