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:
Showing 201 through 210 of 658.00-
A great car to take to work - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Jon - August 8 - 2:00 amI purchased this car to take to work (90 miles a day), to tow with, and to lug family and friends in. Also to stop putting so many miles on my baby, my Mustang. As far as performance, Im used to the power of my GT, though the power is nothing like my Mustang, its very powerful for what it is. A full sized sedan. I have only one problem with the car, and thats the interior. Only two cup holders (The car can seat 6 people). Also the front arm wrests should have storage, along with the back arm wrests (If the car had rear arm wrests). Oh, and the car needs a posi so both rear wheels spin. As far as mileage, I get 25-28 hwy, 20-23 city. It burns no oil with 105,000 miles on it.
-
Great Value for the $$$ - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By virge - July 31 - 10:00 amThis is the automobile for the person who wants a large comfortable car with power, comfort, and will not require a second mortgage on the house. An agile handling car in town and a smooth, quiet, riding car on the highway, this car provides the space and versatility of a large car with the ease of handling of a medium sized automoblile. Quick off the line and powerful enough to pass most of its competition, it gives confidence to its driver. I have had no reliablity problems and will continue to buy future models if Mercury stays on its present course. Highly recommended.
-
Marquis GS Limited - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Gary L. Carey - July 4 - 2:36 pmThe GS Limited gives a great ride and is a very comfortable car to drive. In the north where we live, the traction control is a very important feature in rainy conditions. We have yet to drive in snowy conditions.The seating is very comfortable and the electric lumbar is fantastic as the wife and I have different requirements. The mpg rating is not very good but we have very few miles as yet so we expect this to improve. The size does create some problems parking, but can be overcome. The steering is excellant and has fast responce. Excelleration is good and the braking is excellant. Interior cabin design is easy to adjust to and is very roomy & comfortable. Trunk size is a plus.
-
Great car! - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Kevin - July 4 - 11:10 amBought this car as an inexpensive commuter and have been plesantly surprised. I bought it one year ago with 80,000 miles on it. I have put 21,000 miles on it in one year. Had to replace the starter, fuel filter, and replaced the rear brake pads and rotors. I enjoy driving this car because its very comfy, quiet, and I think its good on gas considering it has a V-8. I recently returned from a long road trip (1500 miles round trip) and I got 26-28 mpg through the Kentucky/West Virginia mountains. Driving around town and on the highway I average 21 mpg. Currently my "Air bag" light is on but Im not going to worry about it.
-
A great value vehicle - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By keith - June 24 - 11:10 pmThis is your dads car but it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. This thing runs, and runs, and runs. I have the sport and handling package so it haas some pep to move on the highway.
-
Old Folks Car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Merleal2 - June 18 - 10:00 amGreat for trips, poor man luxery car.
-
Great Quanity, Desire more quality. - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Veldboom - June 9 - 2:00 amRoominess for peole and luggage is the greatest feature. The seats are not as comfortable as in the 93 Grand Marquis. The engine runs well at 110,000, but several suspension parts needed replacement. Usually I do not need that type of repair. My Camry (with independent suspension) seems smoother on the highway and requires less maintenance.
-
Trunk lock - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By mirliyaqat Alikhan - May 18 - 10:56 pmThe trunk lock of the car is going bad in 55k miles. This is happening in almost all of this model. Please look into this matter.The Air condition electronic switch is going bad at 40k which need to be look into it. Thanks
-
Grand Indeed :) - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Marshall Dillon - April 17 - 10:00 amA big, stylish, power-everything cruiser, conservative but not primitive, this baby was just what the doctor ordered. It looks sedate but it hauls buns. The leather seats are total comfort. Controls logical and quite plentiful and they all have a nice quality and sure feel to them. Tons of features. Rides and handles like a dream. Ive always wanted a car like this. 2 years old and a total cream puff, its price off the lot was less than a new Japanese anything, even less than a Ford Focus. V8 and rear wheel drive is where its at. This isnt just a Grandpa car.
-
2nd Marquis - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Boston Girl - April 9 - 6:26 pmI had already owned a Grand Marquis and was looking for a new car. I test drove a Chevy Impala and Ford Fusion. I bought another Marquis because the price and ride was great and I know that it wont need a lot of future repairs. I wish it was sporty looking instead of a grampa car.
