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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Help on gas mileage - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By robert crawford - July 8 - 11:26 pmit handles well and the overall performance is great except for the gas mileage which is between 14-15 miles per gallon. I average driving about equal city and distant and have also tried high test gas to see if this would improve my mileage but to no avail. please give me so ideas to increase the gas mileage as i have a 1996 ford truck that does this well. thank you
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Great car under rated - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Edwin - July 2 - 3:07 amVery different get used to old school power
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Unhappy warrior - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Mishmash - May 18 - 2:00 amCompared to my prior 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, my 2002 has a poorer ride quality and far poorer gas mileage. My 95 got 28 mpg on the highway and over 20 mpg around town. My 2002 gets 16 mpg. My 2002 downshifts going up the slightest grade, and my dealer can do nothing about it..."Its controlled by the electronic engine module".
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Great Car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Fred - May 13 - 3:46 amThis is a wonderful luxury vehicle! The stlying and performance is wonderful. The ride is so extremely smooth its like riding on a cloud. I would reccommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a luxury vehicle with class, style, reliability, and great performance.
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If only the AC was trouble free - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Al D. - May 10 - 4:20 pmMy 2008 MGM is my fourth one in fourteen years, except for a 05 Lincon LS (what was I thinking?) the have been my only choice. What can I say, I like the car for all the same reasons aforementioned, but mostly for comfort and reliability. The only exception to this is that I have encountered a AC problem in three of the four Ive owned. A 94, 98, 04, 08, and only the 94 was trouble free. But then again it is the only problem. If Merc. could get this right its a Peach.
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Marquis - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By wrightchix - March 8 - 9:20 amLost water pump at 98000. Intake manifold at 110000. Ford recalled intakes on police and livery use models only. Seats hard on bottom for long drives. Lost sensor at exhaust manifold a 63000. Lost sensor at catalytic 111000. Spark plug wires wear prematurely. Otherwise, A great car.
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best of mercury - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By treu - February 21 - 10:00 ami bought the car in 1998 with only 20,000 miles on it and now it has 50,000 miles on it.its the best car for the price out there because, a lincoln cost about $4,000 more and just the same features as this grand marquis and also the car is very reliable and plenty of power for long or short trips. so if you want a car for a good price and reliablity get this car.
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good runner - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By aelam - February 21 - 10:00 amA good car to take a long trip in, easy on your back and your seat too.
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2004 Limited Edition - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By NormParker - February 18 - 10:00 amPrevious cars were also Grand Marquis. This car has much more "pep" than the 93 and 98. However, the ride is not nearly as comfortable as the previous two. I even took the car back with less than 100 miles on it to have the dealer check to see if they had mistakenly put a ride and handling package on this car. The said it was the standard suspension. I like the looks of the car and the performance of the engine, but if I were to do it all over, I might just go ahead and buy the Lincoln Town Car just for a more acceptable comfortable ride.
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Last of the old school yank tanks - 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
By d_james - February 12 - 11:38 pmI rented a Grand Marquis because it was lined up with some Nissan Altimas and looked much more spacious for a family of five with all our luggage. It is huge inside (able to take a sixth passenger!), smooth and comfy and I liked it for this. However much I liked it, I have to admit that it is very thirsty on fuel and is enormous on the outside - not easy to park in a multi-storey cark park. It also corners in a heavy and sloppy fashion, as you would expect looking at it. It is an old design with all of the good and bad points you would expect of this.
