Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis

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Comments

  • dwight53dwight53 Member Posts: 19
    I think the CV is good for 135,000 miles with no probs. After that, you get minor things like elec window lifts, etc, etc. I have had 3 cvs: 95 with 165k, 2000 with 60K and now a 2001 with 14K. VERY VERY FEW probs overall, similar to Toyota IMHO
    Plus very smooth for travelling. Tonight I leave on a 500 mile trip. Drive 40K per year.
  • houndoghoundog Member Posts: 21
    Have 1999 GM with no problems at all - NONE. Try to find one with HPP package (look for dual exhaust at rear). This makes a world of difference. Much better handling, great ride, not harsh at all, 3.27 rear gears help it move out better than stock gears. Still needs more juice under the hood, so we are waiting for the Marauder to make the next move up. My 1999 is the best Ford product I have ever owned.
  • torodavetorodave Member Posts: 27
    Last week I rented a CV LX for business and drove it almost 400 miles. No handling pkg, but I loved the car!. It was a bit soft on the highway, but the in-town ride was great. I found it to have plenty of power (2001 = 220 HP, right?) Did a huge burn-out in front of my brother's house (and I'm 44 years old, can you believe it?) Haven't done a burn-out like that since the 70's! Has renewed my interest in acquiring one of these fine cars (had been leaning towards a Taurus wagon for versatility with 3 kids and a cottage), but I'm torn over the handling pkg. Why is it so highly reccommended when the base car is so good? Does it have posi?
  • melmomelmo Member Posts: 11
    My '00 GM has the Lacey Wheel Rims. They collect brake dust fast and are to clean. Shields are available that fit inboard from the wheels to prevent this. However, I'm concerned about problems with rotor overheating. Rotor warping has been a problem with past Ford products. Any advice?
  • ron35ron35 Member Posts: 134
    melmo - I have had brake dust shields on one of my vehicles for 17 years, on another for 11 years, on my pickup for 2years (previous pickup 11 years) and on my 2001 GM for a year with absolutely no problems. There are vehicles out there with lousy OEM rotors, which are going to warp and when this happens the dealer or repair shop looks for something to blame it on and if you have dust shields they usually point to that. I am a member of a Dakota Mailing List and there is a significant problem reported on that list of rotor warpage and this is not by people using dust shields, but if someone using the dust shields went to a dealer with warped rotors and reported it the dealer of course would blame the dust shields. There was an interesting study on this conducted by Road and Track magazine some years back. They conducted a test under controlled conditions (same vehicle, same weather, same track etc) of the rotor temperature of a car with the dust shields on and then with them off. The difference was that with the dust shields on the temperature of the rotors was 7/10 ths of one degree warmer, which is totally negligible.

    Ron35
  • bthompbthomp Member Posts: 69
    The handling package gives you a 10-15hp increase. The HPP also gives you better shocks, but most avid CV owners agree that stiffer shocks like Bilsteins make this car handle great without compromising comfort. The HPP is also geared a little higher with the 3.27 which will give you better 0-60 pickup over the standard 2.73. It will decrease your MPG by approx 2-4MPG. These cars are tanks! They take a lickin and keep on tickin!
  • bthompbthomp Member Posts: 69
    Welcome to DC area. I live in Alexandria. I've had no problems with my 98 CV HPP, Traction Control, and RS-A all season tires. As suggested, load the trunk up with some ballast. I use general purpose sand which I can use under the wheels if I become stuck.
  • evilpancakewomevilpancakewom Member Posts: 35
    The one thing that concerns me is the transmission of the Ford Crown Victoria. I have a 92' Camry now with 174,000 miles on it without any problems at all, which I think is amazining considering I treat the car like car like crap, such as always flooring it, etc.. I know from friends that Ford doesn't make the "best" transmissions. What routine maintance and/or problem have you had with your CV?
  • occupant1occupant1 Member Posts: 412
    turned out the harmonic balancer had cracked and was causing the belt to deflect at odd angles, causing the popcorn sound as the belt was snapped around the crank pulley...

    replaced it with a used unit from a wrecked CV...

    no trouble since then with the belt...

    still got a whine in the transmission, but it pulls strong, so maybe it'll last awhile...

