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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I love comfort - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By barbtex - April 19 - 8:10 amAlways drove Crown vics, but bought a merc because moneywise it was a better value. Love the ride, Ease of driving, fuel mileage is good for big car. I like the rear wheel handling, was never happy with front wheel drive.
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buy used! - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By aguywhoiswritingthis - April 16 - 10:00 amCompared to 1992 it replaced it has better construction quality, I think. But, worse ride, (still very good) more unattractive, smaller gas tank,(a mere 350 mile range) and an oddly shaped, although still large trunk.
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RADIO ANTENA - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By A. BUYER - April 13 - 3:10 amMERCURY HAS TAKEN A VERY BEAUTIFUL CAR THAT ALWAYS HAS HAD STYLE (MERCURY OWNER SINCE 1986) AND MADE IT A SECOND CLASS CAR BY PUTTING THAT "CHEAP" ANTENNA ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!(REAR FENDER) IF IT MUST GO ON THE OUTSIDE MAKE IT A POWER ANTENNA!
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miserable owner - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By dave - April 6 - 8:33 amThis vehicle is 7 months old and I have problems with radiator, all four tires cracked and need replacing, glur trim is coming off of the side of the car. I took out special warranty policy which has not been totally honored by the local dealer. 2 dealers refuse to honor Ford warranty.
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A "solid" car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By MrLypage - April 1 - 2:00 am"Solid" because it has meet / exceeded exxpectations. I bought this car in 9/2002 with ~ 70K on it and for $6300. Within the following two months, put in a CD player (a must!), 4 new tires, a tuneup, and a battery (a little over $1000 total). And it hasnt disappointed yet. Although Ive never had to do this with previous vehicles (maybe because of GMs big engine size), I did have to make it a habit to put in a bottle of Heet with each tank in the winter to counter hard-starting probs.
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Momma Luvs her Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By stgcret - March 29 - 10:50 pmDrove by the dealership (closed). Real nice Gulf Coast Edition, Red Toredor with Gray Leather. Looked brand new inside/out. Have owned 14 Lincolns but this one my wife really liked, so I bought it for $5400. Hard to say anything bad about an 11 year old car that still shines like new in/out. Had all books/records and owned by a 78 yo Lady. Looks like it never left a garage. Drives very close to a Lincoln Towncar.
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Its not great, but its good - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Crystal28 - March 8 - 2:00 amThe grand marquis is a very safe car and plenty of power to get you where you want. However, it is big and hard to park and weve had lots of trouble with the windows breaking.
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poor mans towncar - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By c. russo - March 8 - 2:00 amThe car looks good, handles and rides just like a Lincoln Town Car minus all the toys and if you could live without the sofisticated extras and toys this is the car to purchase. The Grand Marquis Convience model is the car you want to own. Ive had the car almost three months and put 3500 combined city and highway miles averaging 20 to 21 M.P.G.
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I love this boat! - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By badaa99 - March 4 - 5:30 pmMine has 62K miles currently and bought it with 45K miles. This car DOES "float/glide" on the road which is typical for a large sedan. Once you do drive it though you will get used to the floaty sensation. This car has a EXTREMELY soft suspension which is good for people like me who live on Long Island NY and have roads that have a ton of pot holes and bumps. Going over a series bumps on a rough road will feel like vibrations. This car has A LOT of power for a car this size and weight! I was surprised on how much power it has when I floored it! The seats are very soft which is very comfortable! Bad things- -Car has sloppy handling -Hard to park -cheap interior
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Another great Marquis - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By JBB - March 2 - 5:10 amThis is my 5th Marquis. Its a 2004 purchased with 21,000 miles for a measly $14,500. Car needed some work to start, about 1,500 with some rear axle problems. I was surprised. After driving these things for 16 years its the largest repair bill ever. Well crafted, old style RWD, nice looking lots of room good handling a real highway car. You cant find a better machine without selling the farm. They rearly break down. Could be one of the best cars in the world for this price.
