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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  A Real Car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By A Wayne Carnell - September 18 - 10:30 am

  The rear wheel drive remains appealing to this buyer given the mechanical simplicity of the power train. Proper winter snow tires are essential for driving on snow and ice and where permitted studded tires improve traction immeasurably. I have owned Lincolns through the years and the Marquis is of equal space and ride quality at a significantly lesser price.

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  Good Car - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mark Noonan - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my mercury Grand Marquis LS a year old with 25000 miles on it. It was our alternative to another minivan or SUV. So far it has been great. It gives an incrediable ride and performance is outstanding for such a large car. 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds. So far im very happy with my Grand Marquis except for one problem. After a hard rain, the car sometimes stalls unless at high RPMs.

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  Value for the Dollar - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By virg - September 13 - 2:00 am

  After much shopping around looking at comparitable cars, I chose the Grand Marquis because of its size, V8 engine, and rear wheel drive. This car was thousands cheaper than comparable cars with the same equipment and platform. The car has plenty of smooth, quiet power coupled with a turnpike ride that suits my tastes. While it doesnt shine in fuel economy, it still gets much better milage than a 64 Dodge Dart I had with a 273 V8. Overall; I think the Grand Marquies and the Ford Crown Victoria are two of the best values for full size cars in todays market.

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  03 Grand Marquis Ultimate Edition - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By hjones4841 - August 27 - 9:03 pm

  This is my fifth Grand Marquis and wont be my last. Reliability is excellent, with one exception - at just over 36,000 miles the right rear wheel bearing started whining. I found out that this was a problem for 03 Crown Vics and Grand Marquis built prior to Jan 03, which mine was. Both rear axle bearings and the spindles were replaced. The car was out of warranty, but since I was a regular customer of the dealer, I got a pro- rated partial warranty payment. Fuel economy tops out at about 25 highway at cruising speed of 75 or so. Best ever fuel economy was on my 99 Grand Marquis on a cool morining, driving 70 mph - 29 MPG! Seats are comfortable,even with my wifes and my back trouble.

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  You have to drive this car! - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bob - August 26 - 6:53 am

  First, Im a young guy. In past, always bought Toyota, Honda and Volvo. Fate made me stop at by Mercury dealer when I was looking for replacement for car that broke down at 100k miles. Salesman asked what I was looking for and I pointed to the Marquis as a joke. He gave me keys and I said what the heck and drove it. I then bought it. Im well over 6 feet tall and this is first car that I can stretch out my legs. Ride is ridiculously comfortable and I float down the highway. Yes, steering is squishy but this is not a sports car. Talked to a mechanic whos been replacing engines over 20 years and he never worked on a Marquis. So comfortable, reliable, cheap. You must drive this car.

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  Reliable transportation - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By joe - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 97 from an older man who could no longer drive, it was 6 yrs old with 22,000 mi.when purchased.I have used it as my daily work car for the past 7 yrs. It currently has 196,000 mi and going strong,Ive put new plugs and wires on it and brakes along with oil changes, Im going to keep it as a work car as long as it will run. Bottom line is Im sold on these cars and planning on buying a low mi. 2008 soon as a second car.

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  Brake Problems - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By John Edward - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Car is dangerous to drive in the rain or when roads are wet. Brakes pull to right so bad it changes lanes in about 50 feet. The driver really has to pay attention. Mercury does not have a fix for the problem. In the snow a good driver has more control with the traction control turned off, however every time you start the car you have to reach over, open the glove box and turn it off. What a place to put a switch. I will be switching to GM if I can find someone to buy this on a Sun

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  Grand Marquis LS 1998 - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By cg20_20 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt even consider buying another type car. This is the "poormans" Towncar, yet it delivers equal comfort and quietness with additional handling capabilities.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By RayA446 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an automobile that would make a road hogging grouch tame and dosile. The ride, fuel economy (just off trip FL to WV - 29.7 MPG). This car rides and performs like its big brother the Lincoln. Only difference between the two are that you could own his and hers for the same price as the big brother. I only hope they never quit making the Grand Marquis.

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  My review of the Grand Marquis - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Big John - August 3 - 6:16 am

  This vehicle is comfortable and reliable. Especially good on trips on the interstate highways.