1996 Ford Crown Victoria OVERVIEW

Huge rear-drive sedans used to dominate America's highways. Today, this once-plentiful species has dwindled to just a few domestic nameplates: the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, and two offerings from General Motors: the Chevrolet Caprice and the Buick Roadmaster. As a class, they've moved from commonplace to niche, selling steadily but moderately to people who still appreciate their roominess and view their dimensions as a safety plus. Conservatively styled, their objective is to provide comfort, convenience and value in a big package built for highway cruising. But for 1995, an interior overhaul of the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis gives Ford an edge on its GM competition. The thoughtful, handsome new interior is the best in its class.