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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  99 Grand Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JIMMYO - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Have driven my 1999 for 5 years and 88,950 miles with no problem. No maintainence asside fron changing oil & filter at 6,000 miles. New break pades and tires at 65,700 miles. Ave. 27 MPG on trips @ 65-75 MPH. My experience has been terific, best car Ive owned since 1953.

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  Finest Car out there - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Michael J. Salter - September 16 - 6:30 am

  I am 16 almost 17, and this is my first car, and it is awesome. I am the only one at my high school that drives a Grand Marquis, and all my friends that drive Mustangs and foreign cars are just in awe of this car. For a car that weighs 5,237 lbs it does an excellent job. I normally gets 22-25 MPG around town, and 27-35 MPG on the highway. The ride is just as good if not better that a Cadillac, because it just floats down the road. And as far as performance and handling it does really good. It has a 16V 4.6L V8 that produces around 233 HP stock. And the traction control is rather nice on icy mornings, beacuse I just put it down in first gear and its like there is no ice. This is a great car!

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  2nd marquis LS limited - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By tbones - September 12 - 11:26 am

  rented a marquis in 99 in seatlle and fell in love - bought a new 2000 in nov 2001. current is 03man, these vehicles are the best thing on the road - maybe a LTcar might do better??? - i am disabled and carry a scooter lift w/auto air lifts, all told about 300 lbs on a 2 inch tow - both gave me so much comfort and ease of being able to get around n the pleasure of driving - i feel like its power is more then enough - i drive at 70-80 on trips n have hit 90 enroute to las vegas - this car just cruises! its just a smooth - mpg arent the best, but most cars dont carry what i do - even with the lift, scooter, baggage etc, ride is smooth n performance is great - i love my marquis..

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  3rd Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Roverbear - September 12 - 10:00 am

  after 2 prior Marquis which did not offer service, I really was hesitant to buy this 2003...the updates it afforded allowed me to chance it once again...Gas mileage seems less than the prior 95 which was repurchased by Ford due to many things wrong, and 96 LS with air suspension, that lasted 69000 and blew 2 cylinder heads...2003s rear end whine needs to be explored by the dealer..handling is far superior to prior models and wind noise is still annoying..has only 4000 miles at present.

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  Mostly Satisfied Owner - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By kurt gaus - September 7 - 11:30 am

  A nice large, comfortable, well styled sedan without a lot of high tech junk added on to confuse you while driving. It feels solid, secure, stable, and is a pleasure to drive on longer trips. Easy entry and egress for those with medical problems. Trunk is huge and deep, but the liftover height is too high. The spare tire is far back and hard to reach. Mileage is much better than I expected for this size and weight vehicle. Car starts and runs flawlessly in all kinds of weather. I also test drove a Lincoln Town Car and could not discern any difference, except in the substantially higher price fot the Town Car. See "Suggested Improvements" section for minor complaints and suggestions.

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  Reverse Cool (aka: Happy Motoring) - 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ejfudd - September 3 - 12:39 pm

  That some bemoan the Grand Mercury for being a poor handling automobile is unfortunate. The Grand Marquis was never meant to handle like a car half its weight, but rather this American chariot was meant to isolate its occupants from the bumps in the road and all the outside noises. When I think of the Grand Marquis, the engineering adages "Keep it simple" or "Simple is best" come to mind. Admittedly, theres not much current styling going on here, to the point that my teenage son calls it "reverse cool". Still the Grand Marquis achieves the classic Americana pitch & roll feel that will slowly fade as these classics dwindle on the roads. As for me, I just bought a used Grand Marquis 11.

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  Axles are soft, fuel pump is weak, lighting faulty - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By SJ - August 31 - 9:40 am

  Pass on it. Ford put soft axles in them, faulty lighting control modules and other sub par parts (fuel pumps, coils, etc)

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  93 Marquis what a car - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By 93 marquis - August 31 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car because I needed a four door due to 3 kids. Now we drive it all the time. The gas mileage is great for an older car but it runs like a dream. I cant even tell the engine is running. And passing power is amazing. State troopers use it, but there is a reason they do. Its pure fun to drive and comfy as a warm blanket on a cold night.

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  Great mpg for the size & power - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By geneo56 - August 23 - 8:46 pm

  I get 27 to 28.8 mpg between Russellvile & Ft Smith AR. Drives like a dream. Has traction control, which works great.

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  Grand Ride from Mercury GM - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By moondawg - August 21 - 5:06 am

  This is the forth GM i have own and they just keep getting better. I highly recomend the GM for its smooth powerful performance and handling.Lots of interior space for 6 adults, and the trunk space for thier golf bags.