Crown Vic's formal looks suggest dignified duties: going to work and back, shopping excursions, or maybe an outing to the theater on Saturday night with another couple. The long hood says power and direction; the traditional chrome-ringed grille denotes an elevated station in life. There's more than a wink of Lincoln influence in its long, liquid flanks, and its thick vertical C-pillars. Fortunately, bright work has been applied sparingly, letting you see the Crown Victoria's true shape, rather than its ornamentation.

The LX Sport is distinguished by more aggressive wheels, tires, and monochrome trim. Mechanically, the Sport model includes dual exhaust, a high-performance torque converter, firmer springs, stiffer anti-roll bars, a standard air spring rear suspension, a lower rear axle ratio for quicker acceleration, and special 17-inch wheels and tires.