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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2004 Grand Marque GS Convience Owner - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Frank J Marchetti - November 22 - 2:00 amThis Automobile Has a Very hard ride, you feel every bump in the road, (small or large). It being a large 4 door sedan the ride is a big disapointment. I will not own it very long. Before you buy one give it a good test drive!!!!!!!!!!
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Gone for a reason - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By j_rob82 - October 2 - 9:44 amI write this tonight as we have just sold our 2008 Grand Marquis LS. Its pillowy ride can lead to car sickness if you drive it on a curvy road. It wallows and bounces up and down like an ocean liner in a bad storm. Speaking of storms, it does horrible in adverse weather and to top it all off, we had a few quality concerns, though the drivetrain has ran flawlessly. Our previous Mercury, a 97 Sable, was the exact opposite experiance. The ride and handling were ballanced well and traction was never a problem. It also seemed to have more leg room which is why we sold the Grand Marquis and are purchasing a 2012 Taurus tomorrow. The quality of the leather alone in the Taurus is 10X that in the G
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Bad car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By George - June 5 - 5:26 pmThis car is junk! This car has terrible brakes and wheels. The car rattles so much. The leather is cheap and there is no leg room. This car is outdated! The engine is a V8 with only about 225 HP. Cheap! Everything in this car is a piece of junk! Cheap! Cheap! Cheap! Well, its good if you play bingo This car eats gas for terrible pickup. I recomend this car to teens, not adults with families.
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old stylr - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By jjajijic - April 10 - 2:00 amThis car does have the leg room that my 99 Taurus Wagon, which has 120000 miles and no problems. The back seat leg room is very small compared to the Chysler Concode which have rented severa times The car is not exciting. I have always had a car that was different and I can say this has it. From 51 Riley to Cadillac limos, 61 Lincon Conv. I am looking forward to some thing that is not a old mans car. I am age 76 and still like sports cars, etc. \
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never buy another one - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By anthony caggiano - January 15 - 2:00 ambought car new,had trouble with check engine light,transmission,front end,all before 25000 miles.Dealer on three returns was unable to fix check engine light.Dealer indifferent,as was manufacturer
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Seats & other problems - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ron Rudge - December 3 - 2:00 amI bought this car as a 6 passenger sedan . No way! You cannot put 3 people in the front seat of this car. Noise in or about dash dealer cannot eliminate. Very disturbing. Head rest are a big pain. While backing out of driveway you cannot see to the right with these large headrests. The car has a tendency to drift to the right.
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BAD TRANSMISSION - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By BERNIE FOSTER - September 27 - 10:00 amI TRADED MY PERFECT 2001 MARQUIS IN ON A 2003 MARQUIS. IN THREE MONTHS THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES FOR A TOTAL OF 35 DAYS FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. IT IS IN THERE NOW & WAITING FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION TO ARIVE FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE GOTTEN ONLY LIP SERVICE & VERY POOR SERVICE OTHERWISE.
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Peace of Mercury/ Ford junk - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Toyota - May 30 - 4:20 amThis piece of junk handles horribly and has horrible gas miles. Why cant Ford start making some cars not cruises. I also own a Toyota Avalon which is ten times better. The Mercury takes 9.7 seconds to get from o-60 with a v8 engine with 224 HP and the Avalon takes 8.5 seconds with a v6 engine with 210 HP. If you want a big boat go Linclon, Toyota, Lexus, or Acura. This car has been in the shop ever 40,000 miles. It has mainly been in the shop for electric problems and loud radding. Go Toyota Boo Ford!
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Never again! - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Sozo - May 23 - 5:30 pmOur new 93LS would put this 05 to shame. I thought theyd make the car better, not worse. Too much wind noise (mirrors & windshield) and a noisy low speed fan. The engine, transmission and exhaust noise is a total disappointment. The dealer said they now use thinner windows. But besides the overall cheap feel of the car we ended up with steel wheels that are out of round. Yep, shaped like an egg with the vibration and road noise to go with them. I spent my life in the tire business and know tires and wheels. The dealer replaced one wheel but it looks like it will take an act of Congress to get the rest taken care of. With 7,000 miles were stuck. My wifes Corolla is a much better car.
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FORDS BETTER IDEA - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By 1967z28 - January 16 - 8:26 amI just experienced my 8th power window failure. This is my wifes car, no kids to abuse the system. Ford has been building cars with power windows for over 50 years and still cant get it right. Other failures include the dreaded plastic intake manifold. The improved Ford replacement manifold is now leaking around the heater hose nipple. Ford has been building cars for 100 years and has difficulty building a manifold that holds water. My wife has been stranded twice with no start issues due to poor crank trigger connector placement, it takes on water when driving in the rain. The rear seat belts were replaced under warranty and still have ratchet issues. The clear coat & paint have failed.
