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 211 through 220 of 658.00-
Still a big car-Heavy Duty-Safe - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ethel Alma Dickerson - December 24 - 2:00 amWe have driven Grand Marquis for over 25-years. We have never had any problems out of the cars. We usually put 150-200,000-miles on them with out any problem. .We also had a bad wreck in the 95 and we were not hurt We got hit by a 1998 Honda Civic. We love the cars and they are safe and the best driving cars on the road under $30,000.
-
My love of mercurys - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ron Barnard - December 15 - 9:26 amThis is one of two Mercury LS models I have owned loaded models (ls) They are excellent driving cars and far surpass other models newer and the comfort and safety far out weighs the fuel used.and its cost.
-
My 2006 Grand Marquis LS - I Love It!! - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Carl S. - December 8 - 10:53 amLove the ride of my new 06 Merc Grand Marquis LS. Handled well on trip from Phx to Las Vegas after I drove 500+ local miles first. Did not realize I was doing 98 mph on the way up. The ride was flawless and handled the road and curves very well. The turning radius is excellent for such a large car and like the other comments fuel consumption is better than stated. I found it to be the best value for the large car market. Luxury w/o the price tag. People think this is your Dads / Granddads type car, but once they get into it they love it!! Big and roomy.
-
!Highway Trip Car! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Fordy - December 6 - 9:03 pmI bought it to make highway trips, and that is what it excels at. I would not buy this for cruising around town. This car is built to do speed, and to have a sure foot on the highway, and it does with the right tires, not Michelin. It has aggressive gearing I like to get acceleration, and to be able to do 140 MPH. The ride is great and quiet on the highway, not the best, but up there. This is best bought as a Used vehicle since you get the best deal for the value. I only recommend the Ultimate edition, because this car is not worth the money without all the goodies. Plenty of room width-wise, no bumping elbows. Big trunk for all you luggage.
-
Big and beautiful - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By PWILLIAMS - November 30 - 7:30 pmLove comfort and trunk space. Antenna should be in windshield. No space to store "stuff", cell phone, cds, etc. Lousy, lousy interior noise-at interstate speeds the noise is very annoying. Great mileage considering size of car. No problems to report other than lousy interior noise. Two Ford dealers have been given opportunity to correct noise problem--both have failed, in fact, I dont think they knew how to fix problem. Will not consider buying another Mercury or Ford product until noise levels have drasticall been improved. One dealer told me the Michelin tires could be the culprit. Pay $700 to $800 for new tires and problem could be resolved. Should have bought Honda or Toyota
-
Car That Grandpa Almost Never Drove - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By John from So. Fla. - November 24 - 10:00 amPurchased the 96 LS as an estate sale from a relative in Las Vegas. This vehicle had sat for one year under a carport near McAllen, Tx....Was in pristine condition w/only 24.8K mi. Paid $200 less than Wholesale. However at 32K mi. had to replace lower control arms (Ball joints rusted on from long term standing).Excellent vehicle /comfortable /Hwy cruiser. 24-25mpg@65, 22-23@70, 18- 19 local....Now live in So. Fla..All the old guys drive Grand Marquis... Great car ! !
-
1993 mercury grand marq - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By al maiorino - November 15 - 10:00 amthis car is totally repair free even when you abuse it. car will run forever very comfortable
-
God given vehicle - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By VERLA - November 13 - 7:36 amI really like this car. It is dependable and very economical for a large sedan. I am blessed to have got this car.
-
NEW CAR IMPRESSIONS - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By RAY - November 12 - 2:00 amDOWSHIFTS ARE FAR TOO AGRESSIVE, AS COMPARED TO A 93 CHEVROLET LTZ
-
Marquis GS in Russia - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By max_lovyago - November 11 - 8:56 pmI bought this fantastic car two mounth ago and really felt in love with it! In Russia, even in Moscow there are few Mercurys, and especially Marquis. So you drive through Moscow crazy streets like a king! This car has exellent peformance, super comfort (very quiet at the road) and very powerful AC (yes, our summers are hot - 100 F*). My cars mileage is 89 460, but it has contract motor and new transmition - so like new one. Its very pity thst we have few good roads, and maximum speed limit is 74 mph =( So, i want to say thanks to ford, who made such extraordinary car!
