"Ford Crown Victoria" - "ship on wheels". It is a four-seater full-size rear-wheel drive sedan with a frame chassis. His legendary march ended with the words "obsolete". But even today it takes its rightful place in the hearts of true connoisseurs of this car in the style of American classics.
Fans of American cinema are probably familiar with this modest but reliable sedan. Probably not a single person has not seen Die Hard, Police Academy, Men in Black, Godzilla. It is there that our "iron hero" brilliantly "plays". It has become an indispensable "movie" car for all American law enforcement officers and taxi drivers. Its roomy trunk and full-size cabin can carry anyone and anything. And how he is mercilessly pushed off a cliff and often blown up according to the director's idea. No other car has been able to beat this record. This "modest fellow" also deserves attention for its versatility and ease of repair.
How it all began
In the mid-fifties of the last century, the "two-door" Crown Victoria was released, which was distinguished by a lowered roof with a "crown", which is a wide shiny molding around the gutters. And also a powerful chrome trim on the B-pillar, which encircles the roof. This model later gave the name to its follower. In 1983, it became completely independent, but the name remained Ford LTD Crown Victoria. And yet these two "Victoria" looked like a roof with a molding encircling it. The time has come, and the full-size sedan has undergone a justified re-styling, which was intended to improve the technical characteristics of the model loved by many motorists.
Specifications
The classic American sedan seems to be extremely immodest in size. Well, the people of the USA love everything big. And what is real to save on the size? Make yourself comfortable. The dimensions of this model are 5.4 meters long and 2 meters wide. Yes, parking now somewhere in the metropolis would be difficult. The trunk also impresses with its spaciousness. Its volume is 580 liters.
Engine Crown Victoria is a V-shaped "eight" with a volume of 4.6 liters and 220 horsepower. This is a relatively simple powertrain. It should be noted that the engine is quite sensitive to the quality of the oil and is demanding on the frequency of its replacement, but with regular and timely maintenance it is very durable. Since 2003, the frame manufacturing technology has been changed. They began to make it by the method of stamping with elastic media ("hydroforming"). This made it possible to reduce its weight and increase its strength. Prior to these changes, there was a peripheral-type supporting frame with an increased distance between the side members in the middle part. It was located under the body almost along its entire length. The body was attached to it at sixteen points with bolts through thick rubber gaskets, which reduce the level of vibrations in the cabin.
Suspension and steering units, as well as an engine with a gearbox were attached to the frame. In the same 2003, the rear suspension was modernized. She received single-tube shock absorbers, located vertically, instead of two-tube with mounts on the inside of the frame. The front suspension has also been redesigned with aluminum lower wishbones. The new modernized model received a modern rack and pinion steering gear with progressive hydraulic booster. The former was an absolutely conservative "screw-ball nut" unit with a built-in hydraulic booster.
Model interior
Crown Victoria has a traditional American salon, upholstered in light eco-leather. There are two solid sofas in it. The front sofa consists of two halves that are independently adjustable. Designed for boarding up to six people. Optionally, the front sofa can be replaced with separate seats. The car has a fairly large set of standard equipment. It includes electric power windows for all doors, air conditioning installation, tinted glass, remote control of the trunk lid and fuel filler flap, power adjustment of the driver's seat, an audio system with four speakers.
But for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that the complete re-styling of the car made it vulnerable. Therefore, it follows that the best is often the enemy of the good. So what happened in this case? The update has caused a deterioration in the technical characteristics of this model. It practically "buried" the car. The new suspension contributed to the fact that the engine began to fail more often. What's worse than that? Only that in 2011 the legendary car of all "cool" American police officers and "talkative and funny" taxi drivers was taken out of production. They saw off the car under the slogan - "Morally outdated!"
Testimonials
An old car on the Russian market can be purchased for 200-300 thousand rubles. Mostly presented are models from 1993-1998. The car owners of these cool cars care a lot about their "iron horses", and therefore all these cars, as a rule, are in excellent technical condition. Reviews about this car are the warmest and most iridescent. In our country, the car is loved for its exceptional originality and excellent comfort. Compatriots appreciated the American classics.
According to respondents, the main advantage of the Ford Crown Victoria is a very durable car interior.
Also note the soft suspension, which allows you to feel comfortable while driving. And everyone knows how important it is on Russian roads. For this soft ride and for its dimensions, including, the car was nicknamed "ship on wheels". It seems to float along the road, swaying slightly and thus delivering great driving pleasure.
Many car owners of this model note that the vehicle accelerates without problems. Although it does not have a powerful motor. But this "hard worker" with the dignity of a "giant" pulls out a two-ton mass.
Some drivers noted that they are very pleased with the strict interior of this car, which is made of excellent quality eco-leather, reminiscent of the ultra-modern interiors of business class cars.
All respondents noted the spaciousness of the cabin, in the back seat of which four adults can comfortably fit.
Separately, they sing an "ode" to the luggage compartment of auto. It can accommodate a fairly voluminous household belongings. And for long trips and camping trips, such a trunk is simply irreplaceable. Here, fans of traveling by car noted that it can travel several hundred kilometers at a time without any problems. Therefore, this model is an excellent and reliable workhorse.
There are, of course, disadvantages, which some owners of this car say. The Ford Crown Victoria is pretty gluttonous. He consumes a large amount of gasoline, and therefore you need to be prepared in this regard to considerable costs.
The next negative point is its size. It is very difficult to park it in the center of a metropolis. Such a "crocodile" will take up a lot of parking space, which may cause discontent among neighbors.
Having decided to buy such an original car, you need to take into account all these nuances. And if in the end nothing scares you, then you need to boldly change to a real American car and enjoy the sensations of an unsurpassed comfortable ride under the low rumble of its engine.