    197,400 on a '98 and still counting
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    Crown Vics have what's called a 4R70W transmission. If memory serves, it's a modernized version of the AOD transmission. They do have one weak spot- you need to have the transmission fluid drained (including what's in the torque converter), and refilled with a somewhat pricey synthetic fluid ever 30,000 miles or so, or the thing may start shuddering. Other than that, as long as you're not into power-braking or neutral dropping, you should expect a very long life out of both engine and transmission. I know this from experience, since I have a '95 Thunderbird with 4.6 and 4R70W, both original and unrebuilt, and it's got 191,000 on it. And this car is my daily driver.
  • jcondrickjcondrick Member Posts: 1
    My 2001 with HPP was set at 109ish from factory.Copcars are set @130ish. Limiting factor is driveshaft vibration; copcars have a special composite or aluminum driveshaft which allows higher speed. Some companies may have a "chip" which will improve performance but don't expect much more top speed unless you are willing to install cop driveshaft ( fairly easy, about $300 for parts plus install)
  • marlin77marlin77 Member Posts: 14
    i've just been browsing lately and noticed the GM LSE. buckets, console, sport handling and 235hp. anybody out there have one? they appear loaded up pretty good at 28,000. i've been driving CV interceptors at work for years and know that car very well. did they really pump up grandpa.s car? are they worth it?
  • roger45roger45 Member Posts: 1
    I have a noise like a creeking from the left front wheel when turning to the left or when backing out of the driveway with the wheel turned to the left. I have 27000 mi on the merc & I bought it new in 1999.Does anyone know whats causing this or is my front end going.
  • harmarharmar Member Posts: 94
    These squeeks have been inherent on GMs since at least '96. A buddy, now retired from Ford, has had them. I've got them in a '00 GM. My front end shop says the system is sealed, so can't be lubed, but they sprayed some lubricant on the area despite the fact that it wears off in the weather. Also, there are numerous places under the hood where plastic panels rub metal and squeek. One is the filler panel between radiator and front end sheet metal. Another is the hood latch and two hood adjustment "posts" at the front edges of the hood. Also, I found that the fiberglass (?) panels covering the front bumper's metal framework sometimes squeeks at the ends when it flexes and rubs.

    The only cure I've found, which is admittedly temporary, is to spray WD-40 or silicone on those parts/areas periodically. But it wears off and has to be re-done.

    Perhaps other readers will have suggestions I've not found.

    Good Luck!
  • kinleykinley Member Posts: 854
    If your Maintenance and Schedule Manual advises you to not change your axle fluid before 100,000 miles, don't believe it. In following the advice, the fluid quality changed to foam causing the replacement of axle gears, two rear axles and related parts before 100,000 miles. Cost of repair exceeds $1,100.
  • harmarharmar Member Posts: 94
    So -- when should it be changed? Thanks.
  • kinleykinley Member Posts: 854
    assuming the axle doesn't leak in the meantime or the car hasn't been in a flood.
  • harmarharmar Member Posts: 94
    Many thanks for the suggestion. Sorry to be "profiting" from your bad experience. Best wishes.
  • kinleykinley Member Posts: 854
    please send a "buck or two" to the Salvation Army.
  • ford551ford551 Member Posts: 5
    I HAVE AN '01 CROWN VIC WITH COMFORT PLUS GROUP AND HANDLING PKG, WHICH I LOVE. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS ABOUT MY TURN SIGNALS. THEY TOLD ME TO WAIT, BECAUSE A FIX WAS ON ITS WAY. I HAVE A CONDITION KNOWN AS A "FAST FLASH", USUALLY WHEN THE AUTO TEMP CONTROL WAS AT THE EXTREME HOT OR COLD POSITION. ANYONE EXPERIENCING THIS PHENOM SHOULD CONTACT THEIR DEALER AND ASK THEM TO PERFORM TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #01-21. IT WORKS WONDERS!
  • harmarharmar Member Posts: 94
    regular Christmas donation to the Salvation Army. But thanks for the suggestion. Best wishes.
  • monettajoshuamonettajoshua Member Posts: 1
    Being an avid member of the local EMS station I am looking for a car that can take a little abuse rear-wheel drive and have a professional look. I am considering a P71 CV. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions.
  • ford551ford551 Member Posts: 5
    CORRECTION TO POST NUMBER 1222, REGARDING "FAST FLASH" THE CORRECT TSB NUMBER IS: 01-21-03.
    SORRY FOR ANY INCONVIENCE.
  • jsylvesterjsylvester Member Posts: 572
    Why did Ford not use the Galaxie 500 name for the new Crown Victoria Sport version? Galaxie 500's were always the sporty version of Ford's full size car.

