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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  Digtal Dash - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Tigerbob - March 8 - 2:00 am

  From day one when I drove the car home the digtal dash will not always lite up. Have had it to the dealer About four times, and they could not find the cause. Now waiting for a new dash for over a week. Dont Ford no their is such a thing as air freight

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  Grand Marquis Comments - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By DC - March 6 - 4:26 pm

  Recently purchased Grand Marquis. The vehicle has many options which make driving it a pleasure (pedal adjustment, traction control, power seats, lumbar support, stereo adjusts for vehicle speed, etc). Trunk is large. Ride is great. Purchased all required maintenance for next 75,000 miles along with 75,000 mile warranty. No checks to write at dealership for maintenance or problems.

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  Nice Car, Could Use Some Improvement - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mr. Marquis - December 8 - 5:03 pm

  If youre like me and enjoy a large, roomy v-8 driven rear wheel drive car then the Mercury Marquis is about the only way to go now that GM has been out of the game since 96. That being said, it fills that niche nicely but a few things need to be addressed. I bought mine at 62,000 miles and it ran fine with no problems until around 75,000 when the plastic intake manifold cracked ($1,000 fix). This is apparently a common problem on the Ford 4.6L V8. Its comfortable, has plenty of room, and rides nice and smooth. Overall, a good value with nice features for the money.

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  MercGrand - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By bytescot - October 31 - 10:00 am

  No problems.

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  Comfort - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Barb - October 29 - 5:40 am

  We traded our Park Ave for this car. I find that the seat was made for a tall person it is way too deep for the average person. Your legs rub on the edge of the seat. This makes it very uncomfortable. There is not enough storage inside. Plus the trunk is too deep when pulling out heavey luggage. For a big car it has less room in the back seat then the even the Park Ave. Also the Buick is much quiter inside and has a better sounding radio. Between the two, wish I had bought Buick

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  Good, but not great. - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Brian - September 17 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased a brand new black 03 Crown Victoria based on reviews by Edmunds, Consumer Reports and J D Power. About everything they reported has panned out as accurate. The front bucket seats are extremely comfortable, great for long trips. The rear bench seats lack lateral support. Steering response and tracking are vague which requires more minute corrections to stay on course than in other vehicles Ive driven. The interior is quiet. The gray monochrome leather contrasts nicely with the black paint scheme and the car does not heat-up as much as you would expect in our hot Southern summers. The car will cruise at highway speeds (75-95 mph) with aplomb. Hope to drive her 7-10 years.

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  Reliabile - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Rolf Potsch - August 19 - 11:26 pm

  absolutely no problems. Is not a Mercedes Benz like our other 2 cars. It is a good reliabile car for the price

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By greytech - August 13 - 2:36 am

  This has been a great car. I bought it used with about 40000 miles on it and now I have about 100000 miles. While it is not an exciting car to drive it has proved to be very reliable, it uses no oil between changes,handles very well for a vehicle of its size. I commute about 20 miles to work about 75% interstate highway and I am averaging about 20 mpg, on long highway runs I have gotten as high as 26 mpg, but can usually count on about 24 mpg. If hope to keep this car another 10 years and when the time comes find another slightly used one.

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  Terrific Value In A Traditional Car - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By hpr2 - August 10 - 4:13 am

  Ive owned 12 Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis sedans since 1989. I came across a 2009 Grand Marquis LS Ultimate Collection with just 8.400 miles on June 1, 2011. This car is not only the best full size Ford product Ive ever owned, but the BEST car Ive ever owned ! Say all you want about being dated, but these cars were a salesmans dream....no failure along the side of the road. Ever. The evolution from 2004 to 2009 was a continued improvement in ride and transmission driveability, shift points, etc. Ive just retired and feel set for many years to come. Remember the "special feel of an Oldsmobile" ? As long as I can, I will have the "special feel of a full size Ford product".

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  Good large car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By nvboy24 - July 29 - 6:40 am

  Car is large, but safe. Dont care for drivers seat much. Very good MPG for a large car, better then my Camry-Toyota with a 4-cyl and feels safer too. And no problems. V8 is smooth as silk, Ford has done a good job!