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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  Great V8 American Full-Size Sedan - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By George - August 5 - 6:03 am

  I have ridden in these Ford sedans for over for all my life. My grandparents have had two Town Cars and a Crown Vic. The Grand Marquis, on the same platform, is simply one of the most comofortable sedans out there. Its got room, V8 power, comfort and traditional style, which stands out on todays roads. I hope Ford keeps these sedans around and updates them. Their comfort is hard to beat and its a throwback to an earlier era, in which I wasnt even born, of big, luxurious sedans. No matter your age, young or old, the Grand Marquis offers great value and should be test driven!

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  Classic luxury with sport performance - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JSheehan - July 30 - 12:16 pm

  I have owned my Merc for a couple of months now it is my second Grand Marquis. Ive got the state trooper package so it handles amazingly (the air ride which is standard isnt bad either) The 4.6 puts out close to 300 for hp and torque (modest estimate) at its power band its probably well over that. You can red line it forever without over heating it. Super easy to install a super charger and HP chip which puts it over 500 HP and torque. Very nice interior/exterior. Avg 25MPG stock I get an AVG of 32 with the supercharger in it. Handling is comparable to large Lexus and Mercedes.

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  good option - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By hector fussa - July 25 - 1:50 pm

  good car for family transportation luxurious and very inexpensive, great car for real estate agents or persons that need to move around with other people on tow

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  My Marq - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By profjprobst - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice big American car.

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  Bought Two! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Dale K - July 20 - 3:23 pm

  Traded our old 1999 and 2003 Grand Marquis in for two new 2004s, one GS model (mine) and one LS model (wifes). Ride on 2003 was stiffer. I am a salesman and this is my fourth Grand Marquis. These cars are the best value on the road today for a large sedan. Good gas mileage, 2004s have a softer ride than 2003s. Mechanically my 1999 was one of the best cars I have ever owned over the past 35 years. Just trouble-free from the beginning and all through my ownership, remained quite with no rattles for 86000 miles. So far 2004s have not dissappointed us in any way, ride great and run like a Swiss watch.

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  2000 Merc - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By David Cotlow - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellant car except for the transmission going out at 40,000 miles. Very comfortable and great mileage for this size car.

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  2000 Grand Marquis LS - HPP - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Marquis HPP - July 16 - 2:46 am

  Well as if the Grand Marquis GS or LS was not great already. They did build a few that was even better. The HPP (handling & performance package ). Most dont know about these because there is no marking on the cars. They came with bigger swaybars,beefed-up trans,bigger brakes,air-ride,digital dash, dual exhaust,3.55 gears, leather wrap steering wheel, lacey spoke wheels, speed sensative steering and rated at 29HP more than the regular GS or LS. They are faster than the P71 (police car) with a better ride than the Towncar. I have 92,000 miles on mine and only had to do the basics to it (tires, brakes, wipers a battery and the license plate light. Not bad for a 9 year old car! The HPP gets 17, 25 hwy

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  Bills Baby - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By williamedward - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable American car I have ever owned and Iam 60 years old. My Grand Marquis is a very quiet comfortible car. Ilove this car and when I buy another car you can be sure it will be another Grand Marquis.

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  Sturdy American Classic - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ornery - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive only driven boulevard cruisers for the past 25 years. This one’s a bit too stiff and there isnt nearly the room Im used to. I compare this to my 94 Town Car, and it just doesnt stack up. Not enough rear legroom, and even the front seems a bit cramped. That said, it sure beats the heck out of any import in its price range for room, size and comfort. We bought ours used in October 2002 for $12,000 out the door with 30K one owner miles on it. Thats what I call bang for the buck! Been flawless as long as weve owned it. However, if I had it to do over, Id look at another 92-97 Town Car instead. Well worth the few more dollars.

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  Requiem For the Last True American Car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ftupka - July 2 - 8:34 pm

  Grand is the Mercury Grand Marquis middle name; this car is apologetically the last true American car on the road. While other vehicles rely on technology and styling that fades, the Marquis uses its heft and V8 engine to isolate you from the rest of the world. The quiet and smooth engine in my car has been trouble free even after 12 years. The transmission makes the most of the 224hp with the aid of Mercurys Precisontrac limited slip rear axle. Combine this with the last full frame in a sedan and the soft leather bench seats and you have a car that can easily carry five people (six when necessary) anywhere in solid comfort. Dont waste your time reading "enthusiast" reviews, just buy it!