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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  Classic comfort and quality - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By dale L. - September 24 - 7:16 am

  Have been wanting a large sedan for sometime after driving a smaller car for the mileage as a commuter. Now retired and 56 I decided it was time and after studying all reports and reviews I was convinced that this tried and true design was perfect for me. Also the fact that the car was a demo with very low miles made the price and deal UNBEATABLE!! Very comfortable and easy to drive and for a V-8 has reasonable mileage and is very quiet and smooth. Great value.

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  Love our Mercury Grand Marquis - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Nancy Newell - September 22 - 3:26 am

  Bring back the crome strip on the dashoard. It made the inside richer looking. Need more interier colors to pick from in regards to carpeting and cloth seats.

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  Good, but not great. - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Brian - September 17 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased a brand new black 03 Crown Victoria based on reviews by Edmunds, Consumer Reports and J D Power. About everything they reported has panned out as accurate. The front bucket seats are extremely comfortable, great for long trips. The rear bench seats lack lateral support. Steering response and tracking are vague which requires more minute corrections to stay on course than in other vehicles Ive driven. The interior is quiet. The gray monochrome leather contrasts nicely with the black paint scheme and the car does not heat-up as much as you would expect in our hot Southern summers. The car will cruise at highway speeds (75-95 mph) with aplomb. Hope to drive her 7-10 years.

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  wow! - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By my merc - September 17 - 10:00 am

  i have changed the intake fuel pump. but, yesterday i changed the front shocks and the alternator. it was the one the car came with 11 years ago. thats a long time. i recommend the monroe sencra-trac on the front and back. dont buy a alternator from autozone they dont know a damn thing. had to take the alternator back the new 1. had to replace it. but the car rides damn good, has 305 hp, and really good mpg. when it is time to get another car, no doubt MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS! Autozone awful!

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  Great Car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By TxMarilyn - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with this car. I get just as good gas mileage as my sisters 6 cylinder, but I have much more power and room. The insurance on this car is so low! I sustained very little damage when I was struck from behind by another car. The fuel shutoff worked just like it was supposed to work.

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  Cats Eye - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By AdamSebestyen - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I call Her Cats Eye because She is beautiful green. This car is the car of my life. I drove 16000 miles within 4 months in absolute comfort and she will never disappoint me. Simply perfect.

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  Not so "Comfy" Marquis - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By MetroMan - August 27 - 8:40 pm

  When I purchased my Marquis "Ultimate Edition" brand new, I thought for sure Id be buying a car that would ride like a cloud. Instead, I have a 4,200 pound modern day buckboard. This cars suspension is very unforgiving and downright hard riding. If you must purchase one of these cars, be careful, and dont buy one with the optional "handling package" ($615.00), because the suspension will be set up whereby you will feel every little blemish in the road surface. And also, the $895.00 "Premium Plus Audio Package" is a waste of money, since the rear speakers distort and rattle, but the dealer insists that this is normal. Need I say, this is my very last purchase of a Ford product....ever.

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  Great Car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By High Gear - August 20 - 10:30 am

  I bought this car new and after 7 yrs passed it on to our son. It has the HPP which makes it fun to drive. Gas mileage is respectable considering the weight of the vehicle. Front seats sagged within a year and the dealer had them rebuilt to my satisfaction( I like a firm seat). Its a real sleeper and fools many with its power. Well here it is 12 yrs later and it still turns heads. Gripes are intake manifold failure ( very common) the happened out of warrenty , ball joints and tie rods, steering arm. You can thank greaseless joints for that. Intake was a known problem and only cop cars got a free warrenty on it shame on ford for this. Id buy another but I like my f150 to much.

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  Reliabile - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Rolf Potsch - August 19 - 11:26 pm

  absolutely no problems. Is not a Mercedes Benz like our other 2 cars. It is a good reliabile car for the price

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Dan Mc Donald - August 13 - 1:36 pm

  Excellent handling,comfortable to drive, Econmical,Gararged,One owner,low milage, excellent shape, no leaks,serviced at prescribed intervals,exceptionally clean,leather power seats,blue exterior,white and grey interior,New 88,000 mile mich.tires,no dings or dents.