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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new one - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By caprice refugee - August 12 - 2:36 pmCushy ride, but not wallowing. Drives like the old Caprice Classic it replaced, though the Caprice Classic seemed more powerful. Nice car, though obviously not exciting or impressive to others -- until they understand how much car we got for how little money. Best value on the road, probably. We expect it to last a dozen years. Maybe longer than we will!
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SLOW SERVICE FROM DEALER - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By BERNIE - July 20 - 10:00 amI TRADED IN A 2001 GRAND MARQUIS ON A 2003. THE FIRST DAY I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION SURGED IN REVERSE. THE DEALER REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION TWICE & IT WAS STILL BAD. FINALLY THEY PUT IN A NEW FACTORY TRANSMISSION & IT WAS OK. THIS TOOK 37 DAYS SO THE LEMON LAW KICKED IN. NOW I AM WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT CAR. I LOVE THE CAR BUT THE SERVICE WAS BAD.
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Great car for the money - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By J. Brenneis - May 12 - 2:00 amFine road car- easy to drive on long trips. Lots of room and protection for the driver and front seat passenger.
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My 98 Merc. Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Paul Neuman - April 18 - 4:46 amThis is an all white car very comfortable to drive and ride in. No collision history with the exception of a wrinkled left edge of the bumper which caught on the edge of the garage door while exiting. The bumper was replaced. The car has 101,000 miles on the odometer. It is on its second set of tires which are about ready to be replaced and probably will need new brakes within the next 5000 miles. Out side of these two items the car is in excellent condition. The interior is blue fabric. The car does not require additional oil between changes.
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My 3rd Grand Marquis - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Family of 5 in Illin - April 17 - 9:33 amThis is the third Grand Marquis that I have owned. I buy them with about 50,000 miles for about 50% of their original sticker price and easily put on another 100,000 with very few repairs. They offer enough room for me, my spouse, and our three kids for medium length trips. (We use the van for longer jaunts.) It is very comfortable on highways as I travel for business or recreation, and the white car with a law enforcement profile doesnt hurt either.
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Love the car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By dshorter - April 17 - 2:00 amThe marquis is reliable, comfortable and easy to handle. Enough power to get out of the way, yet good gas mileage.
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retired - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By huffman - April 9 - 10:00 amto much road noise! nice ride
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norms review - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
By norman - April 6 - 10:00 amOne of the best and trouble free vehicles I have ever owned.
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Good Buy - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Mercury - April 2 - 10:00 amI am 63 and have been buying Mercurys for 10 years. This car is comfortable and takes the bumbs well but handling and gas is a diffrent story. I would buy the Nissan Altima or the Toyota Avalon before I boght a Mercury or Linclon but my brother works at Mercury in L.A.
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The last great American sedan - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By JimBeam - March 28 - 5:20 amThe Grand Marquis isnt a perfect car, but its close. Driving is effortless. The base V8 provides more than enough power to get you into trouble. The car gently glides over bumps and potholes instead of jarring the passengers like most cars. Handling is surprisingly sharp for such a large car. It has enough room to seat five adults comfortably and an extra seat belt if you have to take six. I have the LS Limited, which is almost as nice as a Town Car for a lot less. Because Ford rarely changes them and the old cop Crown Vics flood the used market, there are plenty of deals available. These cars last forever, so even a used one will probably last longer that most new cars.
