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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  A lot of car for not alot of money - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By a_roo - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car a few weeks ago, and an still in the honeymoon stage of ownership. Let me tell you why I bought it... I was getting tired of small/medium cars and wanted a larger car with a lot of premium features. This car is VERY comfortable, and the ride is smooth. Granted, Im probaby one of the younger buyers of a car reserved for a more mature audience, but I wondered why I havent looked into a larger car sooner. I was going to wait for the 2003 models, but with the fantastic deals, I bought the 02 Grand Marquis Ultimate edition.

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  room for improvement - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By marcia - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  Front head rest much too large, created blind areas . drivers seat could be raised higher it is difficult even for tall drivers. gas mileage very poor. Engine loud

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  RIDING QUALITY WITH SAFETY AS A PRICE - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jim Wharton - March 8 - 2:00 am

  TRADED A LINCOLN TOWN CAR FOR THE MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS AND THE RIDE IS VERY SIMILAR AND LUXURIOUS. EXCELLENT ACCELERATION AND DRIVEABILITY. VERY COMFORTABLE ON LONG TRIPS AND LESS TIRING. EXTERIOR DESIGN GIVES A QUALITY IMAGE. INTERIOR DESIGN DUPLICATES THE LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES. HUGE TRUNK SPACE. REALLY THE TOP VALUE 4 DOOR SEDAN ON THE MARKET IN MY ESTIMATION.

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  Nice Car! - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By tigerman2012 - March 1 - 10:30 am

  Lots of room, smooth ride! My 1999 has only 57000 miles on it but is still a nice drive! Too bad ford got rid of the Mercury brand and the crown vic/marquis. I really like this car! Never had any major problems and hope too keep driving for at least another 57000 miles and why not! Still get compliments on this car and offers to purchase it from me.

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  Bad plastic in 2003 grand marque - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By roberts17 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this for my wife 30th anniversary. out of 4 ac vents only 3 worked. Took it to Belk ford in oxford. Part ordered. Took it back next day they replaced part but on way home when I turn engine off the ac control area sound like an old vcr rewinding. Took it back to Belk dealership and they said something about a vacum hose operation. I said I would drive it a few days but intend to return it to be repaired. It made no noise before they worked on it. None of the test drives that I made made that noise.

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  2000 Grand Marquis - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Nancy - February 20 - 11:10 am

  This car has been the best in reliability of any cars Ive owned. I have had the car for 8 years and never had to put a dime into it. It still looks and runs great. The gas mileage around town is about 18 miles a gallon and about 22 on long drives. It would be great for older folks who cant get in smaller cars.

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  My 2nd Grand Marquis - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Paul - February 16 - 3:10 am

  This is my second Grand Marquis. Moving up to the LS was definitely a good choice. With the rebates available at the time the extra features were worth it. This car is extremely comfortable and easy to drive. Having had both GS and an LS, I say there is something different about the seats, the leather seems more supportive and not as "squishy" as the cloth when driving. I would like to move up to the Town Car next time, if they still make them. The gas mileage for my 70%city 30%interstate, yields me about 20 mpg, not bad at all for stop and go. On a long road trip Ive experienced 26 mpg. If you liked the big sedans when you were a kid get one of these before theyre gone.

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  Suprised! - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Dan G. - February 15 - 5:06 am

  Got a good deal on a Limited. 1st car in 20 yrs. Very pleased with comfort, quality and economy. Avg. 22+ and over 28 mpg on long trips. Leather seats need to wrap around more to hold you while cornering. Needs more storage in cabin. Has a tendency to react to ruts in the road. My needs changed after 20 years in F250s & 350s. I was looking for normal more comfortable transportation. Since I truly had no clue what I wanted I was overwhelmed with choices. Nothing really excited me so I figured keep it simple. This car meet all my needs without being gaudy or looking like a jelly bean. In retrospect its more car than I ever imagined for under 25K!

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  Best Ride Over and Over and Over - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By J & B - February 14 - 3:50 pm

  The best ride for a lot less money amoung full size vehicles. This is our fourth Grand Marquis and weve gotten up to 30 MPG on trips consistantly. Had only minor problems with any of them. Is a very dependable vehicle and the power pedals really help with our height differences.

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  Great road car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Opajim - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Had a bit more trouble with this one than the 89. Idle air control and intake manifold were problems I would not expect to have. Other than that only normal items such as alternator.