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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mer marq - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By wcs - December 5 - 2:00 amgood quality love the large room capacity. Gas milage is much better than expected and is better than many smaller cars.
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Its not what you think - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By jscheide - December 5 - 2:00 amThis car has the ride and confort of a 70s boat. But thats all it has in common. This car handles better than my 93 escort did. It gets better gas milage than my 98 ranger 4cyl .It has plenty of power This car is a great minivan alternative. All 3 of my kids (two in car seats) fit comfortably in the back. And you can buy a model that is a few years old at a dirt cheap price. I am basing the relibility in part on my 1984, which would put any toyota or honda to shame.
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Truth in Advertising (not) - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By chet - December 5 - 2:00 amCompared with my 1997 grand marquis which was quite economical (25-26 mpg hwy & 18-19 local) My 2003 gets 22.5 hwy and 15 mpg around town. Very disapointed in the 2003 as I was expecting similar economy on the 2003 since the window sticker claims 19-25 mpg just as it did on the 1997.I blame it on the unnecessary increase in horsepower.Truth in advertising!!???
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Great Used car Value with decent MPG - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Mark - November 3 - 11:50 pmSeats 6 (not on long trips however) and averages 23 mpg. Great trunk space. Reliability is one of the best and even beats a lot of Japanese luxury cars as noted by consumer reports and JD Power surveys. Highway cruising is the way it should be. Beats SUV and most crossovers for mileage and mine has traction control for winter driving ( I dont really need 4 wheel drive on paved roads). I bought it used very cheap because no one wants a v8 right now. Great choice for the used car buyer! Everyone thinks its a geezer car (Im only 42 and perfect for my family). Radio isnt powerful enough (maybe made for geezers). Pronounced wind noise and steering vibration.
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poor electronics and a/c motors - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By j kelner - October 29 - 8:30 amthe electrical are falling apart the A/C blendoor motor uses rubber and plastic parts it is placed in a difficult area to reach..cost to replace $ 700 this is a problem with over 10000 mercurys and who knows how many other ford mercury lincoln and they cannot supply the parts ford has a faulty motor and they just dont respond
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Wonderful Car! - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bobby - October 27 - 11:23 amThe 2008 Grand Marquis is a fantastic vehicle. I love the exterior design and chrome. Its classy and classic. This car is a great ride, and its price is not bad. It is smooth on the road, and it is powerful enough for all driving situations. When looking for a full-size car, check out the Grand Marquis. Its worth it.
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96 grand marquis - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By George - September 21 - 6:43 pmI bought my grand marquis used with about 87,000 miles for $2000. I replace the wiper blades, one rim with curb damage, and one missing side light, and changed the oil. It drove great till 117,000 miles. Then the plastic intake manifold cracked, leaking out the coolant. You can read more about this by googling intake manifolds, grand marquis/crown victorias. My engine must of over heated and warped or cracked a head. I dont blame my car, I blame Ford. I bought a used 4.6 engine with 118,000 on it and using info I found on the internet and my library, I switched engines. I have no experience doing this and it took me about 50 hours total. I now have 125,000 miles and it runs great.
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Grand Marquis 2000 - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Shan - September 21 - 9:20 amThis is our 3rd Grand Marquis. All have been excellent mechanically. Totaled one and came out unharmed. Noise level could be improved. Seam in leather seats hurt my back. Feel pretty safe on long trips.
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Fun to Drive - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bo - September 6 - 3:46 amOverall the 1993 mercury Grand marquis LS is very fun to drive and has good power it is reliable and starts first try.
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Comfort and value - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ben - July 26 - 8:13 pmWhen I bought the Grand Marquis I knew what I was getting: an old fashioned, large, comfortable cruiser. I like the simplicity and traditional design. Edmunds review is too harsh. Not everyone wants a $50k BMW or Mercedes. Try it out for yourself and see what I mean.
