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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  Mixed bag - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Joe Woelfel - November 20 - 8:46 pm

  The exterior styling and colors were very nice. I would choose something other than a light color interior. It shows low mileage wear badly. Great performance. Mediocre mileage both highway and city. Lots of road noise in the interior.

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  My Best Car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jo Knapp - November 19 - 3:10 am

  Ive owned many cars in my lifetime and this is the best one Ive ever had. Never had any mechanical problems. Gas mileage at 20 mpg for a V8 is unbelievable. Comfortable ride with spacious interior. Style hasnt changed much over the years. I dont think they can improve on it!

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  Timex in a digital age - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Dan - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car puts comfort and reliability above all else. It is amazingly comfortable although I wish the seats offered more side bolstering to keep you in place through the turns. It is VERY reliable. nothing has broken or worn out in its 62K mile life. Lots of room in the cabin and trunk though Id like a center console for storage. The driving experience is muted by vague steering and minimal road feel. The car wallows over bumps and turns and doesnt instill confidence in its handling, especially in wet conditions. The power train is adequate and the car never feel out of breath although more power would be welcome for passing. MPG is ok given its a 2 ton car, I get about 19.

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  Solid, Reliable - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By barber - November 8 - 7:36 pm

  A lot of car for the money, this replaced my 1993 Cad SDV. I find it quieter and quicker. This car is for people looking for substance over flash. Its a great car for people in my age group (50+). Very comfortable and roomy for four adults with abundant trunk room for their luggage. The only negative is the door over the gas cap - it doesnt lock, nor is there a locking gas cap available for the new design.

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  Old School V8 Sedan - Very Rare today! - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Sanjay Mukherjee - November 7 - 10:06 am

  I always wanted to drive large 1970 styling cars like the 1975 Impala and cars of that era. I was surprised to find this car still in production! The Mercury Grand Marquis is for those who love old fashioned large V8 sedans and i bet this car will quench your thirst.

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  Wish my Dad could have enjoyed this car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Lennis - October 26 - 5:53 pm

  I cant say enough good things about this beautiful car. I bought mine in February 2009 with only 56,000 miles on it and lots of garage time, so it is immaculate. What a pleasure to drive. Mine is the LS with the billboard size digital dashboard readings and all the bells and whistles. Though it is seven years old, everything works perfectly. Never and oil leak or a squeek or a squak. The ride will nearly put ya to sleep. My worst MPG is 21.6 mpg and my best is 25.8. Nuttin wrong with that. Love this car, and just wish Daddy could have seen it, as he loved Mercs! This is my first one after owning Dodges, Buicks, Olds, and Pontiacs.

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  207,500 and Going Strong - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ralph - October 22 - 8:46 am

  Bought the Merc at 70,000. Car has been the most reliable I have ever owned. Wife loves the soft ride. I wish it had a handling package. Fuel averages 24 on highway. Good for a Big car. Interior is very comfortable. Cupholders block Climate control access. No problems at all. Still has original Starter and Alternator. I will buy my 3rd and 4th GM soon. I will get LS model for my wife and I will get a used Marauder for me. Great Car!

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  2007 Grand Marquis, Great road car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Real Cowboy - October 13 - 5:23 pm

  This is my first Grand Marquis and I think its a great car. People seem to want to talk about how it has a lack of handling with some roll in the corners or how it should look more sporty or its lack of power. This is a large semi luxury vehicle, its not a race car. This is a great road car and when buying a nice comfortable vehicle these points are mute. If you want a sporty suspension with more power then doint buy it, but if you want a vehicle that delivers a good ride, decent fuel economy (for its size at 25 mpg highway) and plenty of room for the family at a reasonable price then this is the car for you.

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  Luxury and Quality at a low price. - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Angelo007 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  While the GM may not have the title of a Lincoln Town car or Cadillac in its name, I cannot find that these other cars can give you the same comforts and quaility of a luxury car at the price that you can get a GM at. So I cannot see myself spending an extra 10 or 15 thousand just for a name so a the Grand Marqui is one of the best value money can buy for a large family car.

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  what else would i want? - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By abi1984 - October 4 - 1:42 pm

  i bough the car with 115,000 miles and now it has close to 200,000.. what can i say its my fifth grand marquis,, i love these cars .. never been left on the road.. i would recomended to anyone.. one weak spot r the windows with aint a big deal.. and these new models give trouble with the automatic climate control.. its the most expensibe thing i ever replace on the car.. but other than that what else u want from a car.. wouldnt never change for a cadillac..