1997 Ford Crown Victoria Base 4.6L V8 from North America

Summary:

Nice car with serious problems

Faults:

Steering is all messed up - car wanders and weaves all over the road. It's been in the garage off and on over the past few weeks trying to fix the problem, but without avail. We've replaced ball joints, and had the entire front suspension checked. No change, yet.

Ignition cylinder locked, so the key won't turn in the ignition, therefore the car can't be started or driven.

Also, fixed by previous owner for the safety certificate - replaced ball joint, right front spring, left exhaust and muffler and gas tank.

General Comments:

This specific CV has been nothing, but problems. Granted, it's been great mechanically, the accessories work wonderfully, even at 9 years old and 200000km. Tranny and motor are still in great shape and running strong.

However, the recurring suspension or steering problem (still unsure what is causing the erratic road manners) and now the busted ignition lock makes matters worse. Also, the headlights are a little dim, and don't provide as good illumination as I feel they should.

The car would be great if it weren't for these problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th October, 2006

1997 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4.6 from North America

Summary:

Good car, but made cheap with too many repairs

Faults:

All four electric windows have had to be replaced for a cost of $650.00 at about 50,000 miles.

The mass air sensor had to be replaced for a cost of $210.00 at about 45,000 miles.

The intake manifold is made of plastic (what a stupid idea!) it had to be replaced for a cost of $900.00 at 72,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car handles good and gets great gas mileage for a car this size 26 on the road.

However the seats are uncomfortable and not much leg room in the back.

I really like the car, but with the problems I have had, I can see why Ford and GM are having to close plants and layoff people.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th February, 2006

9th Aug 2006, 22:43

The 1997 crown vics P71 P72 P73 P74 do NOT have plastic intake manifolds. other years do... NOT 1997.

11th Oct 2006, 19:13

The plastic intake manifold for my 1997 Crown Victoria was definitely plastic. It cracked at around 100,000 miles. It was costly to repair and Ford, while recalling emergency and fleet vehicles for a refit, would not even admit that it was a problem. They sure weren't going to reimburse me for the part or the labor to install it.

That being said, the car has generally been a great value. When I told my Audi mechanic in 1998 "Thanks and good-bye," he saw that I had a new Crown Vic and told me that "with that car, you won't need a mechanic." And, with 131,000 miles on it now I feel very good about the car overall.

12th Oct 2006, 02:13

It's normal to pull 300,000 miles out of those cars.

www.crownvic.net

27th Apr 2007, 13:25

Date today is 4/28/07.

Today my 97 ford crown victoria's plastic intake manifold bit the dust while going down the highway. The gauge went up and I pulled over.

The dealer here in San Diego is charging me a whopping $1172 to repair it saying the part is $600 and the labor over $400.

I am not happy due to only having 67,000 original miles on the car.

All of the doors have had to have new electric motors and No ONE ever rides in the back seat.

Nothing but trouble.

I feel this is a bit high to pay, but I cannot walk to work.

1997 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor 4.6 V8 from North America

Summary:

Best comfortable, powerful bang for the money

Faults:

The wiper-motor stops the wipers on the windshield after 67,000 miles

General Comments:

The Crown Vic Police Interceptor, performance wise, is powerful all way around. (and very fast---> (over 60 mph.)

From 0-60, the unwillingness of the transmission to shift into the next gear causes the acceleration of the CV-PI to be sluggish.

The car is comfortable, powerful (not quick-for it is heavy)

Overall, it's a true pleasure to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2005

8th Jun 2005, 09:09

So, the car is "powerful" and "very fast", but also "sluggish" and "not quick"?

Do you even know what you are talking about?

8th Jun 2005, 18:55

There well engineered vehicles.