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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Timex in a digital age - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dan - November 12 - 2:00 amThis car puts comfort and reliability above all else. It is amazingly comfortable although I wish the seats offered more side bolstering to keep you in place through the turns. It is VERY reliable. nothing has broken or worn out in its 62K mile life. Lots of room in the cabin and trunk though Id like a center console for storage. The driving experience is muted by vague steering and minimal road feel. The car wallows over bumps and turns and doesnt instill confidence in its handling, especially in wet conditions. The power train is adequate and the car never feel out of breath although more power would be welcome for passing. MPG is ok given its a 2 ton car, I get about 19.
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Good car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By geogator - June 4 - 6:23 amThis 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.
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Cushy gas hog has issues - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Lisa - March 26 - 12:03 amWe were so excited to get into this buttery ride only to have our Marquis buzz killed when the fuel pump went out at 47,000 miles after only having it a month & one 400 mile trip under our belts. Another surprise was the terrible city mileage, much lower than the stated 17 mpg, around 10 mpg. Highway ok w/25 mpg. As Ive seen mentioned I have to agree the lack of a center console leaves one stuffing everything into the paltry pockets given in the front seats or on the floor. So despite the wonderful smooth ride the overall economy leaves me wishing wed shelled out for a Camry etc. PS.Loaner car during fuel pump was a Sable 05. It was a gas hog also (15mph?!). Ford/Mercury needs to wake up
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Disappointed in new Mercury - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By B. Haworth - August 27 - 6:36 pmI bought a new Mercury Grand Marquis Premium LS about 2 weeks ago. I had it up to Interstate speed earlier this week and discovered that the wind and tire noise are horrible. It is so loud that it drowns out the radio. I took it back to the dealer who claims to have test drove it along with another new Mercury. He claimed the other new car noise was as loud or louder than my car. His conclusion was that the noise was a design flaw and there was nothing he could do. I have a hard time believing Mercury would manufacture a vehicle with this much driving noise, but apparently they did. I cannot and will not recommend this vehicle to anyone.
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Transmission Gone Wrong - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Grand Master - August 20 - 11:23 pmMy 1999 Grand Marquis has had 2 rebuilt transmissions. It was a rental. Buyers beware because most 1 or 2 years old cars are rentals sold to various dealers. A good price can be had. The only thing is that in 30 years of renting cars most of them have had some kind of major defect.
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Ultimate - Not really! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ham - January 25 - 2:00 amI purchased my Ultimate new in March of 2003. When I picked it up, the fuel gage didnt work right and it took until August to repair this - 3 different times. Then, the instrument panel "flashes" and that has been worked on 6-times now! Still flashes! And, had a sound like I was dragging a tin can. Turns out that the starter wasnt completely disengaging and the starter and flywheel had to be replaced! All this and not a year old and only 7400 miles! What next? I am not a happy camper!
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Problem Car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By g. grantham - April 19 - 2:00 amThis car was not assembled well at all. Problems starting at 2300 miles and continue until present, March 13,2003.The problems have been a number of things. 2300 miles have replace U- Joint. 4300 miles, replace steering grear box assembly. 10000 miles re-ring engine to correct oil consumption. Still uses oil. Last trip 1 quart for 400 miles. Car purchased in July 2000. Glen Grantham
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3rd Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Roverbear - September 12 - 10:00 amafter 2 prior Marquis which did not offer service, I really was hesitant to buy this 2003...the updates it afforded allowed me to chance it once again...Gas mileage seems less than the prior 95 which was repurchased by Ford due to many things wrong, and 96 LS with air suspension, that lasted 69000 and blew 2 cylinder heads...2003s rear end whine needs to be explored by the dealer..handling is far superior to prior models and wind noise is still annoying..has only 4000 miles at present.
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Priceing - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By P.Arcara - August 14 - 10:00 amGreat car for the money, but would hesitate buying a nother one because of changing rebate dollar amounts. 30 days after my purchase additional $1,000 was offered. I lost my sense of true value for this car.
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dont buy one - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By mjofvending - May 30 - 10:00 amneeded all four wheel brakes at 22000 miles.Ford says"Thats the way there built" Noisey Lots of wind noise seems like poor design. Very large to handle inthe city. Not a great paint job