    It is not like they have even advertised this new version of the Crown Vic, the name alone would generate a lot of interest. They do the same thing with the law enforcement version, calling it the Police Interceptor.

    Is this evidence that Ford does not have car people in charge anymore, but clueless marketing majors and accountants running the place?
  • ehaaseehaase Member Posts: 328
    Galaxie 500 was the name of Ford's middle of the road full size car - less than an LTD, more than a Custom 500. Ford's sporty full sized car was the XL, sometimes called Galaxie 500 XL.
  • jsylvesterjsylvester Member Posts: 572
    You are correct, I have a 67 XL Convertible, but nearly every parts catalog, seller's ad, owner's group, etc. refers to them as a Galaxie 500 XL. Even some Ford fans would not understand your reference if you said only XL. It has been a mid level trim line on Ford trucks since the 80's.

    The major difference besides some trim and interior details was the XL had a console and bucket seats, and the 289 v-8 standard, whereas the 500 had a bench seat, at least for 1967. Of course, the majority of them were actually sold with the 390 v-8.

    I should have been more detailed, and said the Galaxie 500 XL. My thinking is the target market is different enough that a different name may help increase interest in the car. Crown Victoria has either a fleet or an elderly man's connotation today.

    My last point was referring to I get the impression most the people running Ford really don't know the history of the place, nor probably really care. It is just a place to collect a paycheck until a better offer comes along. Of course, that is how most employers like it as well today.
  • harmarharmar Member Posts: 94
    A decent case can be made for the phenomenon of kids/grandkids of company founders "managing" their companies right into the ground. Ford would not be the first to experience that, nor would it likely be the last. No matter how "connected" you are to something you didn't sweat to create, you seldom have the same feelings toward it. Currently, too many bean counters do help to spoil the "broth." But it would be interesting to see the results of current managers' taking a test on "The History of Ford Motor Company."
  • h3rmesh3rmes Member Posts: 5
  • h3rmesh3rmes Member Posts: 5
    Hello,

    I just noticed some minor clicking sound coming out of the left most A/C vent on the passenger side. I tried shutting the vent off and on but there is still a clicking sound. It only occurs after hitting a bump. The clicking corresponds with the vibration of the bump.

    Regards,

    Andy
  • dickypoodickypoo Member Posts: 6
    Has anyone experienced a buzzing / quivering vibration in the accelerator pedal at about 1100 RPM's? (32 mph...just after it drops into OD.) Also does it at very low speed...again around 1100 RPM. Vibration lasts for several seconds, as long as the RPM's stay at 1100 or so. This is a buzzing type of vibration felt only in the accelerator pedal. Unfortunately, might right foot does not happen to be an errogenous zone!

    Dealer has attempted one fix, without success. ("Neutralized" the car by simultaneously loosening and then retorquing engine, trans and exhaust mounts. They have also padded the accelerator linkage.)Dealer has talked with Ford and there is supposed to be a TSB out soon. This is a great dealer...and they will evetually solve the problem...I'm sure.

    Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem. (Driving me NUTS!) Overall, there is a fair amount of harshness through the pedals. Otherwise, I love the car. Fast..and handles great. Silver Frost with an added honeycomb interceptor grille painted to match.

    Dickypoo
    Illinois
  • jrosasmcjrosasmc Member Posts: 1,711
    Are the '97 Crown Vics pretty solid in terms of reliability and build quality? I heard the transmissions are a weak spot in these vehicles, but they are quite good. I heard that they're more reliable than the last Chevy Caprices ('96), but the difference seems to be negligible.
  • kinleykinley Member Posts: 854
    Have the air bag and its supporting brackets checked out by a tech/anic.
  • 300silverbulit300silverbulit Member Posts: 60
    Does anyone have the new 2002 Sport model with the floor shifter? My wife and I really like the marauder but I think the low volume (about 15,000 units annualy) and high insurance for the 300 HP engine will make it tough for us to afford one.

    How is the Sport Crown Vic? I am sure the power would be fine for us as we like our V6 Saturn, but we wan't what the Saturn lacks which is a bad attitude style. I won't ever see a car like that from the Generals "friendly" division. Even though our L300 is quick and handles great.

