How many miles per gallon does a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria get?
In general, a 2003 Crown Victoria with the 4.6-liter V8 and automatic transmission averages about 17 miles per gallon in city driving and about 25 miles per gallon on the highway, for roughly 20 mpg combined. Real-world results vary with driving conditions and vehicle condition.
What to know about the 2003 Crown Victoria's powertrain
The 2003 Crown Victoria uses Ford's 4.6-liter Modular V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The car is rear-wheel drive and built on a traditional full-frame body, a setup that prioritizes durability and highway stability. This combination was common across civilian models and the Police Interceptor, and it tends to produce higher highway efficiency relative to city driving even as overall fuel economy remains modest by modern standards.
Impact of driving conditions
Urban stop-and-go traffic, short trips, and heavy loads can significantly reduce mpg, while steady highway cruising at moderate speeds typically yields the best efficiency. Tire condition, alignment, and maintenance (air filters, spark plugs, oil changes) also influence mileage. In practice, many drivers report city mpg in the high teens and highway mpg in the mid-20s for 2003 Crown Victorias.
Variations by model and equipment
Civilian Crown Victorias and the Police Interceptor share the same basic powertrain, but police-spec vehicles may have differences in gearing, cooling, and added equipment which can subtly affect mpg. Vehicle weight, trim level, and optional features (such as longer gearing for highway use) can cause slightly different numbers from one example to another.
Measuring MPG and real-world expectations
EPA estimates for 2003 Crown Victoria models generally fall around 17 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. Real-world mileage often trails those numbers, especially in urban environments or with high-speed highway driving, but the 2003 Crown Victoria remains relatively efficient for its class given its size and weight.
Shopping tips for used owners and prospective buyers
If you're evaluating a used 2003 Crown Victoria, ask for maintenance records, note tire condition and alignment, and check the exhaust and emissions system. The car’s weight and aerodynamics limit fuel economy compared with modern sedans, so expect numbers in the low-to-mid 20s on highway trips and high teens in city driving, depending on conditions.
Summary
The 2003 Ford Crown Victoria typically delivers about 17 mpg in city driving and around 25 mpg on the highway, averaging roughly 20 mpg combined. Your actual mileage will vary based on driving style, maintenance, and whether the car is a civilian model or Police Interceptor. For a used example, good maintenance and proper tires can help you achieve the better end of the typical range.
What is the gas mileage on a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria?
The 2003 Ford Crown Victoria gets approximately 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, for a combined average of 18 or 19 mpg depending on the source. Models like the NGV (Natural Gas) variant have lower fuel economy, with a city/highway estimate of 13/18 mpg.
Gas models
- City: 16 mpg
- Highway: 23 mpg
- Combined: 18-19 mpg
NGV (Natural Gas) models
- City: 13 mpg
- Highway: 18 mpg
Do Crown Vics get good gas mileage?
No, Crown Victorias are generally not good on gas, with EPA estimates around 15-18 mpg city and 23-25 mpg highway, though actual mileage varies by year, condition, and driving style. The large V8 engine and heavy body contribute to relatively low fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. However, it's a durable and simple vehicle, and some owners achieve better results with careful driving, while others prioritize reliability over fuel economy.
EPA ratings and real-world performance
- EPA estimates: Varies by model year, but typically around 15−1815 minus 1815−18 mpg city and 23−2523 minus 2523−25 mpg highway.
- Combined mileage: The combined city/highway mileage is often around 191919 mpg.
- Owner experiences: Real-world results vary significantly, with some owners reporting 20−2520 minus 2520−25 mpg on the highway under ideal conditions, while others get much lower mileage due to stop-and-go traffic or older, less efficient models.
Factors affecting gas mileage
- Engine size: The 4.6L V8 engine is a major factor in the car's fuel consumption.
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving with hard acceleration and braking will significantly decrease fuel economy.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance, including correct tire inflation, can help improve mileage.
- Vehicle age: The Crown Victoria has been out of production since 2011, so older, less-maintained vehicles may not be as efficient.
Why people still buy them
- Durability and reliability: The Crown Victoria is known for its durability, which is why taxi and police fleets favored them for years.
- Simplicity and low repair costs: The simple design means parts are generally cheap and repairs are straightforward, making it a low-cost option to maintain compared to more complex modern vehicles.
Are 2003 Crown Vics reliable?
Among the 420 owners who provided feedback on the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and comfort to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest.
How much is a 2003 Crown Vic worth?
The value of a used 2003 Ford Crown Victoria ranges from $605 to $2,930, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
