Overview & Reviews
For years, the Mercury Grand Marquis stood as an example of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The big Mercury, a slightly fancier twin of the Ford Crown Victoria, exhibited old-school automotive design with its stout but heavy body-on-frame construction, solid rear axle and softly tuned suspension calibrations. Its more modern American and Japanese peers, by comparison, featured lighter unibody architecture and fully independent suspensions.
The ride and handling performance suffered somewhat as a result, as the Grand Marquis just wasn't nearly as athletic as more modern rivals. But folks prized this Mercury for its roomy cabin, plush, quiet ride and bulletproof construction, not its ability to tear through a winding road at breakneck speed. It's no wonder that for decades its plainer Ford relative was the favorite of cab companies, police departments and fleet operators everywhere.
For the full-size sedan shopper who just wants a big, comfortable V8-equipped sedan and nothing more, a used Mercury Grand Marquis offers compelling value. Just keep in mind that it's affordable for a reason. Premium features like navigation, high-powered audio and Bluetooth are nowhere to be found, and competing large sedans are much more modern in their mechanical makeup and overall design.
Most Recent Mercury Grand Marquis
The most recent Mercury Grand Marquis generation began in 1998. Concurrent with the brand's demise, production ended after 2011. This full-size six-passenger sedan was generally available in two trim levels -- GS and LS. Going with an LS will typically get you more features.
Despite its 2-ton curb weight, the Grand Marquis was reasonably quick off the line thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Output varied somewhat during the car's run; models from 2003 and later typically had 224 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission available. Marquis models fitted with the optional Handling package (it was discontinued after 2007) received a power increase to 235 hp.
The Marquis received a variety of updates throughout the years. The biggest changes took place for '03, when the Grand Marquis received an all-new chassis with a redesigned front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, all of which improved crash performance and handling. Antilock brakes were made standard that year, and front side airbags became available. Stability control was never offered, however. In general, we recommend shopping for one of these 2003-and-newer models.
For 2003 and '04, Mercury also offered the performance-minded Marauder, a name that harkened back to the 1960s. This blacked-out Grand Marquis featured a firmer suspension, big wheels, bucket seats and a four-cam, 302-hp V8.
On the road, the Mercury Grand Marquis delivered a soft, forgiving ride, but as expected, the handling was mushy. Ultimately, there was just no getting around this big sedan's decades-old design, substantial weight and large dimensions. Inside, the dated design and spotty materials quality were immediately apparent. The vehicle's chief strengths were its solid value for the money and the roomy, comfortable accommodations for five or six. A huge 21-cubic-foot trunk that could easily swallow a week's worth of luggage for a small family was another perk.
Past Mercury Grand Marquis Models
As for older Grand Marquis that followed the end of the previous model's long (1979-'91) run, the '92 Mercury Grand Marquis debuted with a restyled body and a new-generation, overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 rated at 190 or 210 hp (with dual exhaust). We found that engine much smoother and more powerful than the ancient overhead-valve V8s it replaced. Minor improvements carried through to 1995, when a subtle face-lift yielded a new grille, lights, bumpers, trunk lid and dash. Not much changed after that until the next big update three years later.
User Reviews:
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Extremely Satisfied in Montgomery AL - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By John Kline - September 21 - 12:40 amI had a Crown Vic with 200K miles and never spent a dime except on regular maintenance, tires and brakes, so I bought the Grand Marquis LS and get 27 miles per gallon on the road at 65-75 mph. Rides great. Wonderful buy for the money. Accelerates very well, handles well and sits very comfortable Tried the Sable, but easily made the choice. Certainly a wonderful car; could not be more pleased, I like its design, even if it is more than a decade old. I am a young 68 years old who works out two hours a day, works a 12 hour day and enjoys life. This is a car for a person with the maturity and self confidence to handle it--a person who can afford to pay more, but chooses not to.
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I LOVE IT!!!! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Rick Wood - September 4 - 10:00 amI owned a Lincoln LS before the GM Ultimate Edition. I absolutely love the ride and handling of the GM. The LS was a little too stiff for me. I have driven the vehicle 3300 miles in less than two months and am still impressed with the way it rides, handles, and provides me with pain free comfort on long trips. A must see! A must buy!
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My Second Love - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Rhythum - August 29 - 2:00 amThis is our forth Mercury Grand Marquis Each one just gets better. They are fun and easy to drive. I am very confident of the dependablity. It gets very good gas mileage. 22 to 26 miles to the gallon.One of the most important parts is its comfort . We travel alot and really enjoy the comfort and the huge trunk. It will not nickel and dime you with repairs.This one has and excellent paint job with a half rag roof. Looks very sporty.
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Best car I ever owned! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By D.S. - August 24 - 8:16 pmThis is the best car I ever owned. Went from a 90 Towncar to this. Great ride, handles like a sports car. Will pass anything with ease. Mileage is 23 mpg. The LX with all the bells and whistles would be nice too. One down side is it is smaller inside than a TC but everything short of a van is. If you are looking at one to buy I would jump at it. Great safety, dual air bags. Handles like a sport car, rides like a luxo coupe. Good mileage, lots of space. Looks fantastic. If you want a more sporty ride get the Marauder. But I can not fault this car. Just did a trip with it and the cruise stays within 3 mph of where you set it going up and down hills.
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Excellent big V8 value - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By FRANK - August 24 - 7:23 pmMy satisfaction with a 1994 ford crown victoria I purchased new, drew me back to my looking at the Mercury. The excellent value for the money of a quality auto ruled out considering the Chrysler big cars and the Toyota and Honda offerings as well as the Chevrolet big car. The comfort and room are worth the small trade off in gas mileage, plus the safety of a bigger car. The wide choices of options allowed not having to pay for unwanted and needless ones. Only one small service shop item, failure of keyless door pad which was repaired at no charge. The standard features and overall attention to detail shows that from my 1995 crown vic, to my present 2006 grand marquis, quality is first class.
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Solid Car for the Money - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Clark - August 21 - 10:00 amThe Grand Marquis is what most cars today arent: spacious and functional, not "hot" and gimmicky. Its drive is very smooth, expecially on the highway. Its a true 6-passenger car, unlike other pseudo-"full size" cars that dont come close. Its huge trunk gives you a lot of flexiblity, as long as youre careful not to injure your back (it depth makes for a hazard if youre picking up something heavy). The interior could use some refinement, but not (we hope) at the expense of a price increase, since VALUE is what makes the Grand Marquis compete.
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One owner - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Margaret Mascotti - August 6 - 12:46 amCar is a joy to drive, however I am in assisted living and no longer can drive
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Great Car - No regrets - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By georgek - July 19 - 7:26 amI bought this car as a "winter beater" but it is immaculate and a fantastic riding car. It performed admirably this past winter in NW PA. I just took a 220 mile trip and got 26.7 mpg - AWESOME for a car this size with a V8. Ive always loved the Grand Marquis - my parents had a 1984 LS and we retired it with 221,000 miles on it. Im hoping for a repeat performance with mine!
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Does everything well - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Steelerfan - July 8 - 8:23 amIm really in my element driving a big, comfortable American-made sedan. I traded a 1995 Buick Roadmaster with more than 200,000 miles on a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis LS and after 10,000 miles, I find that my LS does everything well. Its big, comfortable, reliable, well-built and a pleasure to drive.
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Extra Special - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Liljim - July 6 - 10:00 amHave had a Grand Marquis for 3 yrs. Find it completely reliable, easy to maintain and very smooth riding. Lots of car for the money!!!
