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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Grand Marquis 2000 - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Shan - September 21 - 9:20 amThis is our 3rd Grand Marquis. All have been excellent mechanically. Totaled one and came out unharmed. Noise level could be improved. Seam in leather seats hurt my back. Feel pretty safe on long trips.
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Still Outstanding! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Uncle Philly - September 17 - 4:10 pmThis is still one outstanding vehicle. I have owned a Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, and several Pontiacs, and none of them compare to this vehicle. I have had zero problems with my Mercury. I could never say that with the other makes that I have owned. This car seats six in comfort, very smooth ride, huge trunk, excellent acceleration, very low maintenance, and gas mileage at 20 mpg city, and 26 mpg hwy. If you have a heavy foot you will be closer to 18 city/24 Hwy. They call this a Grandpa mobile....Ha! Why ride in a cramped, horrible riding, dinky mobile, when you can ride in comfort at a low price? Grandpas is so much smarter than you think, because he had this right!
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4 in a row! - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ret2 - September 12 - 5:07 amI am about to buy my 4th Grand Marquis. First was a 1997. Need room for 4 adults, and trunk big enough for wheel chair, also wanted an V8 with posi-traction to pull my boat out every once in a while. It was trouble free all I ever did was change the oil. Sold it and the last I heard it has 240K miles on in and is still going. Bought a 2000. Same thing. Trouble free!Bought a 2005 have 90K on it and drove high speed highway driving. 24MPG and except for a broken cable in the drivers window it has been trouble free. All these cars are workhorses. The Best American made car as far as I am concerned. Also the best car for the money. Very sorry they have discontinued this winner!
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Fun to Drive - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bo - September 6 - 3:46 amOverall the 1993 mercury Grand marquis LS is very fun to drive and has good power it is reliable and starts first try.
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Safe, economical and comfortable - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bob - September 3 - 9:56 amGets 27 mpg on hiway! My 3rd Mercury. Had front to side accident with F150 truck with 98 model vehicle. Drove my car off of the Hiway after accident but truck was totaled.
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Good Old AMERICAN Car - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
By coyled58 - August 17 - 3:03 pmI bought a new 2011 Hyundai Sonata on an impulse. I regretted after a very short time and started looking for something bigger with a more comfortable ride at a reasonable price. I found it in a used 2010 Grand Marquis. Yes, its a dated car with virtually no "technology" (except the AM/FM radio with CD) but the car is an absolute pleasure to drive. 27 MPG highway last trip. Seats are very comfortable. Im 63" and my legs do not come close to the dash and there is a lot of headroom (even while wearing a hat). The car will not do "wheelies" but at my age, who cares? The point for me is total comfort and peace of mind: Grand Marquis has both. If you can find one, buy it!
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Alfred - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Alfred - August 16 - 10:00 amOnly proble check engine light goes on to often. Faulty emission parts
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My second Grad Marq- 7 year of changes - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Stiltonjim - August 16 - 10:00 amMy new 2002 GS Conv is second to 95. NO BETTER VALUE. Interesting to see changes over years, adding anti-lock brakes, drivers power lumbar, cornering lamps, keyless entry (part of conv group and includes moveable pedals), bigger battery, improved AC, front reading lamps, but removed illuminated front door "lamp reflectors" (side of door when you open door, replaced by reflectors), reduced gas tank (21 to 19), deleted trunk toplid carpeting and glove compartment damper (it just falls now, instead of a soft opening), return of locking gas lid (95 had it, but eliminated through 01 and returned in 02), removal of a separate trunk key and locking trunk remote release.
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2004 Grand Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By robowman - August 7 - 10:00 amThis is the third of this model car in the last 5 years that we have owned. Outstanding value, good mileage for a full size V-8. We hope that Mercury continues to produce this model in future years.
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Da Marquise - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By richie3102 - August 4 - 4:45 pmThis car is all around great. Surprising fuel economy, good handling for size, extreme comfort, good audio system, and nice pick up. I made it look like a copncar with rims and the pushbar and people stare. We have named him Marquis and I have loved him from the day I stole him from a dealer for next to nothing. No break downs or any problems what so ever. And man does he slam with my little additions. I have friends falling asleep in the back seat all of the time with the sort seats and smooth ride. Just broke 100000 and Im driving him to the junk yard hopefully around 300000.
