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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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By yv - February 4 - 10:46 pm

  Have owned this car for 3yrs bought it used with 39K has 75k miles now and it has just been super! No mechanical problems at all. Rides excellent handles excellent. Had it recently in snow and ice with no problems. Im looking to purchase a newer Grand Marquis within the next year. Gas mileage is 27hwy and 19 city. City could be better but compared to the size and room its a bargain. SUV with same seating area get much less. I love the RWD it is so stable no hydro plaining on rainy roads. I hope Ford Motor doesnt quit making this excellent car!

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  Smooth Ride - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By duke - January 28 - 12:36 am

  The auto handles well and gets good milage on the open road. It is stylish. If I had to find one fault I would say it could use better soundproofing. There is high road noise from cabin.

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  Great Car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By RichReindl - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I purchased it from a dealer that had it on a 3 year lease and it only had 34,000 when I got it. Only thing I didnt like about the car were the General Tires they put on it. I have been to numerous trips and get around 26.5 MPG highway miles. I noticed that I get about 3 extra miles per gallon using high

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  Great Car! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Steve Whetstine - January 12 - 2:26 pm

  This is a great car. Its got plenty of power and can peel rubber even when you have a full load of people-which is six. Very comfortable and has great visibility. Just a great "big boat car" from the seventies.

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  Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Brian Nadler - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle provides a refined quiet ride. It is powered by a 4.6 liter overhead cam v8. This is the same engine which powered the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar up till 1997. Being a heavier vehicle Grand Marquis does not have the same level of pickup as 8 cylindar Thunderbirds and cougars of the 1990s. Performance may be imporved by added the performance package with dual exhausts. Finally, I would like to see Mercury add a Tachometer to the intrumentation. This is a very practical way to confirm the transmission is in overdrive and visualize low engine rpm at highway spped.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By rjsindy - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1995 Grand Marquis which had 120000 miles on it and never gave one bit of trouble. The new car has been excellent. I travel a lot with my job 30-60000 miles/yr. This is a car that is built to take that type of driving. The cost of maintenance is negligible, after having owned a few Swedish and German cars it has been a very welcome experience. The car has 32000 miles on it and has never been back in the shop except for normal maintenance. This is not the most exciting vehicle in the world, but its very safe, comfortable and durable.

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  Cool Car Dad - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Cool Car Dad - January 5 - 7:13 am

  I needed a reliable, safe, affordable and clean family car. The LS meets all of the criteria. My 4 year old son likes the car and his review was “cool car dad”. My 7 year old daughter and wife are caught up in the small car preference but I explained the values of the car vs. paying for a small car with a higher price. Many of the repairs that others mentioned as negatives were fixed before I purchased the car. I found the car at an estate sale and looked for such a car for about 3 months. We paid $1,000 for it and it’s the best money ever spent on a car. The previous owner, an older man, took great care of the car. I also like that I am driving a US brand car. A great value!

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  Nice comfortable boat - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By BIGTOMHEN - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I have put about 15000 miles on it and have enjoyed driving it. It is roomy and comfortable, I am a big guy (62" and 240lbs)and it fits me!! It handles great with the good old fashioned feel of the big rear wheel drive V8. I had forgotten the nice low rumble of the V8.

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  Loyal Marquis fan - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By William Balla - December 27 - 2:03 am

  This is my third Grand Marquis and I have never been disappointed in any of them. Others cant come close to the comfort and smooth ride that this car gives. A very dependable auto.

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  LSE more fun! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Chris Raaths - December 24 - 1:30 pm

  This is my 4th Crown Vic/Marquis. Engine had more power than before. This one has the LSE package, similar to HPP package, but buckets and a floor shifter, like the Crown Vic Sport. Handles much better than previous models. Fuel economy about the same, with more power. Seats are comfortable. Sound system is good. Fuel economy is do-do around town (as these cars have always been so-so) about 18 mpg. On the highway, 26 mpg. Better choice comfort and MPG wise than my old Tahoe.