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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Floats my boat! - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By rubleman420 - December 22 - 1:26 amGood solid comfortable car for the whole family. Im only 25 years old and people say that I drive an old man car but so what. With a V-8 that gets 25 mpg and all the power in the world, I cant complain at all. Smooth, smooth, smooth!
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Large Merc. - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Coolbreeze - December 12 - 2:00 amThe engine is very smooth, starts easily and runs well. Fuel economy is surprising to me (24 highway). Trans shifs smoothly, but not always very timely. Ride is stable and quiet.
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great car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bob C - December 12 - 2:00 amVery nice car with plenty of room and great ride. Engine slightly noise but with plenty of power, but price to pay with less than desirable mileage.
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Perrenial Winner Grand Marquis - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Chucktee1 - November 23 - 10:00 amThis is my fourth Grand Marquis and Ive averaged around 200,000 miles on the previous three. The reason that these Ford/Mercury autos are used for livery and police cars is comfort, fuel economy, longevity and value. Buy Japanese, or German instead? I think not. Generally my experience is relatively negative to foreign autos contrary to published opinion. My 1998 GM repair bill was under $3,000 for eight years of use while I averaged 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Everyone loves the room and comfort of these autos on a long trip. You could buy smaller and perhaps average another 15% better gas mileage but the repair bill could easily reach 300% more, relative to my experience.
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Great vehicle - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By rogerd - November 1 - 8:53 amTraded a new Cadillac in on it. Mercury ride and quality put Cadillac to shame at less than half the price. Grand Marquis handles superbly, very agile and responsive. I love to drive it. Super smooth ride. Quiet interior. Great gas mileage: 29 hwy/20 city. I have owned Lincoln Towncars recently and like them also, but like the handling of the Mercury better.
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No more Fords - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Nomorefords - October 29 - 7:13 pmEven though it only had 50,000 miles it seemed to use oil. At least a couple of quarts per 3,000 miles. But no smoke. Go figure. Auto climate control also had problems. Rode worse than previous Grand Marquis even through I had new original equipment shocks installed
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What you see is what you get - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
By joe_168 - October 24 - 5:47 amLots of bang for your buck with this one. Even though its a throwback to the 70s (same platform since late 70s) and the sheet metal is virtually the same for the last 15-20 years; the simplicity of owing this vehicle, the reliability and comfort that comes with it cant be matched. If youre looking for a car that rides good, is big and comfortable, this is your car.
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Great value and ride - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By John - October 12 - 2:53 amI have to admit that I never considered a crown vic or grand marquis but after driving a crown vic as a company car for several long trips I was so impressed I went and bought a 2009 Grand Marquis. I love this car and hope the stories of reliability hold true for me as I drive many miles each week and look forward to the trips in this car.
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Go For It - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By David in Dallas - October 7 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 63000 miles on it and it now has 100000 miles on it. I plan to have it another 50000 miles. It is the best riding car I have ever owned. Very smooth, fun to drive, and great on long trips. You wont regret the purchse. Best one I ever made.
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Best Darn Car I Ever Owned - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Steven Rapp - September 29 - 10:00 amIve owned BMWs , Mercedes and Jags, but the Mercury Marquis is the best car for the money. Ive driven this car thru thick and thin, including moving 5 times, a divorce, and this baby has been with me the whole way. She is as comfortable and rides just like new and she now has 185,000 miles. Car looks and rides like new. I salute the engineers and workers at Ford-Canada for producing a wonderful product for a working stiff like me.
