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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Grand Marquis LS - Best Car Ive Driven - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Noe - December 1 - 2:00 amIm a loyal Ford/Mercury driver. This is the best Mercury Ive ever driven. The comfort (leather interior)is beyond compare. You must be prepared to drive a big car. Cant say enough good things.
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best car I have ever had - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Roberta - November 26 - 5:33 pmI have owned a 2003 model but I dont beleive it was a good as the 2004 I own now. The 2003 burnt up bearings in the rear wheel. Except for the bearing I have no complints about Grand Marquis. the 2003 had 50,000 miles on it when the bearings went bad. My 2004 has not given us any problems. it is very dependable. The gas mileage is great 25 to 28 miles a gal.
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MercGrand - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By bytescot - October 31 - 10:00 amNo problems.
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One of the best Ive owned - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By KVWB - October 31 - 10:00 amThis is just a classy looking and very easy and confortable car to drive. Its an attention getter and Ive received many compliments about its looks.
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A Mercury or a Kia? - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Steven.W. Farell - October 30 - 6:20 amthis car works like a Kia! Everything is cheap! The ride is jiggilly, the seats are to soft, There is fake wood, the v8 engine doesnt have enough power because it only has 224 HP, The radio and cd player are cheap. this car has very fine leather and is good in bad weather. In 47,000 miles I have had no mechanical problems.
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Comfort - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Barb - October 29 - 5:40 amWe traded our Park Ave for this car. I find that the seat was made for a tall person it is way too deep for the average person. Your legs rub on the edge of the seat. This makes it very uncomfortable. There is not enough storage inside. Plus the trunk is too deep when pulling out heavey luggage. For a big car it has less room in the back seat then the even the Park Ave. Also the Buick is much quiter inside and has a better sounding radio. Between the two, wish I had bought Buick
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Very Satisfied Customer - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tmarie - October 25 - 2:00 amI previously owned an Oldsmobile, Cutluss Supreme. I loved my little car and it gave me lots of miles, well over 100,000.00 however; it was time to retire her. In looking for a car, I had not considered a Grand Marquis until I, by chance drove one. The luxury, handling ability and extreme comfort sold me. I absolutely love my car. I feel very safe and the ride is so smooth. My father has always owned cadilacs, my car is every bit as smooth and comfortable a ride as his car. I cant say enough good things about this car that I by chance came to own.
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Grand Marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Kert Bradford - October 19 - 2:00 amThe Grand Marquis is surprisingly stingy on gasoline while providing remarkable V8 power for any driving experience. Comfort, safety and handling are all a plus and I consider the Grand Marquis one of the best values for the dollar.
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Worst car I have ever owned! - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By besaolli - October 4 - 1:29 pmFor the past 25 years I have bought nothing but Ford cars; this is my last one! While many of the most important things about this car are good (comfort, handling, reliability, etc.) too many others are awful! The flimsy grill brackets, both visor mirrors, the gear-shift boot, the heavy plastic guard under the bumper . . . all broke or broke off within six months of the warranty ending. In the past several years many other things have mysteriously gone wrong; the headlights only go on if the cars in gear, the "air-conditioner" and heater both only blow HOT air and they blow it whether or not they are turned on! Hot air ALL the time! Im running out of space so Ill just say "Bye Ford!"
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a car for all seasons - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Jack McGowan - September 24 - 10:00 amHave driventhis car all over the country and it has never failed me.I have a 97 Marquis and this car rides better than the 97.With 148k on it the engine is so quiet you forget it is running.
