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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  Fun to drive - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By marquislover - January 15 - 12:16 pm

  Even though the Marquis is viewed as an old-school car, it is fun to drive. Handles well around corners, stops on a dime (for a big car!) And give you a sense of safety. Currently getting 23- 25mpg, and room enough for 5-6 people. Ok 4 heavy ones! I am so pleased. Does Detroit think that size doesn’t matter? Big cars rule! Look at the number of SUVs on the road. I want a car and the marquis is the only one that fits the bill! Thanks Mercury-never touch it!

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  Poor gas milage - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By kyle - January 13 - 4:56 am

  i have had my mercury for 2 yrs. Ive had the fuel pump go out on it twice. For those of you who have to change the pump, change your fuel pressure regulator that caused the pump to over work. it a great highway car. but, the mpg is poor. Im getting a Buick. i love mercurys. they have poor mpg. the 3.8 n the buick has a intake manifold problem. ive changed it in my merc,

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  A Rock-Solid Ride - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By CapnHawk - January 6 - 2:43 pm

  Bought my first Grand Marquis in 1992. Ran it for close to 350,000 trouble- free miles. My 2009 model seems to be no different than the 1992 model. Rides like a dream, great power from the V-8 engine, and more room than you could ask for. The segue from a 17 year old model to a new one could have been accomplished while blindfolded. Fit and finish is outstanding. I hope they never stop making the Grand Marquis.

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  I see why these are so popular. - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jacque Montague - January 5 - 8:12 am

  I purchased one of these used, from the original owner, the car currently has 125,154 miles on it and still is in excellent shape both cosmetically, and mechanically. This car is very simple to maintain, and everything is simple to use, no fancy things like on modern cars, but isnt completely in the dark ages. Instrumentaion is plenty, and easy to read, stock radio is very good, and cassette deck is still working fine. The leather interior has also held up very well for being 15 years old and has no holes or tears, trunk space is absolutely massive! A perfect summer home rental for tourists! The 4.6L V8 is an excellent motor, and can get out of its own way when asked to, and I personally get about 18.5MPG in town and 26MPG out on the highway on 87 octane. Its been an excellent car, and I can see why they last so long, one of Fords highest reliability cars/platform! I would recommend one of these to anyone whos looking for a smooth car, with excellent reliability, cheap to service, but still doesnt kill the pocketbook on gas.

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  "Runaway Dream Mercury" - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mercury Man - January 1 - 7:40 pm

  This Mercury is a Lincoln with a ten- thousand dollar discount! It is crisp in performance,tight in all the right places, the paint is flawless, the fuel economy aint bad either! Wow....what a looker, and engine performance seems to have a hefty rocket under the hood. There is some road noise at highway speed, but Lincoln is a bit noisey too! You can not go wrong with this product, as this is like an expensive wine, at premium beer prices, so go see your favorite dealer A.S.A.P!

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  Ultimate Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mike Elliott - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent automobile for the consumer looking for confort at an affordable price. The gas mileage is acceptable as it averages about 20 mpg on regular fuel and around 28 mpg on the highway. It has plenty of power for passing and driving in mountains. I personally prefer the rear wheel drive over frontwheel drive as it handles much better. The rear air suspension really smooths the ride. It is so quiet that the driver hears hardly any wind or road noise. The only thing I would change are the inside door handles. They should be chromed metal and not the hard plastic, after all this is the ultimate Grand Marquis. .

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  Not an LS, But An LSE - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Taxman - December 24 - 9:43 am

  I have an LSE, which was available in 2002; bucket seats, center console, 235 hp engine, dual exhaust, handling suspension and 3.27 rear end gearing. Had a 94 Grand Marquis that was so bulletproof, I bought another Grand Marquis. This one has been flawless as well, other than the drivers door speaker needs replaced or tightened. Starts, runs, and drives without any complaints. The car is much quicker and handles better than the 94, but the exhaust is noisier, the ride is firmer, and the steering much less isolated from the road. Not sure which I prefer, but the basic goodness is still there.

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  Nice Car, Could Use Some Improvement - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mr. Marquis - December 8 - 5:03 pm

  If youre like me and enjoy a large, roomy v-8 driven rear wheel drive car then the Mercury Marquis is about the only way to go now that GM has been out of the game since 96. That being said, it fills that niche nicely but a few things need to be addressed. I bought mine at 62,000 miles and it ran fine with no problems until around 75,000 when the plastic intake manifold cracked ($1,000 fix). This is apparently a common problem on the Ford 4.6L V8. Its comfortable, has plenty of room, and rides nice and smooth. Overall, a good value with nice features for the money.

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  1993 Gran Marquis - New Jersey - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Rivertender - December 7 - 11:20 am

  Had an inexplicable 25- 26 mpg on old, old, off brand standard plugs. Replaced with newest, expensive Fomoco platnum, gold plugs: 22 mpg! If I could go in the garbage and get my old plugs back, I would. Just turned 200,000 miles. Still rides well The car has asked me for nothing in terms of repair. Okay, idler arm and a ball joint. I always use Mobil 1. I cant get rid of the car because it still runs so well. I use Michelan Symetry tires (pricey, but oh what a great ride). Got to say that I really like my 93 Gran Marquis.

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  Great Car - Very underrated - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Great Car!!! - December 6 - 6:20 pm

  Just purchased this car 2 weeks ago. Reluctantly traded in a 2005 Mustang with only 26K. But my Grand Marquis is everything I hoped for and more. Its comfortable, holds the road well, incredibly safe and it gets 19-20 MPG in a blend of around town and limited parkway. This is the same mpg my V6 Mustang was getting. The kids have plenty of room and were even taking my car instead of our gas guzzling TrailBlazer. No one wanted to ride in the Mustang. Theres a lot to be said for big American cars, especially when an Accord or Camry are 1/2 the size and may get 2 or 3 miles better (with a 4 cylinder). Finally, this was a Ford Company car with 10,800 miles and I paid just under $15K!