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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  Good Car - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By East South - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I think Ford is making a mistake discontinuing this car. I love the room and power. The Mileage could be little better but good for big car. I noticed it does catch alot of side wind and the windshield holds the hard rain so visibility is poor during that. My Nissan Pathfinder did much better with the wind and rain. I still like the Merc Grand better overall. Im just turning 50yrs but enjoy driving this car. The comfort is great. I hesitated at first during purchase because design is so retro but it has grown on me now and I really like it. You can see around during driving very good and changes lanes very stable with no sway at all. Bring it back Ford, be smart.

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  Great Car, but We need Fords Help - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Max Walker - May 17 - 10:56 am

  This car drives great,looks good, is comfortable and well built over all. There are thousands of people who share this view. Ford please do something to quiet some of these radical critics who make fun of this great vehicle. The more people are made to believe this propaganda, the more our resale value for the vehicle falls.

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  Excellent!!! - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bridget_73000 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Extra comfortable, Half luxury, High Reliability.

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  Best american car made - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By bigdave40 - May 10 - 4:27 am

  i used to own a 2000 merury grand marquis , i bought the car with 304,000 miles for $1500. i drove the car for almost 3 years untill my daughter had an accident in it and totalled it with 342,000 miles on it . i felt confident that the car was gonna roll 500,000 miles with ease.it still didnt use any oil or leak it and the transmission shifted like new . so two days ago i traded my junky 2005 dodge magnum sxt for abeautiful 03 mgm ls, 77,000 miles ,leather beautiful garaged kept 2 owner car. i am so happy to be back in the comfort and dependability of mercury. this car is like new . i love the mercury grand marquis ls ,

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  Over All Evaluation - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Paul5577 - May 9 - 3:53 am

  This is the third Grand Marquis that Ive owned. The reason... I cant find another auto that comes close to delivering the bang for my buck. The engine is strong and the Premium ride is that of a Town Car, of which I possess as well. Solid built, comfortable ride, dependable and not to mention big enough to sit across from another person without rubbing shoulders. Paul

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  Everymans BMW 745 - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By KC - May 1 - 6:03 am

  This is a marvelous car...my fourth Panther platform Ford. The car has so many aftermarket performance parts that it is hard to believe. There is actually a small performance cult that has grown up around them Mine has dual exhaust, with Dynaflows and an X-pipe, as well as Kumho A/S 795 tires (stock Michelins are a joke). I added a Superchips powertuner. I probably have about 260HP as of now and still get over 25 mpg/highway. Why people complain about the mileage on these cars baffles me...if you want a Honda Civic, go buy one! This car weighs 4,000 pounds. Addco sway bars and Bilstein shocks make the car handle dead flat. There is a reason why police use these cars (Ford CV version).

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  Totally Satisfied - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Frank Fon - April 30 - 12:13 am

  Purchased this vehicle from my boss and was very surprised with the performance of an eight cylinder engine compared to the Buick Park Avenues that I have owned in the past. This car is definitely a sleeper and is the poor mans Lincoln.

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  LSE03 Is So-So - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ray66 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Leased this LSE right before Mercury discontinued the option. Prior leased car was a Crown Vic LS. The Crown Vic got better gas mileage, was quieter and rode much smoother. The LSE supposedly has a slightly more powerfull engine but I see little difference. The LSE has more bells and whistles and a more usable interior but I miss the Crown Vic

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  1997 Merc. Grand Marquis LS - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By David Mahaffey - April 19 - 6:30 am

  This has been an excellent car. With the exception of a very slight noise problem on passenger side, this car has never cost a dime for repairs other than normal maintenance. A/C is as good today as first day bought. Always kept up with as far as maintenance and it shows in an excellent, comfortable vehicle.

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  Grand Marquis - 1999 - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Joy Kennedy-Hughes - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive, comfortable, and stylish.