    Any reviews from a sport crown vic owner would be appreciated.
  • ehaaseehaase Member Posts: 328
    The 2002 Crown Victoria Sport uses the same engines as does the regular Crown Vics. It does not have a 300 hp engine. Insurance costs should be no different.
  • orangelebaronorangelebaron Member Posts: 435
    Is there a year or engine or tranny type he should avoid or look for? Thanks for any tips.
  • dickypoodickypoo Member Posts: 6
    Mercury Marauder will have a 300 HP engine. Sport Vic rated at 235 HP. (Same as a regular LX with the Handling Package.) Not sure that the insurance rating class for the Marauder will be that bad.

    Sport Vic ride is a bit firmer than the regular Handling Package. Otherwise...handles extremely well for a sedan of this size. Acceleration is outstanding, as well.

    It is expensive. Mine listed at $29,200. Again, if you can live without the buckets and console, a regular LX with the PHH will perform very close to the Sport. (Plus you will save some $)

    My Sport has been reliable. Ford is working on a fix for an accelerator vibration.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I'm surprised we have seen so little discussion of it here. The 2002 Crown Vic is a short run model year. The 2003 is expected within weeks, probably by the end of February. It will have a different suspension and will have rack and pinion steering. The body will also be somewhat more rigid.

    Also, when I compare comparably equipped LX Sports to LX's with the handling package, the difference seems to be only about 450 dollars US, which is fair considering you get bucket seats and a floor shifter that don't come on the LX with the handling package, and you get 17 inch tires and wheels. Drive both and then decide.

    I do note the price on the VIC and the Grand Marquis went up quite a bit for 2002. Wouldn't surprise me if this was so Ford could announce either no price increase or even a price decrease for 2003.
  • 300silverbulit300silverbulit Member Posts: 60
    So the Crown Vic is getting a major redesign then ? New body, steering, ect? I have to pay off a 2001 car before, we can get to replace my 94 commuter. I have time to wait. I think the power would be fine without the 300 hp Marauder engine. I just thought the bad attitude style of a black on black sport crown vic is what we are looking for as our main family car, that is also a cool car. 29k seems alot. But a strong frame, rear drive car will last for 10 years plus which is one of the reasons I am looking at the sport vic.
  • ehaaseehaase Member Posts: 328
    Not a major redesign. The front end may be revised slightly; the car is supposed to get rack and pinion steering and a stiffer body structure. Otherwise, it will be the same.
  • quinn6quinn6 Member Posts: 4
    I have a hand me down cv. Just a note to tell of the cv's winter capabilities. Drove 150 miles through a severe snowstorm and over Wolf Creek pass, Colorado three weeks ago. Eight inches of snow, blinding wind. Crested pass just in time to get in line with SUV's leaving ski area. Ran into iced roads below pass. Car did great. Drove by Colorado State Patrol stopping people for driving stupid, they drive cv's too. I run Michelins in front and studded snows in the rear. No weight in rear... kinda caught me off guard. 92 cv with 92000 miles. Uses some oil, two towable electrical problems in 5 years. Changed tranny fluid, good fix. Driven hard. Trips all over the country, looking forward to another hand me down cv(98). No car is perfect, but I am very upbeat about this one. Best car I've owned. Enjoy your posts.
  • 427435427435 Member Posts: 86
    Test drove the above Saturday. Very nice car (dark green with parchment leather). Rode well with adequate (not great) power. Would like to buy it but I think I'm going to wait a while longer before replacing my '93 with 176,000 miles. Maybe the 03's with the stiffer frame will have a trailer tow package for more than the current 2000 lbs. My '93 was ordered with a 5000 lb package that's worked great towing my 3500 lb. boat.

    Does everyone else have a truck to tow with? Or are there others out there like me that want a vehicle to tow 3500 - 4500 lb trailers that will also give 22-24 mpg when not towing? It seems crazy that Ford will rate a FWD Windstar with a wimpy 3.0 V6 for 3500 lb. trailers but not the Crown Vic or Grand Marquis.
  • jay004jay004 Member Posts: 5
    My family is thinking about buying a used car and we have four or five choices piked out. Among these is the Aurora and the Crown Victoria and I can't decide which one is better. Does anybody has an experience with these two cars and have any suggestions? Is a private owned or a P71 Police Interceptor Vic is better?
  • kinleykinley Member Posts: 854
    thus causing the tow rating to be too low for folks like you and I who tow a 3200 lb. boat/trailer. The idea was to sell SUV's. For the cost of gas and handling, I'd go with the 98 for towing after installing a cooler, class III hitch, and using a one size smaller rear tire. (Helps compensate for the higher ratio axle you are supposed to have.)
  • blambblamb Member Posts: 10
    Hi. I just bought a '94 Crown Vic with a police package. The car runs beautiful, but I have noticed two problems. The ABS light stays on constantly, but the ABS appears to be working fine. The other problem is that there is a loud squeaking noise coming from the front end when I go over bigger bumps. It almost sounds like it is coming from the A-frame. The shocks appear fine. Any ideas on these two problems? Thanks
  • harmarharmar Member Posts: 94
    Skim back through the previous posts. These are a common problem on CVs and GMs. They appear NOT to be suspension related, but are front end "sheet-plastic/fiberglass" parts rubbing together. The hood latch and adjustment posts at the front corners of the hood also cause some. They have to be lubricated periodically with WD-40 or silicone spray/gel. Sorry, but I can't offer any suggestions on the ABS light stuck on. Good luck.
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    I also have one of those old Galaxie 500 XL's. 1964 convert, bright turquoise (peacock), black shell buckets, white top, 352/300 HP, 3.50 rear end ratio. Car has 205,000 miles. Bought it in 1969.

