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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  Factory Freak - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By assious - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Mine my be a factory freak, but it is very fast and I am very happy with its continued strong performance even through 142000 miles.

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  One of best American cars ever - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Boss - August 9 - 8:06 am

  With few minor modification under the hood, high performance tires & shocks this car will leave others eat the dust. Winter tires for snow & the snow plow follows my tracks. With ECM(Computer) from sister Crown Vic.(Police Interceptor) you wont believe increase in performance. A true monster

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  grand marquis - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By saes terque - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a big car that is fun to drive and very comfterble is like riding on a pillow. It makes a great car for a teenager.

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  Guidos Here - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Sean - July 21 - 1:10 am

  Overall I enjoy my 1999 Mercury Marquis LS. My only major complaint is the driver side seat is not very comfortable (for me) I am a fairly large guy 62 and over 280 lbs. I was hoping for better city driving mileage I average 18-20 mpg (without running the A/C)

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  My G.Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Snowmonster - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine as a program with 16,000 miles I love this Car.It turns heads even to this day.I have a black 03 Ls and alot of people confuse it with the Maurauder.It is the premium model.I wouldnt change a thing except maybe 4 wheel drive for the Mountainous areas.Thank Goodness I live in the South and just visited Colorado for vacation.Hope to eventualy buy another.

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  Mercury Grand Marquise LS - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ken Roy - July 17 - 10:00 am

  The LS version with standard leather seating is very comfortable. Average mileage city and highway is 21.8mpg. Highway mileage averages 26 and has been as high as 28 where speed is limited to < 65 mph.

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  1997 Marquis LS - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By 1997 Grand Marquis - July 13 - 7:00 am

  I spent 6 months researching every make of used car, looking for the one car that had the best combination of room, power, style, safety, and economy. The car that fit the bill...my 1997 Grand Marquis LS. I have owned the car since 2002 and it has required only regular maintenance (oil changes, plugs, filters and the like). Because most buyers mistakenly view the Marquis as an old persons boat, super quality low mileage versions are readily available for reasonable prices. Ford got this car right and with the same basic engine and body parts being made since 1992...parts are not a problem. My Marquis is extremely fast, incredibly roomy, economical (18-26mpg), and very reliable.

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  great car! - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ctbruce - July 7 - 7:50 am

  I love my car! It is the best value for the money. It is very reliable. I have never had one problem with it. Bells and whistles are many.

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  Mother Earths Revenge - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jared Chesler - July 6 - 6:03 am

  This car is junk! The leather is cheap, the quality is no Toyota Avalon, It looks like junk, It is junk, it makes KIA look nice! The seats have no support and there is no rear leg room. The Mercury is great if live in the 1940. For the same price buy: Toyota Avalon For less buy: Honda Accord For more buy: Lexus or Linclon

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  Good car for trips - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ron - July 3 - 4:03 pm

  I have owned the Mercury Marquis for 13 Months and its provided me with great transportation. Most of the driving is over the road and it gets 26 mile/gal. if I keep it under 70. Towe a 1,700# boat with no problem. I think it is the best car on the road for the money.