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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04 grand marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By roger cozart - December 19 - 1:13 amJust purchased this car and love it. Traded in 04 Cadillac Deville with many problems. Mercury is a superior car. Handling is great and the car is really responsive and fun to drive. I hated the wallowing clumsy Cadillac. Lots of compliments on the appearance.
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Good Solid Car- Great Used Value - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By robert - December 17 - 2:00 amI have had 3 Grand Marquis. A 1985 that I drove to 250 K! A used 1990 that I drive to 200K. The last car was a used 1996 and in has 98K on it. No problems a good solid cars. 2011 is the last year. This was a great car from a generation ago, well built, cheap to run, and it will be missed by me.
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Great Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By John Lunn - November 27 - 3:48 pmThis is my third Grand Marquis in a row, and Im trying to get another before the 2011 model, the last. Im truly sorry this model has been discontinued.
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Last of a dying breed - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ionosphere - November 23 - 8:13 amIve had my car for 6 months now and I love it. Others can complain that this car is old fashioned, but Ill take this car anyday over any Honda, Toyota, etc. The front bench type seat leaves this big fella with terrific legroom unmatched in other cars. The trunk is great, with the trunk organizer and all the space. Okay, so its not the greatest in handling around sharp turns and staying in lane. Big deal; Im not going to race it.
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Great Car - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By jim5660 - November 14 - 11:28 pmMost of the reviews on the car are positive. However,if you read the Edmunds review, it sounds like this car belongs in the 19th century. What is the purpose of a car? To get one from point A to point B safely, comfortably, and reasonably economically. The Grand Marquis does all of this very well. I get 27 MPG on the highway and average 23 around town. I drive it conservatively. Im tired of Edmunds and others running down these cars in favor of more sporty handling vehicles that corner better. What the heck do you need that for? As for interior space, the claim that the Sable is just as big is just not true. The Sable is 6" narrower. Maybe the experts need to reassess a cars purpose.
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excellent ls - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By budnbarb - October 21 - 10:00 amthe ls is a wonderful car to travel in for driving vacations,im averaging over 25mpg on my trips overall with a normal dashboard computer readout od 27 mpg at 70 mph on the interstate highways.the ride comfort usually puts the passengers to sleep on all but the shortest trips and the interior room is greater than expected.
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best car made in america - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Murph - October 11 - 9:36 pmgreat in every category, room, comfort and great road mileage (over 425 miles per tank full) but a bit poor in local driving.
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Nickys car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Nicky Aviles - October 2 - 10:00 amI get an excellent ride for the money Ive paid on this car. It has never given me any type of problem. I would recommend this car very highly. As a matter of fact, Ill be getting a newer version of this car in the very near future.
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Toms Car - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tomtom - October 1 - 3:23 amI like driving the car. Its a smooth ride but packs enough power to make a jump off the line. Im not saying its a racing car, but for a passanger car its a nice car overall. I put a 1000W system in it. i got 2 12" p1 subs and a 8" bazooka tube. This is with 4 new speakers and a Sony faceplate. If youre buying this car, you really shouldnt have many improvements in mind. This is a smooth car and great for drives anywhere. I put in a system becuase its what I love and Im looking to put on 20" rims if itll hold them and chrome most of it out.
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Big, comfortable,some interior flaws - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ed smith - September 30 - 11:26 amGreat, comfortable,ride. Gas economy lacking. Interior design needs work. Smartly styled exterior. Although, having driven rear wheel dr. for years, last 5 cars have had front dr.. I think I prefer front dr..
