1994 Ford Crown Victoria Basic 4.6L

Summary:

A great used car, but don't be picky

Faults:

ERG inlet inside the throttle body clogged up, cost nothing to fix using a screw driver and a sweeper.

The rear end howls, had all bearings replaced the noise became louder.

The car uses oil it needs valve seals. I replaced the left side and now it uses a quart every 1200 miles it was every 800 miles, you have to be plastic man to do this job so I forgot about the other side for now.

Front rotors were warped, replaced.

Rear emergency brake shoes were missing their lining, had to replace.

Car squeaks in the front end.

PCV hose ruptured causing rough idle, replaced hose.

General Comments:

This car handles good for a large car, I have owned all brands of large rear wheel drive and this one handles the best. It has decent power much better than the older crown vics it will run in overdrive up hills without need to shift. One thing about a Ford is you must turn up your radio to drowned out the noises. Deer used to always jump in front of me, I have hit 3. Since driving this crown vic no deer has yet to jump in front of me. I think it is the rear end it is the noisiest one I have ever heard it really howls and that scares the deer away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2003

28th Nov 2004, 00:05

I currently own my second Crown Vic. First was a 94, bought used, and second is an 01 Crown Victoria Sport Option. Neither have been Police Interceptor package. Second is better handler than first. Noted brake rotor comments. Early on with my 94, I talked with a mechanic who works on Indiana State Police Crown Vics. He says secret to keeping rotors from warping is making sure lugs are torqued correctly when wheels are re-installed. The wheels and rotors are set up by Ford as a package and if the lug nuts aren't to correct torque settings, they will allow the rotors to warp. I drove my 94 130000 on original rotors and my 01 is at 52000 with original, unwarped rotors. O1 is on second set of brake pads and 94 was on 3rd set when I sold. Neither car ever used oil between changes which were done at 5000 miles. 94 had torque converter problems early on, but was repaired under warranty. 01 had odd ignition problems in first 36000 miles, but this is finally solved. Both cars were/are great performers. 01 is fastest, but doesn't have cop chip in computer and tops out at 110. Obviously has lots to go, but something in ignition cuts it off at that speed. Have been told cop chip cars will make 140. No rust problems on either car and mileage is consistently in low to mid 20s. Car needs a tach. I have analogue guages and have seen digital, but don't care for it. Overall, if the Crown Vic is as solid when I am ready to purchase another, I won't hesitate. Great car and good bang for the buck.

1994 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6 liter V8

Summary:

A wolf in sheep's clothing!

Faults:

Nothing other than normal maintenance items, such as plugs, plug wires, brake pads, brake rotors, and tires.

General Comments:

This car drives like a dream, especially on long distance trips.

The police package makes this car handle like a sports car, but the ride is soft enough to be comfortable.

This interior has enough room for larger people and is very quiet.

Reliability is great. Police departments have used this model for several years and they seem to last forever. Many of these cars have well over 250,000 miles on them and are going strong.

The 1994 and 1995 models of this car seem to be the most reliable. Changes made to the suspension and transmission after these model years up to 2000 seem to be in the wrong direction.

The traction control works great in the snow, but the rear end gets loose on icy roads (like most rear drives).

The trunk is huge.

I'll definitely buy another one if I ever wear this one out!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2003