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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good but could be better - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By RANDY BUCHKO - June 15 - 10:00 amthe car has class and power it handels well and looks good from the outside.
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Will buy another one - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Howains - May 27 - 10:00 amComfortable to drive and ride in,huge trunk,dependable and decent gas mileage for a large car.
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Bought mine new -now have 145,000 miles - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tim - May 10 - 12:50 pmMine has been a great vehicle. The original Eagle GT tires were very rough ride when they got some miles on them . Went to Goodyear assurance tires and improved the ride tremendously. The early depreciation has been made up by the longevity. Also, change transmission fluid and clean fuel system if yours becomes sluggish.
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yet another panther!!! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By S D Mowat - May 4 - 7:30 pmThis is the best car ford makes period as a self professed car guy( I have a car folder collection from 1965 to present day and a reader of all the car books...r/t, motor trend..automobile..ect...the reliability crash protection..yes including the rear end problem that I had fixed...the police use this car for reliability...I tow a boat at times..plus put a k/n air filter I am getting 28-30 highway and20 in the city real life...it has all the features in a full size plus no blind spots sure not as racy as the 300 but I would rather have a product that is job 1!!! Vast leaps in quality from the 85,92,99,and this one Buy one a yr old let someone else pay full retail!!
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The big hauler - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By John Nash - April 19 - 2:00 amThis is great tow vehicle and hauls 4000 lbs easily. Highway mileage is 26 mpg on Phila.-Boston trips. Running around home mileage is about 17mpg. Comfortable and quiet.
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Good ol workhorse - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Paul Elzey - April 14 - 8:40 pmThe 93 GS that I owned was as reliable as the sun rising every morning - hardly a problem in 80000 miles of ownership. I ran the miles up to just over 160,000. The engine used no oil between 3000 mile oil changes and was always willing to run. The body was as tight as any car Ive ever ridden in, with minimal noise from wind.
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Another Big Car Review - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Brian Smith - April 13 - 8:10 amI have only had two bad problems with this vehicle. The intake manifold leaked and the transmission shifting. Both where taken care of by the local Mercury Dealer at no cost to me. Even though the car was out of warranty when the maniflod went out.
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room for improvement - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By marcia - March 12 - 2:03 pmFront head rest much too large, created blind areas . drivers seat could be raised higher it is difficult even for tall drivers. gas mileage very poor. Engine loud
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Nice Car! - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tigerman2012 - March 1 - 10:30 amLots of room, smooth ride! My 1999 has only 57000 miles on it but is still a nice drive! Too bad ford got rid of the Mercury brand and the crown vic/marquis. I really like this car! Never had any major problems and hope too keep driving for at least another 57000 miles and why not! Still get compliments on this car and offers to purchase it from me.
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Bad plastic in 2003 grand marque - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By roberts17 - February 24 - 10:00 amI bought this for my wife 30th anniversary. out of 4 ac vents only 3 worked. Took it to Belk ford in oxford. Part ordered. Took it back next day they replaced part but on way home when I turn engine off the ac control area sound like an old vcr rewinding. Took it back to Belk dealership and they said something about a vacum hose operation. I said I would drive it a few days but intend to return it to be repaired. It made no noise before they worked on it. None of the test drives that I made made that noise.
