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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Good car but sometimes expensive to fix - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Joe - February 25 - 1:50 amI have owned this car for 3 years. The problems i have encountered so far: - new brake lines (rotted at 88k) $300 -steering gearbox seal (102k) $90 -pitman arm and idler arm -tie rod and tie rod end (common) -lower balljoint on driver side (VERY COMMON) -muffler hangers ($20) - new headlight lens(peeling) very common -egr valve gives code, cant get valve out, in tight space ($300 to replace at mechanic) The above problems i have encountered was mostly wear and tear and things that DIDNT go while the car was driving it. I havent had any problems other than maintanance items that keep the car going. I have enjoyed driving the car and recommend highly!
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Great Ride: Mercury for Touring - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By POSTBOSS - February 21 - 9:20 amThis is my first Mercury. We love this large sedan. Ride is smooth and quiet. All our passengers rave on the comfort and great ride. Accessories are positioned for easy access. My wife is very short and enjoys the adjustable brake pedal. Our next ride will be another Grand Marquis.
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Super Car - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Mikester - January 31 - 10:00 amI love this Car! I installed a K&N Performance air filter, adds dramatic low end acceleration and helps gas mileage. Very well built car Made in America!
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Have to trade! - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Jim - January 27 - 2:10 amIve had this car for nearly 3 years and love it..Very comfortable ride and great hwy. mileage (25 mpg). Only bad thing is town mileage is 12 mpg. The only thing that has gone wrong with this unit is the heater fan went out. With the leather interior its very similiar to the Lincoln..body mounted on same platform. Purchased this car for $9,000 less than same year Lincoln. If youre looking for a large comfortable car with great hwy. mileage you wont find better in this price range....Now the sad note....I have to purchase an Expedition 4x4 for my business and we all know what kind of mileage they get.
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Loved the car for a while - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
By getting there - January 26 - 10:40 pmI bought my Marquis used at 12 years old. It was great for about 2 years and then I had a snowball effect. The brakes I was told were built somewhat of plastic so it would cost me 1000 for a complete brake overhaul, then my catalytic converter just up and died a slow death and I was told since the converter had been welded in it would cost me about $1600 at min to cut it out and get replaced. Overall though its probably one of the most solid cars around. I truly enjoyed driving it!
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Mercury Grand Marquis LS - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By So - January 24 - 10:00 amThis has been a solid, comfortable automobile that accompanied us on many long drives without complaint.
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beware....its a ford - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By nveragain - January 19 - 2:53 pmpurchased the car in 2007 with 10K miles on it. after 2 years, the "blend" apparatus required replacement. ( this is the little door that opens and closes to give you cool or warm air.) that was a 1K repair and after 2 attempts, have still not succeeded in putting the dash back together correctly. today I learned that one of fords most reliable models requires a new intake manifold. this vehicle has 92K miles on it. have read many forums about this problem however this was supposed to have been corrected in 2005. NOT!! so if youre planning on purchasing a ford or mercury with a 4.6L this will cost you around 1200. will be going back to Honda later this year......
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My Third Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dannydog - January 11 - 10:00 amThis is my third Grand Marquis,Ive had a 1994, a 1999 and now a 2003. I am also a law enforcement officer and have driven the Ford Crown Victoria. They have all proven to be safe, reliable and a comfortable ride. Those cars I used during work took a real beating with going over curbs, hours of idling with the air conditioner or heater runnning and having mileage well into the 100,000s. They always continued to run well and comfortable not to mention the safety factor. (I also was an ambulance technician for over six years.)This is why starting in my early forties I started to buy the Grand Marquis and intend to continue to.
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Big yacht-mobile - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By King Norm - December 19 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 85K miles on it because I wanted size and safety. That is what I got. It has been very reliable so far, except the lighting control module went out. So, my interior lights go on and off all day by itself. I had to take all the light bulbs out of the interior of the car or my battery would run dead. Also, the keyless entry doesnt work. It gets exactly 18 MPG with combined city/hwy driving. Thats too bad considering gas is not $2.00+ per gallon. The car is very confortable, but score a "zero" in the fun factor rating. So, if size and safety is important to you, this is a good car for you.
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Its a toss up - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Big Car Lover - December 11 - 7:46 pmI want to make a few comparisons between this and my 94 Gran Marquis. Same: Road/Wind noise is too high, especially the windshield when its raining. Odd huh? Suspensions: The 02 is MUCH stiffer than the old boat-like ride the 94 has. This would be personal preference for which is better. To me, the 94 is better for highway cruising. Interior: 02 is more stylish, but some of the items seem to be of cheaper material. I like the 94s button layout better. Exterior: 02 a bit sportier looking but I prefer the rims on the 94. 02s are very generic looking to me. Other stuff: Give me a real antenna! The built in one for the 02 just doesnt pick up the signal as well!
