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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  My 2001 Grand Marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Barry Twilley - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the largest, most comfortable, most powerful car I have ever owned. Its great in comfort on long trips. I like the outside and inside styling. I bought the leather interior with the handling package.

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  where have all the great cars gone? - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ogdad223 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  for the price of this auto you would have to expect a better fit and finish of this one.auto and overall fit and finish not very good at all and some of the doors,etc had to be redone by the dealer.not the fault of the dealer should of been caught at the factory.get up and go was there great ride on the highway better than some fomoco units ive had.

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  solid car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By genecz - June 27 - 2:00 am

  reliable vehicle Holds road securely. Lots of room. Great trunk capacity. Nice comfort features

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  1998 Grand Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By bovic1 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is extremely comfortable and rides like any luxury car. It has never been in the repair shop, everything still works perfectly as it did when it was brand new. Recently, with a solid month of below freezing weather, this car started up a the first try every time. Extremely well built.

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  Amazing Value - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JP - June 10 - 11:56 pm

  This is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. It is quiet, smooth and suprisingly agile for its size. The level of equipment for the price and size of the car is exceptional. I would buy another without hesitation.

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  Best Automotive Value--Period! - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By gd9704 - June 5 - 9:00 pm

  Lets start by pointing out Im not your typical Grand Marquis buyer--I just turned 39 years old. My 8 year old Chyrsler 300M needed to be replaced and frankly, nothing out there really excited me--unless it cost $30k or more. Ive always liked the look of Grand Marquis. They are a car-plain and simple. I found a nice silver 07 with leather and 16,000 miles on the clock for less than $16k. The ride is super-smooth, and the mileage is surprisingly good- combined city/highway of 22-24mpg. About the same as the 300m gave me. Some of my friends are giving me grief, but Im laughing all the way to the bank. Pound for pound, these cars are a steal!

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  Bad car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By George - June 5 - 5:26 pm

  This car is junk! This car has terrible brakes and wheels. The car rattles so much. The leather is cheap and there is no leg room. This car is outdated! The engine is a V8 with only about 225 HP. Cheap! Everything in this car is a piece of junk! Cheap! Cheap! Cheap! Well, its good if you play bingo This car eats gas for terrible pickup. I recomend this car to teens, not adults with families.

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  Panther platform - 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jnv9543 - June 3 - 7:50 am

  The Mercury Grand Marquis is a Great car. The Ford Panther Platform which is in its last year with the demise of the Lincoln Town Car. The Panther platform extends form the Ford Crown Victoria which has been the work horse of every police department from here to Kalamazoo. The Mercury Grand Marquis is just a more dressed up version. The front engine rear wheel drive provides a stable and luxurious ride. The Mercury is an intermediate between the crown vic and the ultra luxurious Town Car. It has great durability and more room than any import unibody garbage out there.

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  Overall Fine Vehicle - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By irokk - June 3 - 6:46 am

  I have had the car approx 3.5 years. The first thing to go was the intake. Nice big crack on the frontside. Why?!...because it is made from plastic. The replacement has a piece of aluminum to correct this common failure. This was a $700+ repair. Now the control arm bushings and tie rod ends need replaced...why to manufacturers use greaseless bushings???? Other than these expensive problems, the car has been pretty good to us. Plenty over room and excellent gas mileage for the size.

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  BEST AMERICAN car you can buy! - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By John - May 27 - 5:30 pm

  Bought this car in Jan, Wanted a Crown Vic. but couldnt find any.. No-one was selling them.. Settled for this.. basically the same car.. More Luxury than I Needed. but thats just another plus to this car.. Got it with 39,000 miles on it. had it for almost 10 months. and now have 54,000 on it.. Ive own Foreign Hondas, volkswagons, Mitshubshis. Nothing compares to this car.. its just built to LAST. i can tell. I beat on this car. and it takes anything i can give it.. And the Gas mileage isnt bad either for a 3800 pound car.. 21.5 mpg on average! If youre thinking about one. BUY IT! dont hesitate. there arent many of them left! enjoy them while you still can..