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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  Reliable if not exciting - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Keith - February 20 - 9:30 am

  We have had eight Grand Marquis since the mid-eighties. I can honestly say that they have served us well with most of them getting 120000 before trading. Our current 2005 has 140000 with minimal problems, electrical control module and catylic converter. We get 22 mpg on two lane roads and up to 27 on long trips.This is not a flashy car but it is comfortable and reliable.

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  A well rounded large car - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Loh - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Owned a "97" LS. The 2003 is far superior in all areas, especially steering and ride. Fuel mileage on local driving is 20 to 21. Open highway is 28-29 with A/C on. Not bad for a car this size and weight. Self leveling is a plus.

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  great car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Kyle V - January 31 - 2:33 pm

  I love the handling, the performance is awesome, it is one of the most comfortable cars i have ever owned, not to mention i have never ridden in a car that i have felt safer in, these cars are great

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  best for the Money - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By bystander - January 29 - 2:00 am

  You can buy a better auto but you cant buy a better auto for the same amount of money. Comfortable, smooth, powerful engine and a car design delight for the eyes.

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  Ultimate - Not really! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ham - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Ultimate new in March of 2003. When I picked it up, the fuel gage didnt work right and it took until August to repair this - 3 different times. Then, the instrument panel "flashes" and that has been worked on 6-times now! Still flashes! And, had a sound like I was dragging a tin can. Turns out that the starter wasnt completely disengaging and the starter and flywheel had to be replaced! All this and not a year old and only 7400 miles! What next? I am not a happy camper!

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  Greatest Largest Best Car - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Albert Jindra - January 21 - 10:00 am

  A very large, but great handling car which suits my needs to hold clients in confort. I am a Real Estate Broker, and looks make the difference. This Car matches any car on the road for looks and ride, with a price which is extremely low. I look forward to having this car many years.

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  Buy American - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ford Person - January 14 - 5:40 am

  This car is the 5th trouble free Ford product that I have bought. I paid $10,000 less than what a relative paid for a Toyata Camry. Never has been back to the dealer for repairs and the workmanship is great. On long runs with the cruise set and at 75 mph I have gotten 30 mph. The best thing I have to say is but American.

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  Mercury Marquis Luxury Car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By VPaul - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I loved my Lincoln Town Car I bought in 1989 and was confident the baby Lincoln (my marquis) would be as good. I am comfortable with it an there has been a few mechanical and electrical issues, but overall, I love it. Only spent $2,883.95 on maintenance/repairs since acquiring it in March, 1997. The damn catalytic converter croaked and it would cost $2000 to repair it. The hell with that!

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  tired of buzz boxes - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Dave - January 9 - 3:05 am

  I bought this after my Audi blew up. This car used was about the same price as to repair German engineering. I drive it on a whim and twenty minutes later fell in love with it. Faster more comfortable, definably a better experience. I wont even miss all the red led lighting on The Audi or the crazy maintenance costs. Car may look like a land yacht but its really a Ford muscle car in disguise! Get em while ya can kids.

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  2003 GS Grand Marque - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By bdemedio - December 19 - 5:53 pm

  Superb vehicle. A Lincoln Town car for half price. Incredible power. 17 city is an underestimate- I get 20. I get 30 on the highway even with lights (rte 13 in Delmarva). No problems at all to date. Still smells new. 24 bucks a year upkeep and much lower than average insurance. The toyota avalon is JUNK compared to this. Some of them are already rusting. Ill play chicken with any of you avalon drivers anyday- you wont live and Ill walk away without a scratch. Anyone with children owes it to them to have this great machine because of its safety, durability, power, and mileage. Why do you think its the preferred car for cops and cabbies? Its the best car made in the world for the price.