27th Jul 2004, 22:11

"They don't build them like this anymore"

To the last person, good point, but I think what the other commentators mean is that they don't build them in those old-fashioned square shapes with the separate steel bumpers and the glittering hood ornaments and the abundance of chrome... the things that add to the bigness and flashiness of the old-school highway cruiser. Today's Grand Marquis, Crown Vic, and Town Car are much more streamlined looking, and while still big, weigh a little less. In fact, the Town Car has lost 6 inches in length and some trunk space. since the 80s. And the Cadillac... just a put a 2004 Deville next to an 88 Brougham and you'll see what those other commentators mean. In general, I believe that today's big cars are better "performers" but yesterdays, while clumsier and slower, looked more like the "status symbols" they were intended to be.. even if they're not much bigger, they LOOK bigger.

28th Jul 2004, 13:40

Boxy angular shapes will always appear larger than more streamlined designs, but back in the late '70s when most of these cars were designed, the boxy shape was considered to be the most efficient, allowing the maximum amount of interior room in an overall downsized package.

That's why the Taurus created such a stir when it first appeared in 1986, because it went against the trend of boxy styling that was in vogue at the time.

Now chrome is making a comeback-see how many chrome wheels and chrome accents are appearing now even as original equipment.

The 2005 Mustang styling was based on the 1969 model.

The portholes have returned to the Buick Park Avenue.

Mercury has already brought back the Marauder and the Monterey. Could a revival of the Turnpike Cruiser be far behind?

"everything old is new again"

29th Oct 2004, 06:53

I have an 1985 Crown Victoria, It only has 117000 miles on it. NEED TO GET RID OF!! I figured anyone with special interest in older Fords like the people on these pages would take good care of it. Located in Florida. Please contact acutelilprincess@aol.com Very very cheap.

15th Jun 2007, 18:13

I have a 1986 Ford Crown Victoria LX. I always wanted boxy style and found a one owner about four years ago. She drives like a dream, as did my 1977 Ford LTD Landau. I haven't had to do much to this Crown Victoria. She only has 102,000 original miles and I keep her parked mostly. Paint is good and the interior is in excellent condition... never smoked in, and everything works. I've always like the Crown Victoria, LTD's, Galaxy 500's, Ford F-100, and Fairlanes. I'd have every year and make of these if I could afford it:) I've got my dream car... and she only cost me $2500.00, gets 18-22 miles to the gallon and runs out like a new one:) Can't ask for any better. Hope you continue to enjoy your Crown Victoria too. Lori.

27th Sep 2008, 02:32

I just bought a 1985 Ford Crown Victoria LTD 6 days ago.

It had one owner, and less than 60,000 miles on it.

The only things that need repair are a cracked windshield, radiator hose, and rear shocks.

There is also a minor dent in the rear panel that can easily be hammered out, and the antenna needs replaced, and the windows need to be put back onto their tracks.

All are inexpensive repairs.

But the power options still work and the paint and top and interior are in great condition:) Even the sensor headlights still work.

The transmission is in nearly perfect condition, and it purrs like a kitten.

I paid $500.00 for this car and am totally in love with it!

I feel very safe driving my 2 year old daughter in it.

I thought this would just be a beater car to drive until I could afford a newer model, but now I have decided to fully restore this one:)

Oh, and the scrapyard yard offered me $465.00 for it should it ever break down beyond repair. But I doubt that will ever happen:)

Sincerely, Betty.

27th Nov 2008, 08:22

I personally own a 85 CV. It was purchased new by my great-grandfather and has only 39000 miles on her to date. I love this car and will never part with it. All of my friends laugh at me because I treat it just as I do my 67 ElCamino! I am a Police officer by trade and currently drive a 2003 CVPI with 124000 very hard miles on it. They are truly great cars!!

2nd Oct 2009, 21:39

I've owned three of these "panther platformed" cars - 85 Grand Marquis, 88 Crown Vic wagon, and a 97 Grand Marquis. All great cars providing safety and durability.

While the 97 is more efficient, I miss the interior of the 85. The pillow velour seats and door panels were a treat. The 97 seems bare bones in comparison, and the latest car fad of acres of hard plastic and massive centre consoles turns me completely off.

The days of these "body on frame" are numbered - a crying shame.

3rd Oct 2009, 14:53

Could agree more.  My family has had many 'Panther platforms', and all were very reliable and durable.  But we had more of the full-sized GM cars of that type and era (like Chevy Caprice, Olds Delta 88), and they were even more reliable.  Sad to see the age of the 'real car' go - and many young people won't even know what they're missing.

17th Sep 2010, 01:37

I bought a 1985 CV 2 years ago for $1800. It had 58,000 miles on it. It now has 64,000. I am not too hard on it. We are planning on taking a vacation in it soon. I am not worried about breaking down, and am looking forward to that smooth ride. Every vehicle I have owned the last 25 years has either a Ford or Harley emblem. Ford Forever!

8th Jan 2011, 12:31

I have a 1986 (maybe 85) Crown Vic... I am trying to replace the front rotors. From I can figure, you take off the wheel and the caliper. I've been trying for about an hour to remove the rotor with no luck... It may be original and it's just baked on there. Any ideas or suggestions?

Dave.

9th Jan 2011, 08:32

"I've been trying for about an hour to remove the rotor with no luck."

Here's an idea: try removing the outer wheel bearing lock nut first.

12th Feb 2011, 08:15

Hi, I just bought a LTD Crown Victoria 89 to relive those days when power and safety were the number one issue. Being a new grandfather, I wanted a safer means of traveling than my Suzuki. I got a great offer for a car that had low mileage and needs almost no repair. I only need the rocker panel for the left front fender (aluminum trim) to complete this baby.. If anyone knows where I can find one, please contact me at fightingwolves@yahoo.com...