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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  Palm Beach! - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By grand - February 23 - 12:10 am

  I purchased the 08 Grand Marquis LS palm edition and love it. The special touches really look good. Love the huge comfy seats. Eeasy column shifter feels solid. Great silver birch. Smooth and quick performance

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  Runs like new - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Rick - December 10 - 9:46 pm

  I fell in love with my dads 85 Gran Marquis and wanted one ever since. Although I bought my 95 car used a couple years ago with 81,000 miles on it, it runs like a dream. I did have to have the trans rebuilt but it is a small investment to a car that is otherwise mechanically sound. I havent had a problem with it since. With regular maintenance and oil changes, the car more than serves me well. I love it!!

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  Good Old Gal - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Wes - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Yes, the Mercury Grand Marquis is my grandmothers car....except I bought one too. It is a big boat that floats over the highway. If you want near Lincoln luxury at Ford prices...this is your car.

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  Its an okay car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By loveswedcars25 - November 17 - 11:58 pm

  My family has had this for 12 years. I have to say, Im surprised it has lasted this long with us. The engine is great. Very powerful and quick to take off. Will definitely spin a pair of tires off. But, the transmission was terrible from the start, and the interior sizing is terrible for a car of its size. Its like they crammed to much sound canceling material into it before they thought about how they were going to fit the seats into it with enough room for the passengers to be comfortable in it. Air is great, I like the fact that it is a climate control system. Radio is terrible. And the rearview mirror is placed entirely to low. I wouldnt recommend this car to really anyone.

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  Gas Mileage Poor???? - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By papasmith - November 3 - 2:38 am

  I am not sure if others who are complaining of poor gas mileage have a different engine or what in their GM but, in my case, this car gets excellent gas mileage for its size. On road trips, my GM will get 28MPG and a bit more. This is with around 120k. We have not have the car tuned or anything else to enhance gas mileage. This is no hype or exaggeration. Now, I know that it is listed to give 22MPG Hwy as the official number. That might be true when it is new but, once it is broken in, the MPG shoots up. This is a very comfortable and reliable car for the most part. This why they and Crown Vic are popular as taxis and cop cars.

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  A Great Traditional American Car - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Clifford W - October 25 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car from an older fellow in Feb. 2010 for the sole purpose of replacing my Oldsmobile Aurora. This Grand Marquis is not as advanced or as modern as the car it replaced but the ride and comfort far surpass anything on the road today. I have driven many cars from Acura to Volvo and can personally say that Ford did a great job on keeping the traditional American sedan alive. It is a shame Ford is discontinuing the Panther platform of cars ( Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Town Car) as of 2011 because I am now sold on these excellent cars. The Performance is good for its almost 3800 pound mass and the powertrain is smooth and responsive. I highly recommend you test drive one today!

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  Only one complaint - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Monty - October 24 - 7:26 am

  Overall a roomy comfortable car. Mostly older men buy them, but good for young, big guys too. Lower lumbar support and power seats were great. Smooth ride

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  Good Car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By 631rob1991 - October 13 - 5:16 pm

  Had bought the 96 GM second hand for $400. Great investment. Drove smooth as can be. I enjoyed the spacious interior. The V8 gave it good pep.

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  Love this car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Schreineri - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Absolutely no maintenance other than normal We followed the more stringent maintenance religiously, particularly 30000 and 50000 suggestions. Replaced tires and battery once and always used premium fuel.

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  Big Car - Big Value - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jlg - September 22 - 8:16 pm

  The gas mileage is amazing for the size of car. Overall the drive is quiet. Roomy is the key word of this car! The seats could use a bit more redesign as they tend to be a bit low to the floor.