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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  Mercury Grand Marquis - Experiences - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Julie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Generally, this car has been very, very dependable and comfortable to ride on a daily basis. The down side is on a long trip, the seats do not give as much support as they should, resulting in back-aches. The car is very long, and the suspension is rather "floppy" in that it is "swooshy", and not tight like a more sporty model. The turning radius is not tight.

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  Gulf Coast Edition - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By stgcret - June 10 - 7:26 am

  Historically, I have been a Lincoln TC man, but this Grand Marquis was so nice...! It looked like any car only a year or two new. 99% of the buttons in the interior looked as though they had never been pushed. Yes a 78 year old lady had owned it since new and had always garaged it and never smoked in. I bought it for my wife and she loves it (its red, LOL). Had to restuff the driver seat cushion & put shocks around. In another 1500 mi,Castrol Syntec Oil will get put in. Great for 11 years old. No odd noises, doesnt smoke or rattle & everything works. Have all books and records also,and something you never seem to get...2 keys and 2 remotes. Might install a oem cd player. Nice

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  Great Value - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By dave - May 30 - 10:10 am

  This car hasnt changed in years and thats why it is good. Theyve got all the problems worked out. You can usually pick up a new for 25K at the end of the year. You can pick up a 3 year old used one for $10k that will go another 100K miles. Highway mileage is 27. And those are non-tiring miles. Its extremely safe. You can tow. I built a roof rack and can haul lumber like a pickup. A used one would make a great family car for someone with not much to spend. The only drawbacks would be comments from your friends. But you can laugh all the way to the bank.

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  My two years with my Mercury - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By J. DeMaio - May 7 - 12:00 pm

  This car is the most comfortable and smooth riding car I have ever owned. It has all the bells and whistles and whats more important, it is a very reliable car in all kinds of weather. The trunk is huge and can hold my husbands walker besides groceries. And yes, it is owned by me, an old lady who dives too fast but it only has 24,754 miles as of today.

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  One of the last big cars. - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Troy Ericksen - May 3 - 11:56 am

  Ancient design. For a car this large interior space is disappointing, Chryslers cab forward design makes offers far more interior space, roomy in front seat but back seat leg room is disappointing. Car is not very nimble. But suspension is not mushy like some cars in this class, body roll not excessive. Huge trunk. Easy to get in and out. Pretty good acceleration.Car has been very reliable but steering wheel locked up and had to be towed to shop. Okay gas mileage for such a big car. Exterior dimensions of car seem excessive, not as bad as the boats of the 1970s but still a very large car.Boring style. Not much fun to drive.

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  Review of mercury marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Chester McComas - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is very reliable, ita the second mercury marquis i have owned.Previously had a 1992 model with almost no trouble except with the power windows. I like the new features of this car, the remote control of the radio and air conditioning from the steering wheel. Its just the best

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  Lots more punch - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By sedan - April 22 - 12:30 am

  Having owned 2000 Marquis the 2006 has lot more acelaration. Gets out good. The major complaint is very little storage space in the front.

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  Okay buy - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Charles Groves - April 20 - 10:00 am

  The Mercury handles terrobly but is comfortable and takes the bumps ver well. The gas is harribole with airbag and gas millalige. I have been in the shop with transmission problems twice in a week.

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  My "Little Lincoln". - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Happy New Car Owner - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I call this car my "Little Lincoln". After enjoying the comfort and features of a Lincoln Town Car for 9 years, I did not think that I could find a car with all of the features of the Lincoln for around $25,000. I have been accustomed to space, comfort, and power when needed and 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis has all of that and more. For safety reasons I have always preferred to drive a big car. I am extremely pleased with the safety ratings on this car, including the addition of traction control and side air bags. Although I have only had this vehicle a few weeks I LOVE IT. It is fun to drive and I feel good in it. And I have received many compliments on my new car!

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  Best car I ever owned - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ArtE - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. I fill the tank with gas, change the oil every 3 or 4 months, absolutely no problems. Although my selling dealing has been a pain, the price was good though. Well there is one minor problem which they have so far refused to fix and Im talking to Ford directly about that. They tell me they will fix it, but when? Its already out of warrenty and still promise, but have not done it.