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Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis

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What is this discussion about? Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Exterior, Sedan

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#1588 of 3244 the 03 Gm by genex1 Oct 09, 2002 (5:06 pm)
I am also a happy owner of the 2003 GM LS. My previous car was a 1996 GM so I am able to make some comparisons. Overall, the 03 is a significantly improved model. The '96 had a larger gas tank (20 gals), lights on the front doors, and, I think, a softer ride. The ride issue is diminishing in sensation as I drive the car more and more. The firmness and stability of the 03 along with the excellent steering improvement coupled with the increase in power from 190hp to 224hp, more than compensate for the seemingly slightly harder ride. I am probably getting used to it to the point where I no longer think of the ride as less soft. I continue to appreciate the firm and secure handling of the 03. Other features such as the overhead console, the very accurate compass, the CD and tape radio combination etc. add up to avery satisfactory package for me.
#1589 of 3244 Feedback from 03 Owners by dbc123 Oct 10, 2002 (5:29 am)
Thanks to both of you for your thoughtful comments on your new cars. In retrospect, I'm not so sure that it is the ride firmness that bothers me but more the increased impact harshness. The new cars just transmit more noise and jolts on sharp bumps than than my 94 GM. Less of a sense of riding over the bumps and more a sense of slamming into them. Do the 03 owners sense this or is it just me?
#1590 of 3244 More feedback on 03s by james130 Oct 10, 2002 (10:17 am)
dbc123: My car seems to be quiet enough over the the bumps,but I can understand your comments about the suspension jolting rather than absorbing the bumps.This is no doubt due to the overdamping and roll stiffness built into the system to prevent any roll(leaning) on curves.The anti-roll(sway) bars which restrict roll on cornering,can also restrict individual wheel movements when traversing uneven surfaces.So that unless both front or rear wheels hit the same bump at the same time,the anti-roll bar will act against the upward or downward movement of an individual wheel,and the body of the car will tend to rock, rather than the wheels absorbing the bump by themselves.Likewise the shocks which have alot of resistance to extending, and use this to prevent leaning on corners,unfortunately, also tend to prevent the wheels from dropping into dips in the road,and indeed tend to pull the whole car down with them, or, on severe dips may cause the wheels to leave the road for a second or two before impacting at the other side.Possibly the jolting you are referring to.So your comments,I feel, are a result of suspension design rather than the new frame.Again with use,these characteristics usually tend to become less severe.Hope all that made some sort of sense.
#1591 of 3244 03 Changes by dbc123 Oct 10, 2002 (1:44 pm)
I concur that roll stiffness is somewhat responsible for the ride issues, however, I do not think roll stiffness has changed that much in the new cars, the real issue is tighter dampening in the shocks and higher spring rates. The car feel more tied down and perhaps more "solid" but gives up smoothness and isolation. These two traits were world class before the redesign and now are merely OK. It's a shame to give up traits that mean so much to most GM/CV/TC buyers only to be able to go around a corner a little faster. As I've said before, If I wanted that suspension tuning I would have bought a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc.
#1592 of 3244 1992 Crown Victoria,pro's&cons? by overthehill Oct 10, 2002 (4:06 pm)
I have the chance to buy a 92' Crown Victoria, with 107000 miles. Is it worth spending $1500.00.I have never owned one. thanks! overthehill
#1593 of 3244 Edmunds 03 GM First Drive by dbc123 Oct 11, 2002 (5:00 am)
"Last years model was too floaty and too loose". Most reviewers seem to like the new suspension but they also state "We favor sports cars and go cart handling is our benchmark." The vast majority of buyers of these cars do not favor sports cars and certainly don't care about go cart handling. What they do care about is ride and the "big car feel". Ford needs to listen to the buyers and not the reviewers who are out of touch with buyers expectations.
#1594 of 3244 Dare I mention 03 ride quality again? by james130 Oct 11, 2002 (10:57 am)
I agree whole heartedly with your comments,dbc123.Thank you for pointing out "first drive".I've just read it now!!Well I am astounded.I especially like the comment re:the ride being plush and serene,and able to challenge many luxury cars!(or words to that effect)What sort of luxury cars are these people used to?Its certainly no match for my last 2000 Chrysler LHS,let alone the number of Jaguars I've had.Oh well,you and I must be alone in our quest to get Ford to change their mind on this issue,after all I've noticed on the Town Car board that even the traditional TC buyer seems to be pleased with the new set up.I just wish that Ford would leave us who enjoy quaint old fashioned amenities like column shift and split bench seats to enjoy our quaint old fashioned ride as well,and leave the youngsters the LSE with its bucket seats, centre console and hard ride.Incidentally,what does the LSE ride like!It must be harrendous.If anyone does hear of any mods from Ford or any specialist shock absorber manufacturer to bring back the good old American type ride,and make this GM perfect,please post a message ASAP.
#1595 of 3244 Overthe hill: We need a lot more information about the car. by kinley Oct 11, 2002 (1:24 pm)
#1596 of 3244 Suspension Modifications Unlikley by dbc123 Oct 14, 2002 (2:10 pm)
The redesigned front suspension uses a coil-over-shock arrangement similar to a strut. James, I'm afraid that the chances of aftermarket mods to this set up are slim - the spring and shock are like a single unit now. Maybe Ford will hear our plea and retune the suspension next year. I also suspect that the tuning is the same as used in the LSE although Ford says differently. I understand the Marauder uses Police Interceptor front springs that lower the front about half inch and are supposed to be firmer still. Another subject: Have you noticed the new interior door handles have no way to wrap your fingers around them? Previous handles were larger and easier to use. They remind me of the tiny, hard to use, handles found on some small Japanese cars. The new front seats, however, are a huge improvment in comfort over the previous car - wish the headrests didn't tilt so far forward, though.
#1597 of 3244 1992 crown victoria by overthehill Oct 15, 2002 (1:24 pm)
features: the car has leather interior,am/fm cass.,pwr windows,pwr door locks,trunk release. need to know if any problems I need to look for. It does not appear to burning oil. thanks! overthehill

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