    Took the present motor out of a wrecked Galaxie sedan (with factory air) about 15 years ago. Motor now has 110,000; A/C is still sitting in my garage.

    Car is a looker, not a showcar. I take it every year to the fall car show on the boardwalk in Widwood NJ (1,000 cars), and the car still gets looks, even with a 20 year repaint. Except for loving gas (regular), it cruises the 160 one way Garden State Parkway trip with ease.

    I remember reading an article once in an old car magazine stating that buyers should beware when considering buying a mid 60's Galaxie; high, high mileage cars will not appear to have high mileage. (I could easily sell mine and say it's got original 105,000.)

    Except for rusting problems, you can't kill those cars.
  • jsylvesterjsylvester Member Posts: 572
    Mine is a 67 Galaxie 500 XL Convertible, Burgundy Metallic with parchment interior, white top, 390/275 hp., 2.80 rear end. Have not been able to document all the mileage, but to the best of my and the two previous owner's knowledge, mileage is original at under 32,000 miles. Nearly all original except exhaust, tires, shocks, water pump, points, etc. You are correct, keep the rust away and they last forever.

    Check out the Classic Cars message area, there is a lengthly discussion on 60's Big Fords vs. Big Chevy's.

    Crown Vic supposed to get rack & pinion steering and some chassis upgrades for 2003.
  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    My Galaxie's a 352/250, not 352/300. I did cheat a little bit: bought 390 flags for the front fenders.

    3.50 rear is a little rough at 60MPH and up, but, with the original 3.00 rear, the car was a slug.

    Now for the real cheating:

    Car was an original Galaxie 500, but I found a 64 XL hardtop and stripped the car (buckets, gas/brake pedals doorpanels, console, interior/exterior moldings, etc); had the rear upholstry cut down to fit the narrower convt seat, found a 64 XL convt in a junkyard and removed the chrome rear speaker inset (hardtop's was too wide) and rear seat frame.)

    Biggest problem in the conversion was getting the required trans part to convert the column shift to the console (automatic).

    Bottom line: no visual difference whatsoever, and, since it's not a real show car (matching numbers etc), having a "make believe" XL doesn't bother me at all.

    Unfortunately, the driver's seat upholstry is getting a little beat up, and I have to make a decision whether or not to just let it go or to purchase a new upholstry kit.
  • jsylvesterjsylvester Member Posts: 572
    Galaxies are not worth a ton anyways, just as long as you let any prospective buyers in on the fact of the modifications. A 67 XL convertible in #1 condition goes for less than $15,000. Mine is a high #3, needs some minor paint and body work and some interior rechroming to be a #2.


    Check out the below link, it is to Dearborn Classics, that has a complete catalogue of replacement and NOS parts for 59-73 Ford full size.


    http://www.galaxieparts.com/


    They do sell upholstery kits. I'm picking up a new convertible boot, the original one on the car has about 6 snaps ripped out.


    Also, did replace the 3 original headlights on the car - they were stamped Ford Canada - 67. Still worked too! Kept them in case the car is ever taken back to new condition. Even the carburator matches the engine number.


    I'm doing about 14 mpg in the car, but it started right up on Saturday when it was in the 30's here in Ohio. Cannot wait for drive-in season to come around again!

  • jerrym3jerrym3 Member Posts: 202
    Do you know of anyone that bought an upholstry kit from these guys? Also, I'd be interested in hearing what you think about the quality of their convertible boot.
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