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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  2001 Mercury Grand Marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Frank1938 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  After 18 months have had no problems at all. I have had screws to come out of door handles & various small glitches with interior hadware Overall a very good car

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  Nice car but ride could be improved - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Edward Briggs - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Air Conditioner worked great. 8 way power seat and back lumbar kept me from getting fatigued on I-95 Plenty of power from 4.6 liter V-8 allowed us to merge safely. Plenty of trunk space for our luggage. Smooth ride on Interstate but a little herky jerky on secondary roads. Plenty of cabin room for us to stretch out 4 speed auto tranny shifted great. I like the outside buttons on the drivers door, in case you lock your keys inside. Spare tire is steel full size rim, and you can use it when you rotate wheels. Remote control from key ring is convienient to lock and unlock trunk lid and doors. Headlights give ample candle power at night driving.

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  98 Grand Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By george49024 - February 19 - 6:34 pm

  I bought the car for $2000 with 86,000 miles on it. Great car. At about 118k the plastic intake got a crack in it causing the engine to quickly over heat and warp the heads. This is a problem with these motors. You can look it up on the net. The same motors are found in the Crown Vics and the 8cy mustangs. I replaced the motor with another one with about 118k on it which I replaced with a after market intake manifold made out of aluminum instead of plastic. It ran until about 136k it was totaled in a 5 car highway accident during a ice storm. I took kidding about it being a "grandpa" car but I loved the car. Would buy again but replace the intake manifold. Best 2 grand ever spent.

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  True Blue American Icon - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By 0rnery - January 26 - 11:44 pm

  Full frame, V8 Rear Wheel Drive. The only configuration Ill ever own. Been driving Grand Marquis and Town Cars for over thirty years, and that will be the same till I die. I work on my own cars and have never purchased new. These cars are rugged, reliable and cheap & easy to fix. Thats why police departments, taxi companies and rental agencies chose this platform. Just bought this 2004 Ultimate sixteen months ago with 80K on it, and have not been disappointed. Got a documented 28MPG on a recent 600 mile trip. No doubt it will hold up like all my past FOMOCO cruisers. That means at least 15 more trouble free years in my possession. Batteries, tires and brakes are no "trouble".

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  Great cruiser - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jsilvey - January 24 - 10:33 pm

  Love this car. 42 years old, 3 kids. Comfy as any car I have owned - and I usually buy a car ever 12 months. Very low ownership cost, reliable, dependable, handles anything I can throw at it. Same basic drivetrain and build as police cars - built to withstand abuse. Large, safe, and anyone can work on it. Body on frame is a cheap fix in case of an accident. Runs alternative fuel - E85, reduces greenhouse gasses by 25%. Great way to start driving capital towards alternative fuel infrastructure while supporting American workers. Great car for return-on-investment folks - purchase one that has taken a little depreciation and you can own it cheap and have no large long-term ownership costs.

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  Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Dwight Squires - January 2 - 10:00 am

  my third Crown Vic. Very reliable. Great highway car. Very durable. I use it for business, often drive 500 miles in a day.