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:

• 

  MINI-ME T-C - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By pappy Z - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful experiance so far. When I bought the car I needed the larger space that this car provides. I never thought that I would be getting a Towncar only $15000 less. Forget your front wheel drive and get back to what a car should feel like when you drive it.

• 

  Bought used, this car is a bargain - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By KitGerhart - June 19 - 11:40 am

  While decidedly "old tech," the Grand Marquis is comfortable, performs adequately well, and gets better gas mileage than all but the smallest SUVs. The car has good crash test results, and mine, bought used, has been completely reliable. While this car doesnt handle like a sports car, with the handling package, mine handles well for such a large, low- tech car.

• 

  mercury grand marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By cbuick - June 14 - 10:00 am

  mercury knows how to build them .mercury grand marquis rides quiet and is a beautiful car.the motor is a strong 4.6 liter v8and responds fantastic strong acceleration.

• 

  Oldie, but Goodie - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jay - June 13 - 2:33 am

  Im a 26 year old male and I prefer the "old Fashion" rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame construction. The car feels solid, powerful, and comfortable. RWD with traction control does well on slick roads during Buffalo, NY winters. I plan on keeping this car for atleast 5 years or more. My only fear is that they will stop making them.

• 

  2004 Mercury review - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Joseph Moore - June 9 - 12:23 am

  I am happy with my mercury GS,it is fun to drive, handles well, pretty good gas mileage, need a little more leg room if you are riding in the front center seat. but all in all, the car is a good automoble. Ride a little hard on the road. It is a roomie car for five passagener.

• 

  Survey - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jcarmo40 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have only had great experiences with this car. It is very reliable and gets many good comments from passerbys.

• 

  Peace of Mercury/ Ford junk - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Toyota - May 30 - 4:20 am

  This piece of junk handles horribly and has horrible gas miles. Why cant Ford start making some cars not cruises. I also own a Toyota Avalon which is ten times better. The Mercury takes 9.7 seconds to get from o-60 with a v8 engine with 224 HP and the Avalon takes 8.5 seconds with a v6 engine with 210 HP. If you want a big boat go Linclon, Toyota, Lexus, or Acura. This car has been in the shop ever 40,000 miles. It has mainly been in the shop for electric problems and loud radding. Go Toyota Boo Ford!

• 

  Never again! - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Sozo - May 23 - 5:30 pm

  Our new 93LS would put this 05 to shame. I thought theyd make the car better, not worse. Too much wind noise (mirrors & windshield) and a noisy low speed fan. The engine, transmission and exhaust noise is a total disappointment. The dealer said they now use thinner windows. But besides the overall cheap feel of the car we ended up with steel wheels that are “out of round”. Yep, shaped like an egg with the vibration and road noise to go with them. I spent my life in the tire business and know tires and wheels. The dealer replaced one wheel but it looks like it will take an act of Congress to get the rest taken care of. With 7,000 miles we’re stuck. My wifes Corolla is a much better car.

• 

  My Mercury - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Roy Creekmur - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I like it because its a real "American Style" car. It has rear wheel drive and a basic suspension design thats been developed and proven for 70 years. Its what I wanted, and built, like, I like a car built (body on frame).

• 

  2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Limited - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Matt - May 14 - 6:00 am

  Beautiful car, comfortable, powerful, reliable. This is my second Grand Marquis (94). The best used vehicle you can buy period. Good choice for a new vehicle too, but they depreciate fast. Bought it with 30,000 now at 72,000. Only problem: A/C only blows out of defrost.