1997 Ford Crown Victoria An enduring, endearing tradtional. By Helen V. Hutchings, New Car Test Drive .com

If the mere sight of this car makes you think of your local constabulary,

there's a good reason. These big cars are the last of a breed--the rear-drive,

full-size American V8 sedan--and as such they are the vehicle of choice

of law enforcement agencies, as much as for their size and power. Cops

need lots of room for their gear, as well as occasional unwilling rear

seat passengers who need their space.

The Ford Crown Victoria, and its sibling the Mercury Grand Marquis,

represent true values in upscale touring transportation. Each is generously

appointed, luxuriously spacious, with a ride well suited to long trips

while also being responsive to the throttle.

Law enforcement groups are not the only ones who see value here--so

too do folks who transport people for a living. Professional chauffeurs

and taxi drivers value these cars because of the ride quality they offer

their clients and with an ease of ingress and egress. Not to mention exceptionally

rugged durability.

With the demise of the Chevrolet Caprice, the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis

are the only surviving members of this once-populous breed. And they promise

to be with us into the next century.