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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  merc. 2003 - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By herman - January 16 - 10:10 pm

  This car is great on the highway. Gas mileage is just OK. Mercury gets about 22 MPG around town and 26 on the highway. Only had one major problem with car. Air flow senser went bad just out of the guarantee. Autoway was great with getting in touch with Ford/Mercury in getting most of the repair bill paid for me. I wonder how the car would run with a large six? Would it get better mpg? Buicks all have 6 cyl. engines.

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  Quote on worth of Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Thomas Zimarino - December 19 - 8:46 am

  This car is wonderful on trips due to its comfort. It has leather interior which gives it a very plush feeling. We are most appreciative of the large trunk for luggage. City driving however is hard on gas mileage.

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  OK for a Grandpa Car - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Cary - December 17 - 5:33 am

  Although I bought this car as a stop gap measure (as my other car blew its trans). I have been ok with this one so far. I have a bad spine due to injury, and the ride of this car is very good for both short and long hauls. I am involved in my sons (youth) fraternal oganization and frequently my car serves a bus for teens and early twenties. Even on three hour rides to events, no complaints and everybody has room.

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  Big Merc - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Big Teddy - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I am a bit younger than the average Grand Marquis owner (37)however I needed a car that could swallow a lot of highway miles effortlessly and this vehicle does just that. Bought an LS with the performance package (alloys, dual exhaust, digital dash)two years old with 28K, just rolled 75K and other than front brakes and an oil change every 5-6k it has been excellent. I recently developed a small oil leak at the head gasket however I believe this is a fluke for this model as it appears rare.

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  suspension - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By big harry - November 28 - 10:00 am

  good vdhicle solid

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  2001 Grand Marquis LS - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Sarandos - November 26 - 6:10 am

  This was our first large sedan. We found it to be luxurious and very comfortable. Mil age was a pleasant surprise at 21 mpg around town and 27 mpg on long runs (8 cross country trips). Generous trunk space is a plus for long, extended trips. We had one traveling mishap; on the first return trip from out West the transmission went out. We stopped at a nearby town where the transmission was replaced in a couple of days. We were loaned a car to get around with and treated well. Upon our return, I submitted bills for hotel and meals which were promptly paid. Over all we found the car to be everything we wanted and a bit more. As a result of our good experience, we purchased a 2006 Grand Marquis

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  Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ttully - November 4 - 12:56 am

  Ive been very happy with my Grand Marquis. In fact, its the first time ever that I purchased the same car twice in a row. Ive been driving a Grand Marquis since 1997 now! The ride is excellent. Smooth and great for long trips. Engine is pretty good for a big car. I have the 8 cylinder so of course that helps. Mechanically, nothing has went wrong so far.

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  Exactly what I need - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bill - October 30 - 4:33 pm

  True, this car ist cutting edge. The 06 is my 2nd one, the other was a 98.The stiffer chassis and rack and pinion steering on the newer models create a more satisfying driving experience. The car is floaty and large, but I am on the road six days a week, and cover about 4,000 miles a month. This car is my office and home away from home. I bought is certified pre-owned for almost nothing, as depreciation is poor on these cars. Never would I have bought one new, but is it a huge bargain used. I had a Chrysler 300C. It was pretty and powerful... and a piece of junk. For a functional tank that wont let you down, you cant do better than these dinosaurs.

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  New Engine after 3000 Miles - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jim - October 12 - 12:30 am

  I bought my Grand Marquis new it was an 08 left over. I took the car in for an oil change, and a slight knock. after a three day diagnosis, came to find out that the #5 cylinder went bad. Ford approved a new engine to be installed can not find out if in fact a new engine is being installed or if its going to be a rebuild! Tried to get dealer to let me trade into something else, but after owning car for 6 months they said it depreciated $ 8000, so getting new engine, let see what happens!

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  Grand Marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jcarey - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1997, 1999 and 2001 Grand Marquis Ulitma and today 10/13/02 purchased a new 2003 Ultima. So this should attest to my experience with this automoble.Total milage 1997-2001 models 244000 miles.