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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Absolutely Wonderful!! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Linda S - April 21 - 2:00 amThis is the first brand-new vehicle Ive bought since 1982. The Special Edition package is what sets it apart from everything on the road, with the tutone Spruce Green and Gold Ash paint, as well as the badging and the hood ornament. The leather is totally comfortable, the ride is very smooth, and the car will take off like a bullet to get up with traffic. Trunk size is only matched by the Town Car, which means theres more than enough room to take six people and all the luggage they can bring. Gas Mileage averages between 25-30 on the highway, which makes for nonstop trips. 5 Star Crash ratings and Best in Quality by JD Power!
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My Opinion - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Carl - April 20 - 8:16 pmI have been well pleased with My Gran Marquis. It is my second one and I plan on getting another. It is especially good for long trips. It provides an extreemly smooth and comfortable ride, with good acceleration, and responsive handling. I get about 20-22 MPG on the highway at speeds crowding (sometimes exceeding) the limits. I appreciate the large trunk space. I have driven it from St Louis, MO. to Niagra Falls, Orlando, through the Rockies and to numerous shorter (300-400 Miles) with no breakdowns or difficulties. I am proud of my "Merc".
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The big hauler - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By John Nash - April 19 - 2:00 amThis is great tow vehicle and hauls 4000 lbs easily. Highway mileage is 26 mpg on Phila.-Boston trips. Running around home mileage is about 17mpg. Comfortable and quiet.
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Problem Car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By g. grantham - April 19 - 2:00 amThis car was not assembled well at all. Problems starting at 2300 miles and continue until present, March 13,2003.The problems have been a number of things. 2300 miles have replace U- Joint. 4300 miles, replace steering grear box assembly. 10000 miles re-ring engine to correct oil consumption. Still uses oil. Last trip 1 quart for 400 miles. Car purchased in July 2000. Glen Grantham
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Grand Marquis is SAFE ! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By saftey1st - April 19 - 2:00 amThe Grand Marquis has kept my family safe, comfortable, and the reliability for this tried and true vehicle is incredible. A great purchase for those that buy their car with sound logic versus getting on the fad band-SUV-wagon.
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Good ol workhorse - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Paul Elzey - April 14 - 8:40 pmThe 93 GS that I owned was as reliable as the sun rising every morning - hardly a problem in 80000 miles of ownership. I ran the miles up to just over 160,000. The engine used no oil between 3000 mile oil changes and was always willing to run. The body was as tight as any car Ive ever ridden in, with minimal noise from wind.
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Another Big Car Review - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Brian Smith - April 13 - 8:10 amI have only had two bad problems with this vehicle. The intake manifold leaked and the transmission shifting. Both where taken care of by the local Mercury Dealer at no cost to me. Even though the car was out of warranty when the maniflod went out.
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Awesome Family Car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Kyle - April 8 - 2:33 amThe Grand Marquis is the best car on the market for the money Its roomy quiet and has a smooth ride and hugs the road and has great safety ratings which is the most important thing when you are carrying around 2 little ones and the LS Handling Package is great with the improved ride and power And the Laminated Window Glass in the Doors makes you feel extra safe and provides a even more quiet ride And the Dark Toreador Red Paint and Black Leather seats make the car look even better the adjustable foot pedals makes all size drivers comfortable and the power moon roof is a great feature and the remote starter and headlight controls are a must have so in my opinion the Grand Marquis is awesome...
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Dons Grand Marquis - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By 2005 Mercury Grand M - April 3 - 11:33 pmThis vehicle was purchased to replace a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria. The Ford had 54000 miles on it when I replaced it. It was a good car, but, it was time to get a new one. This Mercury seems to be smoother, snappier and more economical than the Ford. I use these cars for primarily trips over the highway at high speeds for long distances. This is # 4 vehicle in my family and the one I prefer driving myself. Im 68 years old and take many long trips out of state.
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Best and worst of a V.G. Car - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tio - April 1 - 9:00 amMechanically, best ive had! With regular oil changes and required periodic service, it has never been any problem. Bad is the elcectric window system! Absolute pits!. Changed each regulator at least twice, some 4 times (overall total 11 times!) Automatic door/window control panel went bad when i decided to get rid of the car. One other plus: mileage over 24mpg highway, (when originally bought, over 26)! This, to me was quite remarkable for V8, 5lt engine. Body had polyglycote coating and required no cleaning and stayed good with an occasioal wash. Original mileage was 19300; at sale was 83500 w/original battery installed! &, this was, without a doubt, the quickest starting car ever owned!
