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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  More than happy - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By BARRI - January 7 - 11:23 am

  I bought my Marquis slightly used and at a huge discount. This car does everything right with a giant sized trunk, 6 passenger capacity and 21 mpg on average. Reliability has been perfect so far and I certainly appreciate the super low insurance rates. Being larger than average, the interior room is excellent and the safety rating is reassuring. This may be close to the last car Ill ever buy and Im only 42. I hear all the stories about sloppy handling. Those people should get a Corvette. This car is designed for cruising and does so very well. This is basically a lincoln town car with a $25,000 rebate. All those cops, taxicab drivers and government employees cant be wrong.

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  nice car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By vondale1988 - January 7 - 4:56 am

  a nice riding grand marquis is exactly what i been looking for and this is a nice car

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  Quality Lacking - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Phil Little - January 1 - 12:33 pm

  This is my umpteenth Ford product that I have purchased new since 1962. The car performs well, but has a very annoying squeak in the front suspension that the service department hasnt been able to locate and repair. It would appear that quality was not number one the day my car was built. I like the ride, the looks of the car, and am happy with the gas mileage which is in keeping with the original sticker quote. My 2004 Marquis was a better built vehicle.

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  Oldie but a goodie!!!! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Brian - December 27 - 7:23 pm

  134,000 miles and counting! I have not lost a drop of oil or have a spot of rust! And they said American cars are no good. Ha! I average 23 mpg 80/20 highway/city. Still as smooth as the day I bought it and by the way for those who are curious about repair costs...it literally is the cheapest parts of any car made in the last 10 yrs. So its a low cost commuter too. The wheels will have to fall off before I let it go!

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  Good value functional car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Daniel1499 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for its intended buyers. Its good-looking without being flashy. It is powerful with relatively good gas mileage. It handles well except when going over large bumps or washboard pavement, when it loses its direction. Its quiet inside and has a tastefully done interior. Ive only found a few faults. The door-checks are useless. The front power windows are under-powered. I wonder how long theyll last past the warranty. Although its billed as a six passenger car, its really only good for five passengers. The middle front "seat" is only good in a pinch. Overall, though, its a great car for the money!

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  Excellent - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By R.J.McKee - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the third car of the same basic design I have owned. The comfort of driving and riding in these vehicles has been excellent. The out of pocket cost of repair has been minimal.Typicaly fuel mileage has been between 18 and 28+ MPG. These cars have suited my needs, are comfortable and a pleasure to drive

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  Did It Again! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By James F. - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Have driven a 92 GM LS for many years and fond it to be an outstanding car. Used it to pull my boat from CA to TX and to lakes and the ocean. Power was great never had a problem. Was thinking about a 2005 Chrysler 300 but with out a V8 it was noisy and not powerful. Discovered the GS Special and bought it. I have only had it a few days but it is responsive and with the special paint and tone leather it is a head turner. On guy asked me if it was a new Lexis and I told him it was a Mercury and he didnt want to believe me. Have driven it about 500 miles and know that it is going to be a great car for me and my family. James

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  chaddomans 98 is a definite winner - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By chaddoman - December 9 - 1:13 am

  Bought 3 yrs. ago from a good neighbor. New Michelins (white-walled) improved handling significantly from average/lacking to very good. Gas mileage exactly 27 mpg at 75 mph (pleasantly surprising). (I use Mobil- 1 synthetic oil.)Ranges 13 to 16 in town - a little disappointing. Replaced (slight-leaking) right rear axle seal at 48,000 miles during brake change. Otherwise extremely reliable. Very quiet at highway speeds. Very good braking. Well be buying a new/newer one soon. Also own much less- reliable and highly-expensive (operational and repair), dealer- gouging Infinity Q45. Sure, its more exciting to drive, BUT, BUT, BUT..! (Well soon be selling the Q to buy another Marquis-LS.)

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  "GRANDE" Marquis - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jack McGowan - November 26 - 9:06 pm

  I owned a 93,96,97,03 and now a 2007.Would I rebuy these beauties if the werent an excellent car? gave the 93 to grandson,traded the 96 for the 07,sold the 97 to my son and sold the 03 when wife died.They were all superior performing cars and all got between 22 and 25 mpg.You can do no better at the price.

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  Wonderful Slightly Used Luxury Car Value - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Webbmeister - November 21 - 6:06 pm

  I have owned one Crown Victoria and one Grand Marquis over the past 14 years. these cars were reliable, quiet, powerful, and comfortable. In fact, the 2000 MGM I just retired (still in the driveway - still runs great!) has 215,000 miles on it. That car was driven over 100,000 miles after the car payments ended, and needed nothing more than regular maintenance and replacement of wear items. I expect the same from the 2007 just purchased. This cars initial drop in value makes riding in luxury delightfully inexpensive. It was put into service as a Ford program car 9 months and 7000 miles ago. I paid $17,000 for it, a $13,000 drop from MSRP. If not for the odometer youd think it was brand new.