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:
Showing 291 through 300 of 658.00-
A Reliable Car - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Paul P - September 26 - 10:13 amOur 2008 Grand Marquis has been both a fun and reliable vehicle. Around town gas mileage is not a good as our 1997 Crown Victoria - Crown Vic was in the 16-17 mpg range, and the Grand Marquis is in the 14-15 range. While a major consumer magazine calls it an old and stodgy vehicle, it suits us just fine. Were very pleased with it.
-
2002 Mercury LSE - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By MichaelDavidon - September 26 - 10:00 amThe BEST new and used cars on the market! The value, reliability, and driveablity of these cars is outstanding. Dont let the Edmunds review of "difficult to manuver and park" fool you. Its got power steering! What a joke. I guess if thats all they can come up with, it must be a pretty good car. Dont be influenced about a percieved "negative" image. All my 20 and 30 year old friends love both my Crown Vic and this Mercury LSE.
-
10,000 miles per month - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By LimoDriver - September 24 - 10:00 amI am a limo driver. We have a fleet of Linc/Mercs/Ford E350 vans and a Rolls Royce Silver Spur. The owner is religious on oil changes and tire rotations on these vehicles. They drive from Pa to JFK, Manhattan, NY, Newark, NJ and etc DAILY. That is 10,000/MONTH/vehicle! They are flawless, reliable, comfy and great mpg on the hwy. City driving isnt as good as hwy. Ive driven Gr Marquis in snow storms to JFK to pick-up passengers already. Stop beating these cars up. The trunk space is nearly big enough to haul 1/2 a house! Ford is making a terrible mistake dropping this car in 2011. I am very partial to them and have owned 3 Gr Marqs myself with NO REGRETS!
-
my oponion - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Patrick Meredith - September 14 - 2:00 amI purchased this vehicle out of the clear blue. I have had please owning and driveing it over the years.
-
New owner - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By NewMarquisowner - September 8 - 10:00 amJust picked it up a couple of days ago, Took a bit to get used to the light touch steering. Enjoying the room and the ride. Cant wait to take it on a long trip...very comfortable, still a good looking car! Suprised at the lack of extras in the interior, really sparse..my 2 year old Sable had many more interior features and was better appointed inside. Looks like there was a big giveup by buying the convenience model vs. the limited. lousy cup holders and nothing automatic in front..all manual..oh well! its still a very good value and I dont mind since I saved about 5 grand over a Japanese model......I will enjoy the room and the ride..
-
Slunk - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By SLUNK - September 5 - 1:40 amI think this is one of the best cars ever made. I have had many cars over years, this is 1st one I have complete faith in running all the time. Comfort is grand and mileage is 23 to 25 hwy and 20 to 22 city for v8 that is outstanding. I have 120,000 and still hold mileage rate high. I would recommend anyone to buy this model and never look back.
-
El Grande Marquis - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By AW - August 24 - 4:46 amIF you need an everyday driver that is relaible and looks are not important, the Mercury Grand Marquis can fit the bill. I have drive my used Grand Marquis through all kinds of weather and it holds up well.
-
HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By fred - August 21 - 10:00 amI purchased this 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis when I was tight on money, I have never purchased a used car in my life. Being a little nervous I did some research online and it seemed like every web site I went to had great things to say about the crown victoria and the grand marquis. After looking at both, I liked the look of the grand marquis better. I have had this car for about 2 years now and I can say that this is the best performing, most comfortable, pleasing to drive car that I have ever owned.
-
ignore the negative consumer reports - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Haystack - August 14 - 4:16 amthese consumer report guys are cracked! I get an average of 23mpg just driving it to and from work. They say thats the max. on the highway I have recorded a max average for that tank of gas 28.3 mpg (maintaining a steady 65mph for extended period of time with minamal non-freeway driving) This particular trip, I filled up in Beloit,WI and didnt fill up again until Rolla,MO; mapquest it to see how many miles!
-
I love this car!! - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Twylla - August 7 - 4:33 pmEveryone complements the ride and drive after they have had a chance to get inside. It has such a smooth and comfortable ride much different from the smaller cars but I dont sacrifice mileage for it.
