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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  Tanklike safety; great handling; very reliable - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By topvalueguy - April 10 - 6:39 am

  Got this car used in 2012 with only 24,300 miles on it. Had an older Lexus GS300 prior to this. So far I really like the Panther platform. I have replaced one fuel pump; otherwise, no driveability issues. Electronic Climate Control was out, which I fixed myself with an aftermarket part. Cruise control was out, and is still out; just havent needed it. Factory CD player died, so replaced with a Pioneer unit. Fake chrome trim pieces were damaged so I replaced with store-bought new ones.

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  loved it so much i bought a new 2003 - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By setun2 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  this car has been a jewel. we have driven it for 5 years and it is paid for so i bought my wife a new 2003 in may of 2003.

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  I Love My Grand Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Happy Owner - March 30 - 3:10 pm

  I have always owned American cars, so I can not compare the quality and value of this car to a foreign one. Having said that, I cant imagine any other car offering the quality and value this car has. I have put 67,000 miles on my car in just under 4 years (it now has 135,000) and it runs just as strong as a new one. I have only used premium fuel in my car and consistently average 25 miles per gallon in combined driving. I am very happy with my car.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Harlan M - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love the electronics on the car, it is equal to a much higher priced car. Auto temp control is great.

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  97 Mercury - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By RBPem - March 18 - 10:00 am

  this has been a wonderful car, I hate to sell it, but I have never kept a car 5 years. I do not use a car hard ( 78 year old widow) and I have had regular service. It never needed more. I had one parking lot accident, fender damaged.

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  Grand Marquis horn & cruise control - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By beverlyhaynes - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has been the best vehicle we have ever owned. It is very comfortable to ride in and even now, 7-8 years later, it still rides like a charm. Its a great overall vehicle and I would certainly buy another one.

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  Your True Luxury and Performance sedan - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mat - March 10 - 1:43 pm

  looks are very plain but look better than last models.

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  2nd Time Around - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Grand Marquis Fan - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We had a 1996 Grand Marquis that we just gave to our son so I shopped around for a replacement and found myself back at the Mercury dealer. I was quite pleased with my first one: a safe and reliable car which I can entrust to my teenage driver when Im willing to share. After 116,000 miles in 6 years, it only needed brakes, tires and minor adjustments. Love the 2003 as well and it has even more convenient features than the 96.

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  Style & Comfort - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By turnerjim77 - March 5 - 1:56 am

  Great long trip comfort ride with respectable gas mileage, especially for full sized vehicle. Second such vehicle I have purchased, as 96 was totalled by red light-running fool. Was struck at 50 mph and both I and passenger came out of it OK. Believe me when I say I feel pretty darn safe in this car! Great style, comfort, safety and decent economy in full sized ride.

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  Excellent vehicle for the american road - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Phillie Dee - February 28 - 2:00 am

  In simply two words the car is "Bullet proof". Purchased used with 56K, drove it 90K on one set of tires with no need for wheel alignments and tire rotation. Acceleration is excellent and its quiet, roomy and comfortable. Now at 183K miles it looks and runs like a new car. You would never know that it has high miles on it. I average 21.9 MPG in combo driving and it can take a beating, being driven 100 miles every day to commute. Recently took it on a road trip 3000 miles in 4 days and it ran flawlessly at around 26.5 MPG.