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:

• 

  I love the car! - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Nice Car - November 11 - 3:16 am

  I am a women so the dealership was trying to sell me a Pontiac, they had to wash it so they gave me a Marquis to drive for a day. The looks didnt turn me on, but when I got in the car and started driving it I was sold. I never let them take it back. I have had the care for 2 years and I have driven back and forth from state to state and just keeping regular oil changes the car works great. I cant wait to get another one. A newer one of course

• 

  Excellent Sales Rep car - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By dwightex - November 6 - 9:33 pm

  Car will hold 4 or 5 persons with luggage. Car handles well on the freeway, very stable, very smooth, very reliable, very safe. I have origional rear brakes at 86000 miles. I get 20 mpg over the life of the car. Virtually NO PROBLEMS over the last 4 years, bulletproof reliable. A keeper And all for $20,000 total

• 

  Above avrage - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Sherwood I. Franson - October 19 - 5:53 am

  A good Car for the Price. Should have changed the looks more often Full Frame

• 

  35 mph - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By george - October 12 - 9:43 am

  at 35-40 mph when i accelerate the engine halts and then goes on. in 2 and 1 there is no halting. I have been told it is the overdrive torque converter in the transmission. Is that all it is?

• 

  Highly Pleased - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By CHIGS - October 11 - 7:06 am

  The Grand Marquis is a great experience. It has great acceleration and will pass anything on the highway while riding in luxury. I bought it because my wife, son and myself drive to our vacations and there is plenty room for luggage, a cooler in the trunk. My son sits in the back seat with his portable DVD player, toys, pillows and blankets with plenty of room to spare. last year we got 25 mpg on the highway with the car loaded.

• 

  outstanding - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Chuck Burkhard - October 10 - 8:33 am

  roomy, comfortable, gas mileage better than advertised, reasonably quick, cavernous trunk, with the LS trim level its a poor mans Town Car.

• 

  3rd One - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By theshoedog - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Im on my third GM, and have loved them all. If you want a larger size car, dollar for dollar, these cant be beat!! My biggest complaint is the cupholders. I love the ride, and quiet of the car. Dealer service is great!!

• 

  nice car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By mjwhetst - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought used with 32K miles. Now have 36K miles. Avg 24.0 MPG for those 4K miles. Very quiet ride, I like the full size. Like the ABS and traction control. Previous car was 91 LINCOLN Town car. Transmission should be OK since it is the same one on my 2000 Ford E150 Van (4R70).

• 

  Good Car Good Value Good Size. - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By George Mitsos - September 5 - 10:13 pm

  I purchased the Mercury Grand M. LS I paid a good price I got a Full size car and I am very happy ! Believe it or not a traded it a Honda accord. My Lower back was killing me the car had a lot of noise. I do not like Japanese cars! I am 45 years old and I enjoy the soft ride of my new car The size is perfect for my family and I can put all my luggage for my long trip. This car is either you love it or hate it. There si nothing in between powerful and solid made.!

• 

  Will never buy another - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By TONY - September 3 - 4:23 pm

  I have owned MGM since 1992 (that was the best I owned) Purchased the 08 brand new, I took the car in for oil change and to check out a noise at 2100 miles, 9 days later I had new engine installed! The Ford rep actually instructed the service manager to take the engine apart and repair it. Only after much shouting and going back and forth did the service manager convince Ford to give me a complete new factory engine. This will be the last MGM I will ever own.