1997 Ford Crown Victoria

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.