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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  My 03 GM LS Ultimate - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By DRC - December 18 - 10:00 am

  A great car that I do recommend! Its a joy to own. The only (2) problems encountered were: a wiring harness replacement that took the Dealer three... weeks to fix, and seperate problem(s) with a FORD after market "remote starter" unit. Needed (4) snows, as I reside in the snow belt.

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  Not Bad For a Boat - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Gary Ciborowski - December 16 - 1:50 am

  Best highway cruiser Ive owned since my 74 Impala. Extremely quiet, ample power and at 22 mpg, you cant complain. Strong signs of ancient automotive technology like analog gauges, but the car seems rock solid. Would seriously entertain buying a sportier model than the GS when this one is used up.

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  Grand Marquis - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bill H. - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Basic mix of 1970s design of large rear- wheel 4-dr car with updating of firmer suspensions and more efficient engine is attempted here. This car is an excellent alternative to the SUV with 24mpg on the freeway with Town Car like ride and confort. Great ride on the interstate but marginal on mountain roads. Drawback is overall quality in fit and finish. Dealers are very good to respond to quality issues but warranty is expiring soon, oh well. The perfect car for me is the style and size of the Grand Marquis and the qualty of the Camry. PS.. the big trunk is great!

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  follow-up - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By vanillaice - November 9 - 9:50 am

  This car is so good, its like not owning a Ford. After 70,000 miles, exactly zero dollars and zero cents in unscheduled maintenance. Incredible value especially as a used car. High altitude seems to hurt the performance inordinately, but maybe its just me. A Toyota should be so reliable. Very large trunk is a little oddly shaped. This was done to fix exploding gas tank. Still, I wish they would do another work-around to bring back true "three body trunk" capability. Easily the best kept secret in the auto world.

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  outstanding - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By AMCS (AW) USN - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had only one problem with my Mercury since 1999. I replaced the Idel control motor. A $89 part that took longer to drive accross town and pick up than to replace. It is the ideal family car. 27 miles to the gallon on the highway! More trunk space that you can imagine. Once you own one you will never buy a tin can again. I have replace the tires a little early on the wifes request. Outstanding car.

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  Really Nice Car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jbushnell515 - October 4 - 10:40 am

  I bought this car with 73,500 miles on it and I would have to say, it runs really good. I did some preventative maintence on it when I first got it and after that, the car runs like a dream. I get about 23 mpg average just running around town. I would have to say that that is extremely well for a V8 engine.

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  Best boat on the road - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ernest underwood - October 2 - 4:25 am

  Great bang for the buck. It asks for nothing but takes good care of you and the family. Best used car value, for big cars, in the market. I live in New England and search for the Gmarks in Fl as they are usually low mileage one owner automobiles. When the big northern winter storms arrive, I stay home as should everyone so rear wheel drive is not an issue.

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  Solid Car for the Money - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Clark - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The 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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  Extra Special - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Liljim - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Have had a Grand Marquis for 3 yrs. Find it completely reliable, easy to maintain and very smooth riding. Lots of car for the money!!!

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  where have all the great cars gone? - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ogdad223 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  for the price of this auto you would have to expect a better fit and finish of this one.auto and overall fit and finish not very good at all and some of the doors,etc had to be redone by the dealer.not the fault of the dealer should of been caught at the factory.get up and go was there great ride on the highway better than some fomoco units ive had.