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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  Interior Noise - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By L C - August 3 - 10:30 am

  When my 2008 is upshifting or when it downshifts going up a hill there is loud roar coming from the engine area. Sounds like a fan blade roar. The road noise in the interior is so loud the radio must be turned up to a point that when I stop at a stoplight the sound is extremely too loud. My local dealer and factory rep says the car meets standards. I previously owned a 2002 and was very happy with it, but it was much quieter than my 2008. I am extremely unhappy with Fords lack of response to address this issue. I have driven other 2008 Marquis and all of them have these issues.

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  Grand Marquis 2005 Body Change - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Everette B. Brown, S - October 15 - 4:00 pm

  We are very unhappy with the design of the 2005 Grand Marquis. There is a lot of road noise and wind noise around the windows. The ride is not nearly as comfortable as the older models. We have a 98 that is much more comfortable and has less road and wind noise than the 2005. We will not purchase another New Mercury Grand Marquis until some major changes have been made. We are hoping the Ford Motor Co. will buy this vehicle back and allow us to purchase another Vehicle. We travel back and forth to see our grandchildren and the 2005 makes it a very long 350 miles. The 2005 has been in the shop for window change out, it goes back in the shop for loose molding and for horn repair.

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  Dont buy one that shakes - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By William Dennison - June 28 - 7:40 am

  This car has vibrated and shook since purchased. The dealer says there is no Ford service bulletin, so there can be no problem. In fact, there is a service bulletin that the dealer apparently does not know about. I gave the dealer a copy of the bulletin and the car is still not fixed. This is the worst car I have ever owned. This car really lives up to what many people think the letters in Ford really represent.

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  Biggest Waste of Money - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By lynn_m - March 18 - 8:14 am

  I bought this car a year and a half ago because of the raving reviews on this site. I spent $7,000 for a 2002 with 70,000 miles on it. Now at 100,000 miles I have to put $2,200.00 into the car. The whole front suspension is shot. Upper and Lower Ball Joints Sway Bar Links Idler and Pitman Arms I am very disappointed in my investment. Also that car gets horrible horrible gas mileage. Probably 12 miles to the gallon.

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  leaking air - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By MrBees - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I hate driving this car because of the wind noise around the front windows. Having it checked here and in NC Im told its the design of the mirrors. Surely with the number sold, they dont put up with the noise, its distracting.

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  My Marquis is Junk - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Sam - February 15 - 6:46 am

  This car is junk. I cant even start it half the time. The alarm system will not disarm. It had a water leak and smells like swamp water. There is nowhere to put anything. It is total junk. Ive already had to replace the exhaust system. It is basically $22,000 worth of junk. I will never own another. Thats a promise. Mercury will fix nothing. 36,000 miles and you own it baby.