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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Guidos Here - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Sean - July 21 - 1:10 amOverall I enjoy my 1999 Mercury Marquis LS. My only major complaint is the driver side seat is not very comfortable (for me) I am a fairly large guy 62 and over 280 lbs. I was hoping for better city driving mileage I average 18-20 mpg (without running the A/C)
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Bought used, this car is a bargain - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By KitGerhart - June 19 - 11:40 amWhile decidedly "old tech," the Grand Marquis is comfortable, performs adequately well, and gets better gas mileage than all but the smallest SUVs. The car has good crash test results, and mine, bought used, has been completely reliable. While this car doesnt handle like a sports car, with the handling package, mine handles well for such a large, low- tech car.
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Oldie, but Goodie - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Jay - June 13 - 2:33 amIm a 26 year old male and I prefer the "old Fashion" rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame construction. The car feels solid, powerful, and comfortable. RWD with traction control does well on slick roads during Buffalo, NY winters. I plan on keeping this car for atleast 5 years or more. My only fear is that they will stop making them.
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2004 Mercury review - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Joseph Moore - June 9 - 12:23 amI am happy with my mercury GS,it is fun to drive, handles well, pretty good gas mileage, need a little more leg room if you are riding in the front center seat. but all in all, the car is a good automoble. Ride a little hard on the road. It is a roomie car for five passagener.
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2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Limited - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Matt - May 14 - 6:00 amBeautiful car, comfortable, powerful, reliable. This is my second Grand Marquis (94). The best used vehicle you can buy period. Good choice for a new vehicle too, but they depreciate fast. Bought it with 30,000 now at 72,000. Only problem: A/C only blows out of defrost.
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Disenchanted - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Old Coot - May 5 - 7:20 pmThe car has had numerous problems. I could not have kept it without a warranty. Example, all four window regulators have failed at 300 dollars each to repair. Add the expected cracked intake manifold plus much else.
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My mercury - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ED CAMPION - March 31 - 2:53 amGreat car runs well. Like style outside inside is old looking and needs new features, my toyota 2002 corola has interior and exterior tempertaure and compass. Why not here ???
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Joey Grand Marquis Review - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Joe Schill - March 6 - 10:00 amIts a nice car. Quiet, even after 12,000 miles. Ride is smooth.
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so far its been great !! - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By me - February 22 - 2:33 pmI had a 97 buick lesabra which was just ok. but after driving the Grand M. i was blowwn away & may still trade in for an older Marauder. much more leg & body room for a large guy. v-8 rwd. alot better then the v-6 fwd. I dont think ford will keep this platform after 08-09. Too bad. On the down side rear seat leg room is small but i like the big trunk.
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High mileage Grand Marquis - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Steve Du Bose - February 18 - 5:16 pmI have owned full frame RWD vehicles all of my life. That said, the medium sized Mercury GM is a delight to drive on a day to day basis. (I have owned larger and smaller full framed cars). I have been know to drive 800 miles in a day and not need bed rest for a week. Fuel economy has been 14mpg city and 24- 25 highway. Modifications include, duel exhaust with flow masters, K&N air intake system, computer recalibration, police shocks, Bigger sway bars, after market suspension bushings and Police pursuit tires. Over all reliability has been very good. Other than normal maintenance, the coolant runner in the front of the intake manifold has been the only issue. Just normal things
