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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 658.00-
Love this car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Schreineri - October 7 - 2:00 amLove this car. Absolutely no maintenance other than normal We followed the more stringent maintenance religiously, particularly 30000 and 50000 suggestions. Replaced tires and battery once and always used premium fuel.
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Will only buy grand marquis! - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By candy - October 5 - 4:40 amI had a 1996 model with 201,000 miles on it when I bought this 2001 model. I had no problems at all.I will only buy the best and this is the BEST! Thanks Mercury for your great performance and continue building them the way they are.
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Lincoln in Disguise - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By biglinc1 - October 2 - 12:50 amI purchased a 2007 Grand Marquis LS a few months back to replace an 03 Town Car. The Marquis had only 30k miles. The MPG is between 23-25, and some of the mid-size cars wont average much over that. I have plenty of leg room, and a huge trunk that you dont find on the smaller cars. Its as smooth as my Lincoln, and just as quiet. Would like to have had the redundant audio and HVAC controls on the steering wheel as the radio is a bit of a stretch for the driver. That was an option on the Grand Marquis but standard on the Town Car and Crown Vic LX.
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Cops and cab companies love this car for good reas - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bill Porter - October 1 - 3:24 amComfortable, reliable, has a huge trunk.Its kind of "old school" by todays standards. Dont look for the latest in high tech gizmos. Back seat leg room seems a bit tight for a car this size. Mines got nearly 100k miles and still looks and feels like a new 2010.
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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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Big Car - Big Value - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By jlg - September 22 - 8:16 pmThe gas mileage is amazing for the size of car. Overall the drive is quiet. Roomy is the key word of this car! The seats could use a bit more redesign as they tend to be a bit low to the floor.
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1999 Mercury Grand Marquis LS - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By sabadov - August 27 - 9:53 amA very reliable car. No major service needed during the three years I owned it. Very confortable and easy to handle.
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Classic American Sedan - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ghcrooks - August 21 - 10:20 pmHaving Driven Grand Marquis and Crown Vics as company cars off and on for nearly 2 decades, when it came time to purchase a car for myself I waded into familiar territory and picked a Grand M after a less than satisfactory 2 years slugging it out with a 2003 Taurus SES. $ for $ and # for #, I dont know another mark as comfortable, reliable and smooth. Sure, the styling is dated (or is that "classic"?), but the room, ride and overall quality cannot be matched for under $25k.
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Entry and exit is poor - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By rmicheil - August 20 - 2:00 amSome how the designers forgot that people get into and out of the car. If you have older people then this car is not for you. Although is is a large car it is very hard to get into and out of if you are elderly. The car, however is excellent in every other way.
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satisfied customer - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ruby Sifferman - August 14 - 8:40 amI find my Grand Marquis to be comfortable , safe & a lot of car for the money,
