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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1998 Grand Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By bovic1 - June 21 - 2:00 amThis automobile is extremely comfortable and rides like any luxury car. It has never been in the repair shop, everything still works perfectly as it did when it was brand new. Recently, with a solid month of below freezing weather, this car started up a the first try every time. Extremely well built.
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Best Automotive Value--Period! - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By gd9704 - June 5 - 9:00 pmLets start by pointing out Im not your typical Grand Marquis buyer--I just turned 39 years old. My 8 year old Chyrsler 300M needed to be replaced and frankly, nothing out there really excited me--unless it cost $30k or more. Ive always liked the look of Grand Marquis. They are a car-plain and simple. I found a nice silver 07 with leather and 16,000 miles on the clock for less than $16k. The ride is super-smooth, and the mileage is surprisingly good- combined city/highway of 22-24mpg. About the same as the 300m gave me. Some of my friends are giving me grief, but Im laughing all the way to the bank. Pound for pound, these cars are a steal!
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Panther platform - 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
By jnv9543 - June 3 - 7:50 amThe Mercury Grand Marquis is a Great car. The Ford Panther Platform which is in its last year with the demise of the Lincoln Town Car. The Panther platform extends form the Ford Crown Victoria which has been the work horse of every police department from here to Kalamazoo. The Mercury Grand Marquis is just a more dressed up version. The front engine rear wheel drive provides a stable and luxurious ride. The Mercury is an intermediate between the crown vic and the ultra luxurious Town Car. It has great durability and more room than any import unibody garbage out there.
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Overall Fine Vehicle - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By irokk - June 3 - 6:46 amI have had the car approx 3.5 years. The first thing to go was the intake. Nice big crack on the frontside. Why?!...because it is made from plastic. The replacement has a piece of aluminum to correct this common failure. This was a $700+ repair. Now the control arm bushings and tie rod ends need replaced...why to manufacturers use greaseless bushings???? Other than these expensive problems, the car has been pretty good to us. Plenty over room and excellent gas mileage for the size.
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Realistic review - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By arlene capeluto - April 28 - 3:03 pmCar is comfortable in very good condition. I drove around town did my errands and it never let me down. I had no problems with it. Now I just want a new car. It is a dark blue with a blue interior the upholstery is in good condition, the radio works good and so does the airconditioning. It is easy to look out in all directions. The tires are in good shape and it heats up quickly in the winter. It is comfortable for passengers. I have liked owning this car it has been good to me. The pick up is good and it stops easily. I think it would make a good family car. There is a small oil leak and that is the only negative I believe. I hope who ever gets it, has as good luck with it as I did.
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Declining American Original - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By FlyinHawaiian - April 11 - 7:43 pmAfter having my offer turned down on a 98 Cadillac Deville dElegance, I setteled for this 2000 Grand Marquis LS. This car is loaded with most all options available: dual power seats, dark, charcoal leather, 6-CD changer in the trunk, aluminum wheels, climate controlled a/c, etc... I read in Edmunds.com that a loaded-up Grand Marquis is as good as a Lincoln Town Car, but for many thousands less. I agree!
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mini-me4 - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By mnmyummo - April 11 - 5:50 pmThe Grand Marquis I bought was smooth and quiet. The V8 though was noisy, effortless, and sometimes felt ungainly. But the cabin felt comfy, despite the unsupported front seat. The trunk was quite cavernous. Sometimes, though, the vehicle tilts when cornering at higher speeds, such as 30-40 mph, but overall the ride seemed stable and supple. All in all, the Grand Marquis is a comfortable touring car, but I do think better cars exist in its class.
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Great Family Car - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By MercOwner - April 5 - 10:00 amIve owned this car since 2001, bought it with 32k miles. It is a very reliable vehicle. It has the best ride, unless you like sportier/firmer ride quality, and is large enough for the whole family, even on vacations. It is a Park Lane Edition, equipped with all options except for a CD player. One can really work the deals during the negotiation of these car purchases!
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2002 Grand Marquis - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By libsdad - March 28 - 2:00 amPurchased 12-2002 as a program car. No major defects, except battery died and was replaced under mfg. warranty. Nice ride for trips, averaging 21.4 mpg. with 60/40 mix of hiway/city driving.Have yet to go on long trip, but look forward to it.
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semi satisfied - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tano - March 22 - 10:00 amGreat looking car. Listed as a big car but interior seems anything but. Front seat all the way back still leaves one feeling too close to steering wheel. Practically no leg room for rear pass- ingers. Huge trunk but a real back breaker to load and unload.
