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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Reliable if not exciting - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Keith - February 20 - 9:30 amWe have had eight Grand Marquis since the mid-eighties. I can honestly say that they have served us well with most of them getting 120000 before trading. Our current 2005 has 140000 with minimal problems, electrical control module and catylic converter. We get 22 mpg on two lane roads and up to 27 on long trips.This is not a flashy car but it is comfortable and reliable.
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Mercury Marquis Luxury Car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By VPaul - January 11 - 2:00 amI loved my Lincoln Town Car I bought in 1989 and was confident the baby Lincoln (my marquis) would be as good. I am comfortable with it an there has been a few mechanical and electrical issues, but overall, I love it. Only spent $2,883.95 on maintenance/repairs since acquiring it in March, 1997. The damn catalytic converter croaked and it would cost $2000 to repair it. The hell with that!
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Last of a dying breed - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ionosphere - November 23 - 8:13 amIve had my car for 6 months now and I love it. Others can complain that this car is old fashioned, but Ill take this car anyday over any Honda, Toyota, etc. The front bench type seat leaves this big fella with terrific legroom unmatched in other cars. The trunk is great, with the trunk organizer and all the space. Okay, so its not the greatest in handling around sharp turns and staying in lane. Big deal; Im not going to race it.
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Toms Car - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tomtom - October 1 - 3:23 amI like driving the car. Its a smooth ride but packs enough power to make a jump off the line. Im not saying its a racing car, but for a passanger car its a nice car overall. I put a 1000W system in it. i got 2 12" p1 subs and a 8" bazooka tube. This is with 4 new speakers and a Sony faceplate. If youre buying this car, you really shouldnt have many improvements in mind. This is a smooth car and great for drives anywhere. I put in a system becuase its what I love and Im looking to put on 20" rims if itll hold them and chrome most of it out.
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Big, comfortable,some interior flaws - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ed smith - September 30 - 11:26 amGreat, comfortable,ride. Gas economy lacking. Interior design needs work. Smartly styled exterior. Although, having driven rear wheel dr. for years, last 5 cars have had front dr.. I think I prefer front dr..
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New owner - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By NewMarquisowner - September 8 - 10:00 amJust picked it up a couple of days ago, Took a bit to get used to the light touch steering. Enjoying the room and the ride. Cant wait to take it on a long trip...very comfortable, still a good looking car! Suprised at the lack of extras in the interior, really sparse..my 2 year old Sable had many more interior features and was better appointed inside. Looks like there was a big giveup by buying the convenience model vs. the limited. lousy cup holders and nothing automatic in front..all manual..oh well! its still a very good value and I dont mind since I saved about 5 grand over a Japanese model......I will enjoy the room and the ride..
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El Grande Marquis - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By AW - August 24 - 4:46 amIF you need an everyday driver that is relaible and looks are not important, the Mercury Grand Marquis can fit the bill. I have drive my used Grand Marquis through all kinds of weather and it holds up well.
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Great V8 American Full-Size Sedan - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By George - August 5 - 6:03 amI have ridden in these Ford sedans for over for all my life. My grandparents have had two Town Cars and a Crown Vic. The Grand Marquis, on the same platform, is simply one of the most comofortable sedans out there. Its got room, V8 power, comfort and traditional style, which stands out on todays roads. I hope Ford keeps these sedans around and updates them. Their comfort is hard to beat and its a throwback to an earlier era, in which I wasnt even born, of big, luxurious sedans. No matter your age, young or old, the Grand Marquis offers great value and should be test driven!
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good option - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By hector fussa - July 25 - 1:50 pmgood car for family transportation luxurious and very inexpensive, great car for real estate agents or persons that need to move around with other people on tow
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Excellent Car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dieter - June 18 - 11:46 pmSilky smooth and fuel efficient engine. I get 20.5 in town around Boston and as high as 27 on the highway. Looked at BMWs, but they do not offer a proportionately better handling or ride for the value, plus they burn expensive premium gas. I still cant find a better car for the price. I put heavy sway bars on the car (rear end) for a couple of hundred dollars. Big difference. Suspension mods are easy and cheap. Cars design inside and out is simple, and uncluttered... but I like that. Only complaint, is that the rear seat does not fold down, and they dont make a roof rack.
