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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  Reliable, great buy!!! - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JD - April 7 - 12:35 am

  Really comfortable car. Reasonable handling. Nice ride with Air Suspension (I know, the air scares some people). Have to watch for head gasket failure because of iron block and aluminum heads (different expansion rates). Proven reliable platform and 4.6 is rocksteady. Tuned for smooth power delivery and quite performance. Has no problem getting out of its own way. I bought this car with 50000 miles, put a little money in to freshen it up and I love it. Also put a new radio, being a 2000 still had a tape player(tape player in 2000?). The cup holders kind of suck but Im just nitpicking now. It now has 91000 miles, only costs are air conditioning and basic maintenance (oil, gas, tires). If you can get a low mileage gem with a good body its a good buy. If someone was looking at a car like this to pick up I would recommend. I still really like the car. I get some grief because its an "old mans car" but thats ok. Easy and cheap to fix. Not much changed till they stopped producing in 2012. They became more reliable and gas efficient. Its a real good car. No regrets.

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  Seat Belt Problem - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By croke - April 3 - 2:33 pm

  I like the car in every way. It gets 19 mpg city/hwy. One can only sit on 3/4 of the front seats as the seat belt receptor is solid and sticks up through the seat. It can not be moved. Without that seat belt reception problem, one could sit in the middle of the seat and get support on the right side of the cushion. As it is one sits on the left side support and middle of seat: extremely uncomfortable. It would be ok for a small person, i.e., 100 pounds or less could sit in middle.

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  Joes choise - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By njauton - April 3 - 2:00 am

  vehicle was a program car. the ride, drive, comfort and aesthicits are all above average. fuel economy is suprisingly good.(20+ mpg) the only negative is it has some "wind" noise. otherwise, excellent.

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  General - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By stagebuster - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Had a 1993 and found 2000 did not handle quite as well overall and MPG dropped between 1 and MPG. 2000 did away with locking gas cap and second key so glove compartment and trunk could not be locked from valet parking/etc.

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  creacher comforts lacking. - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By insurance man - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great ride especially on highway, front passenger and driver comfort excellent,poor front arm rests, they should have storage compartments for cds, and stuff, cup holder not eaey to get to. Rear passenger room lacking for such a large car. huge trunk, but placement of spare tire takes up too much space.

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  Take back America! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JerrLorr - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We are part of the movement to "Take Back America" and prefer our products to be American-made. This extends to personal, home, garden, and automobiles!! Mercury is an excellent product now that the turning wheel base has been improved. We only wish we had a weight-balancing feature.

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  Mercury gets high marks - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bryce Acree - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Lots of "bang for the buck". Commpare the Grand Marquis to models like the Toyota Avalon? Avalons price approaches 30k but a Grand Marquis can be had for between 21 and 23k . Then compare the price of repair parts and there is a huge difference. (The GM being far less expensive to repair, of course)

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  Cushy gas hog has issues - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Lisa - March 26 - 12:03 am

  We 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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  1st time - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Greg Saxon - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1997 Crown Vic. which I enjoyed very much. The GM is a much quieter car and has better acceleration. Leather seats are much better than fabric ones.

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  04 Grand Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mojave2k - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Fords best kept secret, the Grand Marquis. Ford did an upgrade of the steering and suspension in 2003 adding variable rack and pinion steering and a new "boxed" frame, they already have a "watts link" rear suspension. They come with big 4 wheel duel piston anti lock discs, and "traction control". And 225/60/16 Michelins for tires. Ford does not advertise these cars much, but if you look, what you will find is that they share many main components with the new F-150 truck. The 4.6 V8 engine, the same 4-speed auto transmission, and the same solid axle rear end. They are built like a truck and drive like a Jaguar and sold at a Camry price.