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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Real Good Car - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
By 1968joseph - August 4 - 9:53 amThis car is great for people who are not trying to outdo the Hendersons If you really want to put 5 people in a car, this is the only one that will do it. The Town Car is not made after this year from what I hear. I had a Chrysler 300 that was good, but my three kids -2,5 & 16 did not fit and the seats were hard as a rock. I dont need a race car or something that hangs in the curves like James Bond. I just like having a great car that is comfortable, dependable and quiet! Nothing else is made like it. As far as the design being outdated, the reason it is still around is that it works. I have had the 91 Lincoln, 95 Crown Vic and this one. They have been great. 4.6 is solid. Beats an SUV
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Very Pleased - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Mike - July 27 - 9:33 pmBought the car used with 9800 miles showing. Had rented an LS the year before and really liked the car. The only thing I did not like about the rental were the too soft seats. Got a great deal on this GS w leather and like it better than the LS I took to Colorado. It is very manuverable for its size. Its easy to get in and out of and dont believe everything you read in Consumer Reports...I get 27 to 28 mpg on the highway. You drive it like a moron and youll pay for it at the pump just like any other vehicle. And no, the Chrysler 300 is not a better or roomier vehicle. My car is much quieter, roomier, easier ingress and egress and MUCH better visibility.
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Hard to beat for the price. - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Jim - July 8 - 3:56 pmThis is my second Grand Marquis. I had a 2005 (Ultimate Edition). The only repair I made on the 2005 was front brake pads at 88,000 miles (I drove the car to 101,000 miles). Great repair record, great ride, roomy trunk, OK gas mileage. Feel that if the rebate is $5,000 or more the car is hard to beat.
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Great big road car! - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By junglej - June 26 - 10:13 pmI bought my LS used 2 yrs ago at 70k and now have 130k with no repairs whatsoever. I love the gas mileage - Im getting 24.6 summer and 22.6 winter with about 60%hwy and 40%city driving. Even at our mile-high, theres plenty of power in the small V8 to accelerate up hills. I easily and inexpensively bought a Ford OEM radio/CD player to replace the std cassette player. I found the drivers seat didnt fit me well until after I took out the lumbar support and put more foam in the upper back and seat bottom. I also found that I have to brake with my left foot or the awkward right leg position causes pain. Im 62" and 270lbs.
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Best Value Around! - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Jay657 - April 19 - 4:40 amI am 26 yrs old and I love this car! Its black with black with black heated leather, moonroof, digital dash, rear air shocks. I had a 99 DeVille which was a horrible disappointment. I love the RWD v.s the clumsy FWD DeVille. It handles awesome for a big car. Has enough power, but could use a dual exhaust for a little more. I put dark tinted headlight and corner lenses from the 03-04 Marauder on the Marquis and they look great with the chrome grille. I get compliments where ever I go. These big RWD sedans are getting hard to find, so I am taking extra good care of this one and plan to keep it for a good 5 to 7 years.
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After a year of driving - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By David - April 8 - 10:13 pmThis car has performed quite well. Performance: The car has a good amount of low end torque that will get this heavy car moving when you want it to. My only complaint here is the slight lack in higher RPM performance for when you pass during a high speed situation such as the freeway, it can take a bit to get it going a higher speed. Reliability: I have yet to have a major problem with it. I have done well in keeping it maintained and it has rewarded me with no major problems. I have even driven it across the country. The car is very comfortable with plenty of space for your passengers. The fuel economy is standard for any full size sedan. Just dont punch it everywhere.
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B +++ - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By J.F.K. - April 1 - 11:16 amA great car, power when needed in all situations and weather conditions.This marquis as like my work vehicle in(law enforcement) drives 100% identically. The very same car as a crown vic but the next size up in class. Love it !
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Update after 3 yrs of use - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Tip of Texcas - March 28 - 1:36 pmI am updating my review from 3 yrs ago. The car is running great, it is still extremely comfortable but the paint is peeling off everywhere; very disappointing. It has already been repaired under warranty once and I will have to take it back to the dealer again for the same reason. Its really sad; such a beautiful car with such lousy workmanship. I hate to admit: I was wrong praising it.
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Almost perfect, but Ford went backwards - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By RichardG - March 26 - 9:46 pmI switched from a 1993 Grand Marquis to a 1999. Quiet a step backwards. Not only is the gas mileage "worse" (EPA rating and in real world), many little items dont make sense. The AutoLamp feature is nervous, comes on in shady places already. The rear defrost button is invisible while steering, located on the left. No cupholders in the rear. Cupholders in the front block climate control. The ride is almost perfect. Safe, reliable and not too expensive to maintain. Overall, a good vehicle.
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the last one of 6 - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By bernie moon - March 25 - 4:16 amFord has continued to cheapen up what used to be a great car. Top of the line LS model with load leveling and electronic-digital dash still suffers from seats with less support than a 95 LS I traded to get it. Wind noise is greater since Ford went to a thinner glass all around in 97. The Load leveling air pump used to be quiet as it was located under the trunk but is in the engine compartment now and it is incredibly noisy.I enjoy the illusion of feeling safer in a large car but I have been taken advantage of by Ford for the last time.Even though side air bags have been available for years,the Grand Marquis whose basic platform hasnt changed in over 12 years, still doesnt have them.
