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:

• 

  Great Ride - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Tommy - April 4 - 12:33 am

  The 07 Grand Marquis is a great luxury car with a great smooth ride and extremly quiet and it handles great as well and the performence is great to with that big 4.6L 224HP V8 Engine and i love the 16" Y spoke rims and the front end design looks great and the fog lights add a sport look and it has many features like the dual power heated leather seats heated side mirrors classy looking wood trim power sunroof and i just love the cars design its great and all the interior controls are very easy to use and the interior materials are very nice as well as everything else its a great car to own and its extremly safe 5 stars in all 4 categories so i feel safe when i am driving the Grand Marquis

• 

  Good Buy - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mercury - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I am 63 and have been buying Mercurys for 10 years. This car is comfortable and takes the bumbs well but handling and gas is a diffrent story. I would buy the Nissan Altima or the Toyota Avalon before I boght a Mercury or Linclon but my brother works at Mercury in L.A.

• 

  The last great American sedan - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JimBeam - March 28 - 5:20 am

  The Grand Marquis isnt a perfect car, but its close. Driving is effortless. The base V8 provides more than enough power to get you into trouble. The car gently glides over bumps and potholes instead of jarring the passengers like most cars. Handling is surprisingly sharp for such a large car. It has enough room to seat five adults comfortably and an extra seat belt if you have to take six. I have the LS Limited, which is almost as nice as a Town Car for a lot less. Because Ford rarely changes them and the old cop Crown Vics flood the used market, there are plenty of deals available. These cars last forever, so even a used one will probably last longer that most new cars.

• 

  A dream car - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By David Lyons - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car with 29K miles, full Ultimate package with digital dash instrumentation. Full options. Only service so far has been to have the AC compressor assembly replaced, had damage possibly from the road, all covered under factory warranty. Repair bill: $0. This car has tons of power and will haul butt down the road. The trunk is humongous, fit and finish are stellar, and the leather seats are so verrry comfy. Steering and suspension are great.

• 

  price and ride hand and hand - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Orlandus - March 12 - 6:50 am

  For the money I couldnt get a more comfortable ride. The sound system is excellent and driving it is a pleasure

• 

  Digtal Dash - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Tigerbob - March 8 - 2:00 am

  From day one when I drove the car home the digtal dash will not always lite up. Have had it to the dealer About four times, and they could not find the cause. Now waiting for a new dash for over a week. Dont Ford no their is such a thing as air freight

• 

  Grand Marquis Comments - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By DC - March 6 - 4:26 pm

  Recently purchased Grand Marquis. The vehicle has many options which make driving it a pleasure (pedal adjustment, traction control, power seats, lumbar support, stereo adjusts for vehicle speed, etc). Trunk is large. Ride is great. Purchased all required maintenance for next 75,000 miles along with 75,000 mile warranty. No checks to write at dealership for maintenance or problems.

• 

  To learn value of present vehicle - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mercury LS Limited - February 16 - 10:16 am

  Car owned by senior female, ( kept in garage) and in pristine condition. My concern is depreciation because of age, not condition of vehicle. Convenience of entering the vehicle, room, trunk space, comfort, ease of driving and service are the reasons I have chosen a Mercury LS for my last 3 cars. Safety, of course, is also a major issue. I like the rear-wheel drive feature.

• 

  The Grand - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By mm - February 9 - 11:10 pm

  Bought this 06 LS to replace a V6 Chevy. The Merc has such comfy leather seats, big roomy interior and a huge trunk. This car is so quiet that when I test drove it I thought the engine wasnt even running when I stopped at a red light. On the highway mpg is about 25-28 which is remarkable for a big car. The design is old school but safety played another important role in buying this car as its RWD and full frame instead of unibody. Most people call these granny cars, but I like the style and comfort, plus it gets me where Im going safely and with my factory chrome-plated rims it shows a bit of flair too.

• 

  Mercury Review - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Don Henderson - January 26 - 4:53 pm

  Best value in auto purchase in many years! Excellent dealer contact and customer satisfaction goals. Large trunk takes bigger packages with no problem. Very comfortable on Interstate highways and long trips. Dash features easy to read and understand. Good access to all controls.