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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  2002 Big M - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By libsdad - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent highway cruiser/with good fuel economy. Drove to FLA last summer (12 hour run) and did not feel beat when we arrived. Not a young persons car, but ideal for 50 and older crowd.

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  Mercury Grand Marquis - Experiences - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Julie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Generally, this car has been very, very dependable and comfortable to ride on a daily basis. The down side is on a long trip, the seats do not give as much support as they should, resulting in back-aches. The car is very long, and the suspension is rather "floppy" in that it is "swooshy", and not tight like a more sporty model. The turning radius is not tight.

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  Great Value - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By dave - May 30 - 10:10 am

  This car hasnt changed in years and thats why it is good. Theyve got all the problems worked out. You can usually pick up a new for 25K at the end of the year. You can pick up a 3 year old used one for $10k that will go another 100K miles. Highway mileage is 27. And those are non-tiring miles. Its extremely safe. You can tow. I built a roof rack and can haul lumber like a pickup. A used one would make a great family car for someone with not much to spend. The only drawbacks would be comments from your friends. But you can laugh all the way to the bank.

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  Lots more punch - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By sedan - April 22 - 12:30 am

  Having owned 2000 Marquis the 2006 has lot more acelaration. Gets out good. The major complaint is very little storage space in the front.

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  Tanklike safety; great handling; very reliable - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By topvalueguy - April 10 - 6:39 am

  Got this car used in 2012 with only 24,300 miles on it. Had an older Lexus GS300 prior to this. So far I really like the Panther platform. I have replaced one fuel pump; otherwise, no driveability issues. Electronic Climate Control was out, which I fixed myself with an aftermarket part. Cruise control was out, and is still out; just havent needed it. Factory CD player died, so replaced with a Pioneer unit. Fake chrome trim pieces were damaged so I replaced with store-bought new ones.

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  loved it so much i bought a new 2003 - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By setun2 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  this car has been a jewel. we have driven it for 5 years and it is paid for so i bought my wife a new 2003 in may of 2003.

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  Good car but sometimes expensive to fix - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Joe - February 25 - 1:50 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years. The problems i have encountered so far: - new brake lines (rotted at 88k) $300 -steering gearbox seal (102k) $90 -pitman arm and idler arm -tie rod and tie rod end (common) -lower balljoint on driver side (VERY COMMON) -muffler hangers ($20) - new headlight lens(peeling) very common -egr valve gives code, cant get valve out, in tight space ($300 to replace at mechanic) The above problems i have encountered was mostly wear and tear and things that DIDNT go while the car was driving it. I havent had any problems other than maintanance items that keep the car going. I have enjoyed driving the car and recommend highly!

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  Loved the car for a while - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By getting there - January 26 - 10:40 pm

  I bought my Marquis used at 12 years old. It was great for about 2 years and then I had a snowball effect. The brakes I was told were built somewhat of plastic so it would cost me 1000 for a complete brake overhaul, then my catalytic converter just up and died a slow death and I was told since the converter had been welded in it would cost me about $1600 at min to cut it out and get replaced. Overall though its probably one of the most solid cars around. I truly enjoyed driving it!

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  Big yacht-mobile - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By King Norm - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 85K miles on it because I wanted size and safety. That is what I got. It has been very reliable so far, except the lighting control module went out. So, my interior lights go on and off all day by itself. I had to take all the light bulbs out of the interior of the car or my battery would run dead. Also, the keyless entry doesnt work. It gets exactly 18 MPG with combined city/hwy driving. Thats too bad considering gas is not $2.00+ per gallon. The car is very confortable, but score a "zero" in the fun factor rating. So, if size and safety is important to you, this is a good car for you.

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  Its a toss up - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Big Car Lover - December 11 - 7:46 pm

  I want to make a few comparisons between this and my 94 Gran Marquis. Same: Road/Wind noise is too high, especially the windshield when its raining. Odd huh? Suspensions: The 02 is MUCH stiffer than the old boat-like ride the 94 has. This would be personal preference for which is better. To me, the 94 is better for highway cruising. Interior: 02 is more stylish, but some of the items seem to be of cheaper material. I like the 94s button layout better. Exterior: 02 a bit sportier looking but I prefer the rims on the 94. 02s are very generic looking to me. Other stuff: Give me a real antenna! The built in one for the 02 just doesnt pick up the signal as well!