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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  Impressive craftsmanship - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mephisteles - May 14 - 12:13 am

  This beast has given me absolutely no problems since I first purchased it from my uncle. You get what you pay for in this world and this car was worth every penny.

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  Disenchanted - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Old Coot - May 5 - 7:20 pm

  The car has had numerous problems. I could not have kept it without a warranty. Example, all four window regulators have failed at 300 dollars each to repair. Add the expected cracked intake manifold plus much else.

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  Great full size rear wheel drive auto - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By RB.toolman - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Grand Marquis. We hope that Mercury continues to make these cars.

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  Awesome Bang for the Buck - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By MC - May 2 - 2:10 pm

  Awesome Bang for the Buck! With just over 70,000 its been nothing but a pleasure cruise.

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  luvnit - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bill J. - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new and its been the best car Ive ever owned. The car now has over 55,000 miles on it and has only been in for warranty service ONCE and that was for a minor repair to a headlight lens cover. It gets 29 mpg on the highway and averages 24 mpg overall. Its quiet, powerful and rides well on all types of roads. Nice going Ford, its a terrific car.

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  2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jon - April 8 - 1:27 am

  This is a great car, comfortable, great ride for road trips, reliable as long as you perform regular maintenance as with any car. I get 31 MPG on HWY and 22 to 25 MPG city with the 302 V8,

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  My mercury - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ED CAMPION - March 31 - 2:53 am

  Great car runs well. Like style outside inside is old looking and needs new features, my toyota 2002 corola has interior and exterior tempertaure and compass. Why not here ???

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  Joey Grand Marquis Review - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Joe Schill - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Its a nice car. Quiet, even after 12,000 miles. Ride is smooth.

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  A Very reliable car - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By daniel - February 26 - 5:46 am

  Reliable Strong Comfortable .....very few tickets!! Im 24 , I think Ill be buying the same car next time and so on!

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  so far its been great !! - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By me - February 22 - 2:33 pm

  I had a 97 buick lesabra which was just ok. but after driving the Grand M. i was blowwn away & may still trade in for an older Marauder. much more leg & body room for a large guy. v-8 rwd. alot better then the v-6 fwd. I dont think ford will keep this platform after 08-09. Too bad. On the down side rear seat leg room is small but i like the big trunk.