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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  One Fine Automobile - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By T.H. Wells - August 18 - 6:23 am

  Grand Marquis LSE - Its more fun than a regular LS. With dual exhaust, floor shift & 3.27 gears, its a pleasure to drive and gets excellent gas mileage - 24 plus on the road. Ive owned it 8½ months now, have put over 24000 miles on it, and cant find any fault with it. I absolutely recommend this car.

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  Priceing - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By P.Arcara - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money, but would hesitate buying a nother one because of changing rebate dollar amounts. 30 days after my purchase additional $1,000 was offered. I lost my sense of true value for this car.

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  new one - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By caprice refugee - August 12 - 2:36 pm

  Cushy ride, but not wallowing. Drives like the old Caprice Classic it replaced, though the Caprice Classic seemed more powerful. Nice car, though obviously not exciting or impressive to others -- until they understand how much car we got for how little money. Best value on the road, probably. We expect it to last a dozen years. Maybe longer than we will!

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  Deteriorating Quality - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Rob in NY - August 6 - 6:33 pm

  This is my third Grand Marquis LS and most disapointing from purchase to quality. Love the big cars but this model has taken a step back. The materials used on the interior are cheapened plastics with sharp edges of the molding process left untrimed. Cup holder is sub standard, rubber shift arm cover prematurely wearing. Poor gas mileage, round town and hwy, avg 17.3mpg. Engine noise horrible, like a desiel, Mercury says its the fuel injectors and normal. Normal or not, its not quality. Exterior paint was not complete in hard to reach areas like inside door edge. After 5000 miles developed intense, intermitant, front end squeek of indetermined cause.

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  Good reliable vehicle - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Topcat - July 20 - 6:16 pm

  Purchased new, have 169,000 miles. Replaced all four brake pads at 167,000. Replaced a/c comp at 148,000. No other cost except tires, oil changes, and transmission service. Have traveled on many long trips. Gas mileage from 23.8-to 25.0. I have the handling package with the 3.55 gear, dual exhaust, 16 inch rims. Mileage is better at below 70 MPH. My speed is 70+. This is my third panther body vehicle.

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  SLOW SERVICE FROM DEALER - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By BERNIE - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I TRADED IN A 2001 GRAND MARQUIS ON A 2003. THE FIRST DAY I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION SURGED IN REVERSE. THE DEALER REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION TWICE & IT WAS STILL BAD. FINALLY THEY PUT IN A NEW FACTORY TRANSMISSION & IT WAS OK. THIS TOOK 37 DAYS SO THE LEMON LAW KICKED IN. NOW I AM WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT CAR. I LOVE THE CAR BUT THE SERVICE WAS BAD.

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  Lv my Grand Ma - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bill - July 4 - 11:43 am

  2nd Grand Ma Ive owned. Other was a 96 which I drove for 100k miles and loved doing it. My 2002 I bought used with 11,000 miles on it and it hasnt been a dissapointment at all. Rides great, acceleration good and gas mileage on highway averages 27 mpg. Love it esp. with the price of gasoline going up these day. Cant imagine buying another car unless they just stop making them. Highly recommend Grand Mercs. Bill

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  Bargain - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Purley - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used for about $11,000 after my 1996 Grand Marquis was stolen. Fifteen months and 25,000 miles the only repair has been a turn signal bulb. 320 lbs of sand in the trunk makes winter driving ok despite RWD. It is very comfortable and the AC and heater work exceptionally well. Road noise is moderate. The interceptor package makes handling pretty good and passing acceleration outstanding. I average 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. I get grief because its an old mans car but have lots of extra money to spend on other things. Like the 1996, it occasionally feels a bit loose over uneven surfaces.

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  mercury granmaquis ls ultimate - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By e.l.sanders - June 23 - 5:03 am

  ive owned a 1987/1998/granmarquis- these is by far the best g/m ever!-i get 26-28 on highway with 5 people- around town drops to 14.5-17--not bad 4 4,000 pound car.handling is big improvement-can go around h/way exit curves&speed up, no need for brakes like older g/marquis.ride&comfort r 1st class-ac&heat r perfect&fast auto temp works great-reg gas a big plus!

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  We love this car - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By slosbelm - June 17 - 6:33 am

  We find the exhaust makes somewhat of a rumbling noise more so than our previous 2000 vehicle. We experience less outside noise than the previous car. The ride is quite smooth although rough roads have a little bumpiness to the ride but certainly within acceptable limits. The compass over the rear view mirror has saved many tempers and the garage door opener is very handy. The leather seats are very nice but take a little getting used to. We would reccommend this vehicle especially for distance driving.