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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  Good Car that Could Be Better - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Roy - August 21 - 6:43 pm

  My experience with FoMoCo products is that they are good ideas poorly executed. My Mercury is a case in point. While perfect for people looking for a traditional RWD sedan that owns the road, this car lacks the solidarity and reliability its predecessors possessed. It handles well for its size in braking, acceleration, and cornering. It also is a good ride on the highway. But dont expect too much from it. The engine has mounds of torque but is noisy when pressed. The engine is a great performer, but you got to go light on the gas unless you (a) can afford speeding tickets and (b) are related to a Saudi prince and have inherited your own private oil well.

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  Ok Car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By CG - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Ok car. Transmission went out at sixty thousand miles. Cost 1500 to repair. Power seats went out. Idle air control went out. Drivers side key pad also went out. Car pulls while braking in the rain. Would not purchase again.

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  Terrible Ride - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By carb711 - June 20 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car new, after having test driven one and renting one for a week. They were fine. Mechanically this car is great. However, the ride quality has been slowly deteriorating ever since day one. The amount of wind noise makes normal conversation difficult. Rear passengers almost need a kidney belt due to the stiff ride. The dealership says both problems are normal. How do they justify that it keeps getting worse then. I had beaters in college that rode better. Ive owned one in the past and also own a Mercury Cougar. Neither had these problems. Going out shopping this week for a Toyota and Im sure Ill get poor trade in value.

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  Okay buy - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mike Stevenson - June 4 - 4:36 am

  I always thought that the japanese made a better car but took a chance with Mercury. The Mercury has a good ride and leather but handles horribly, gets 15 MPG, and is bad quallity. I had one mechanical problem after 28,000 and thats all.

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  Good Reliability - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mark - March 25 - 8:16 pm

  I got this car at 40,000 miles for free from my dad. It took some getting used to but it is alright for now. Its too floaty and cant get comfortable in the front seats. Ford needs to redesign this 70s interior. Pay me a couple hundred grand and I will tell you how to do it Ford. It is obvious you are overpaying your help with this one. The only thing I like about it is it has not broken down yet. What the heck is wrong with Ford for not having anti-lock brakes standard on this car. Give me a break. Its like I am in my dads Impala from the 70s. The car has decent headlights and hopefully will get me around this winter with no problem.