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Ford Crown Victoria sedan adds LX Sport performance edition
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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LINCOLN CITY, Ore. -- Starting from a curbside slot on Broadway in the skyscraper center of Portland, we plot a course to Lincoln City, some 80 miles or so to the southwest on the rugged Pacific Coast of Oregon.
Vehicle for this daylight dash to the sea -- Ford's full-size Crown Victoria sedan -- carves out enough room in the cabin to haul a team of tall basketball players plus heaps of gear bags stuffed into the cavernous trunk.
Our team totals only to two, though, so we can spread elbows and legs in luxurious comfort on the leather-clad bucket seats in a new LX Sport trim edition of Ford's large sedan.
Now fix both side mirrors for optimum rearward views, fire up the V8 powerplant and flip the console-mounted shift lever down to Drive, then ease on the go pedal and merge into traffic heading south on Broadway.
It's stop-and-go through a series of traffic signals for a mile before we hook a right and catch the freeway leading west on Route 26 up a steep slope beside the fir-fringed Washington Park.
Traffic seems sparse on the freeway, perhaps due to the mid-morning hour, and we end up with a clear shot down an uncluttered lane to expedite our rush out of town. With the path free we take the advantage, tapping the throttle to spur some action.
The souped-up LX Sport surges ahead until we bump against the legal speed limit.
It feels strong and capable of running at a quick clip in the fast lane, but also there's a sensation of plush smoothness in the ride quality that only comes from a large luxury vehicle where power flows to the rear wheels.
That rear-wheel driveline and a chassis with wheelbase extending nearly ten feet long comes from a platform also used by Lincoln's elite Town Car.
The structure, with steel rails in front and cross-bracing plus rear reinforcements designed to boost lateral stiffness, creates a stable foundation for mounting suspension hardware.
Independent suspension elements amount to a short/long arm design up front with multiple rear links in an arrangement called Watt's linkage.
Its purpose is to maintain a secure stance around all corners, with reduced dive and squat evident when accelerating or braking and virtually no trace of a big sedan's tendency to float and flounder.
For steering, Crown Victoria contains a rack and pinion device with variable power boost for fast response and easy turning of the steering wheel.
Big disc brakes mount at each wheel on Crown Vic, and there's the connection to a computerized anti-lock system tied to anti-slip traction stability for enhanced vehicle control.
Then, too, there's ample power underfoot, due to the V8 engine rigged with high-tech hardware and tuned with low-torque output so the driver feels a spark threading through all gears.
The 4.6-liter Ford plant with overhead cam configuration in standard application produces 220 hp at 4750 rpm and torque of 265 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.
For LX Sport, output increases to 235 hp at 4750 rpm plus 276 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
A smooth four-speed automatic transmission with electronic controls tames this powertrain. The shifter includes a high-gear lockout switch in the tip of a column-mounted shift lever that allows driver to downshift with only a tap from the forefinger.
The big-car format of Crown Victoria traces to 1979. A fresh design rolled out in 1998 with increased cabin space forged from the new structural system off Town Car.
In current issues Crown Vic looks modern, even sophisticated, its exterior projecting a bold front hood with softly rounded edges and a broad grille.
Side panels feature an interesting flat shoulder stretched below windows to create shiny reflective surfaces in contrast against smooth body contours.
In back, the broad decklid conceals that humongous trunk. It pitches more than 20 cubic feet of storage space in a design with deep well that can accommodate a lot of luggage -- or more than one set of golf clubs.
Model designations for Crown Victoria change in the 2002 lineup to reflect revisions in standard equipment.
There are now three versions tagged as a base Crown Victoria, the LX series and new LX Sport with equipment added for lively handling and higher performance.
More features go into all versions, such as standard audio and climate controls mounted on the steering wheel, heated exterior side mirrors, floor maps and improved designs for cupholders, seatback map pockets, an auto dimming rearview mirror and the anti-lock brakes that are standard for LX and LX Sport.
Seating for base Crown Victoria and LX consists of two three-person benches, with the front one split and combined with a fold-down armrest so it functions as two individual seats. In the rear, the bench has twin outboard stations and a fold-down armrest.
The LX Sport shows twin front buckets with leather upholstery and a center console pegged by the shifter.
Standards even at entry level range from six-way power for seats and heated power exterior mirrors to power windows and door locks, cruise control and a tilting steering column.
LX increases the gear with power controls for the front passenger's seat, power lumbar section of the driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry system, automatic climate controls, the ABS brakes and 16-inch alloy wheels.
LX Sport tilts toward performance with its power boost, a premium audio system aboard and special handling and performance package.
The equipment encompasses twin exhaust ports, P225/60TRx16 BSW touring tires and revised springs, shocks and stabilizer bars to generate a firmer ride quality and enable crisp cornering. Air-cushioned springs are also included in an assemblage that automatically levels the car's load for a flattened stance when in motion.
Current price points for Crown Victoria extend from $23,635 to $30,830 including a $705 delivery fee, with the LX Sport pitched at $28,840.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA LX SPORT Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size sedan
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| Model Options: |
Full-size sedan
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| Wheelbase: |
114.7 inches
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| Overall Length: |
212.0 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 4.6-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4
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| Drive: |
Rear
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc
Crown Victoria: opt. ABS/TCS
LX / LX Sport: ABS/TCS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
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| Gas Mileage: |
17/25 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 23,635 to $ 30,830 |
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