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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  Great car, good deal - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By rich - July 15 - 5:20 am

  This much maligned vehicle is a real gem. After owning large GM cars, mostly Cadillac, for the past 25 years it is a relief to have something reasonably simple again, to not be plagued by troublesome electronics you don’t want or need. This car performs well under a variety of driving conditions. It is comfortable, can actually accommodate six adults when necessary, and still deliver 27 to 29 mpg on regular gas on a trip. The build quality is as good as any I have ever owned. There is little to not like about this car.

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  Awesome Mercury Grand Marquis - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By David - July 11 - 7:30 pm

  Im a 21 year old and this is my first car I ever bought and let me tell you its an awesome car. Now I see why cops and taxi cab drivers use them. Ive driven these kinds of cars since I was 17 this being the 3rd one Ive driven and first one Ive bought and owned. Ive driven a 95 model and another 99 model that my father owns. This car only has 37,500 miles on it right now. It had 27,450 when I bought it for less then $7 grand. I have the GS model but I have leather seats. It rides and handles really smooth and has good pick up for its size. Its not no Mustang or race car but it can keep up and has the power when needed.

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  Best car I have owned - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Berg - July 7 - 3:03 am

  Out of all the cars Ive owned my 97 Grand Marquis is the best. Ive had a Lincoln Town Car, a Camaro, an Escort, and a F250. Its a reliable, fun to drive car that holds 6 people. It handles well and I always feel safe driving it. I recomend the Grand Marquis to anyone looking for a rear wheel drive 4dr sedan. I love the 4.6L V8. It is suffeciently powerful and the 4spd trans works well too.

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  Brand New - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By TMarc - July 4 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good. Rides great,handles great. So far have found no factory defects.What a surprize, a new car and every thing works.

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  Love my Mercury - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Love my Mercury - June 28 - 7:26 am

  This car is hands down the best value for the money on the road. With the rebates and incentives, you can have full size American comfort at a Honda Civic price. The Marquis is powerful, handles and brakes well, and at only 1400 miles, is already getting 22 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The power pedals are a great feature, as is the power lumbar support. I really like the variable assist steering- one finger easy in town, and lots of road feel at highway speeds. The traditional body-on-frame construction seems very solid. I feel safe in this car, which is something I never felt in smaller front-drive cars. Im a Realtor, and my clients often mistake this car for a Lincoln.

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  I may have bought my last Mercury - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Richard - June 25 - 1:23 am

  I love the big body on frame, V8 RWD Mercurys. I believe they are going to drop the Grand Marque. They are down to one model, with few options. You just cant get all the options offered an there other models. If you could I may be in the market for one. I love my Marauder and dont plan on getting rid of it I would like a second car like the Grand Marque. I guess I will have to go for something else. So where do I go? Cadillac, BMW (overpriced).

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  Penny Crowson,Owner - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Penny Crowson - June 17 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Marquis is the best car in its class because of value,design,performance,interior and exsterior gualty for your money!You get more value for your money!This auto looks nad drives just as godd as a Lincoln Towncar for less money. I will puchase another one next year. Penny Crowson

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  A real disapointment - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Log01 - June 14 - 11:40 am

  I have one good thing to say about the car it does get pretty good gas mileage, I get 19 in town and 28 on the Highway. Other than that its a real disapointment. Road noise is excessive. The interior is cheap, the passengers seat rattles, it sounds line the window arent all rolled up. We wont even go into the ash tray/cup holder pain in the shorts. The passengers in the back see cant see around the head rests, not confortable on long trips, poor real leg room. If you open the trunk lid in the rain the water off the trunk lid drips into the truck. The car is lacks power for a v8. I dont like the car and would like to trade it, but with only 8 thousand miles on it it has lost $20K value

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  First Class Luxury! - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Alex - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive car and ended up with pure luxury. It has good power and a great ride. The finish both inside and outside is superb with quality workmanship. Cant believe they sell them so cheap!!! I had a choice between a GS with 15000 miles or an LS with the whole works including dual exhaust with 27000 miles....I chose the LS.

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  Good car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By geogator - June 4 - 6:23 am

  This has been a reliable and comfortable car. I am a handicapped person and appreciate the ease of entrance and exit with the spacious front floor, and accessible power seat controls.