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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mer marq - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By wcs - December 5 - 2:00 amgood quality love the large room capacity. Gas milage is much better than expected and is better than many smaller cars.
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Its not what you think - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By jscheide - December 5 - 2:00 amThis car has the ride and confort of a 70s boat. But thats all it has in common. This car handles better than my 93 escort did. It gets better gas milage than my 98 ranger 4cyl .It has plenty of power This car is a great minivan alternative. All 3 of my kids (two in car seats) fit comfortably in the back. And you can buy a model that is a few years old at a dirt cheap price. I am basing the relibility in part on my 1984, which would put any toyota or honda to shame.
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Truth in Advertising (not) - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By chet - December 5 - 2:00 amCompared with my 1997 grand marquis which was quite economical (25-26 mpg hwy & 18-19 local) My 2003 gets 22.5 hwy and 15 mpg around town. Very disapointed in the 2003 as I was expecting similar economy on the 2003 since the window sticker claims 19-25 mpg just as it did on the 1997.I blame it on the unnecessary increase in horsepower.Truth in advertising!!???
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manual passenger seat uncomfortable - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tom - November 17 - 6:16 ampower drivers seat is comfortable ..manual pasenger seat very uncomfortable due to front of seat being to high ..seat needs to be more level for comfort there is no adjustment for this
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Mercury Grand Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By nick florida - November 16 - 10:43 pmPurchased car new, never been to dealer for repair. Smooth ride, comfortable. Changed oil every 5000 miles. All around mileage is 20 mpg/ 26 hwy. Great car. highly recommended. Great improvment from previous models.
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Great Reliable Car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By John - November 16 - 10:00 amRoomy, decent gas mileage, luxury, and comfort. I have 140,000 miles on mine and it drives like a dream. Powerful V8 - And ALL electrical items still work in the car ! I have always maintained it well, but no major repairs.
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Awsome car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Tanner Peavler - November 10 - 10:00 amI absolutely love this car. Buy one, and drive the hell out of it. Its a fun car ive enjoyed the car very much
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A Car with Character - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By King Arthur - November 8 - 9:06 amIts surprisingly fun to drive and gets good gas mileage for a V8. The trunk space is huge and the bench seats comfortable. I took it on cross- country trips because its built for the highway and never had any problems in cold Iowa winters. The rear-wheel drive made it prone to getting stuck in the snow but it always started right up and heated up quickly. Now for the problems. *All four power window motors died, sometimes forcing me to take apart the door to get the window up. *1 door wouldnt unlock from outside OR inside *Power seat died *Gears stripped in the blower for the A/C & heat *A/C went out *Tranny started to slip *Had to junk it after 145,000 mi I still recommend!
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good cruiser - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By nymikewithamercury - November 5 - 2:00 amI have the LSE model with the 240 hp motor, dual exhaust, performance package, and it is great. Great on the highway, and very fast and flat in the corners. Go through a lot of tires (snows are mandatory for the rear wheel drive).
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new ford buyer - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By cba - November 5 - 2:00 amjust love it. better than i thought it would be to own.