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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  Safe, Secure & Comfortable - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By DMStickling - July 28 - 5:23 am

  I had a 1985 Grand Marquis LS and it was great until a 16 year old drunk driver smashed into the drivers side at over 50 mph. The car was totaled, my life was saved. I now own a 2002 Grand Marquis LS Ultimate, purchased new, and I couldnt be more satisfied with an auto. Gas mileage in town is 21 and on the hwy its 26, great for a huge engine like the Grand Marquis sports. I feel so safe and comfortable in this car. I just wish the newer models had the same comfortable headrests that my 2002 has in place. I have 90,000 miles on the odometer and the car still drives like it did when it was brand new...still looks great too! A tremendous car for the money!!

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  Love my car - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By artg1954 - July 27 - 4:31 pm

  I just bought this car its a 2004 and only had 53400 for miles. The car looks and drives like new and should it was a one owner bought in Florida and came here to new England in 2010. I have worked with cars all my life and this is one of the best to own.

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  Comfort and value - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ben - July 26 - 8:13 pm

  When I bought the Grand Marquis I knew what I was getting: an old fashioned, large, comfortable cruiser. I like the simplicity and traditional design. Edmunds review is too harsh. Not everyone wants a $50k BMW or Mercedes. Try it out for yourself and see what I mean.

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  Full size luxury, handling, performance. - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Don - July 22 - 5:23 pm

  Grand Marquis LSE, more rare than originally thought. Ever see a grandpa car with buckets, floor shift, dual exhaust, front & rear stabilizer bars, six shocks, 3:27 selectable positraction or standard rear wheel drive, power assit rack & pinion steering, 4 wheel ABS with power assist disc brakes, 25mpg that looks good, fun to drive, 5 star crash safety ratings, leather, power, cheap full coverage insurance and will seat five adults and room for luggage galore in the trunk. This vehicle was bought new, now has over 50,000 miles on it and Ive had great reliability from it. No regrets, only wish Mercury would bring them back again.

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  Help on gas mileage - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By robert crawford - July 8 - 11:26 pm

  it handles well and the overall performance is great except for the gas mileage which is between 14-15 miles per gallon. I average driving about equal city and distant and have also tried high test gas to see if this would improve my mileage but to no avail. please give me so ideas to increase the gas mileage as i have a 1996 ford truck that does this well. thank you

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  Gus Loves his Grand Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Godsworth Krauza - July 6 - 2:00 am

  With the improvments Ford made the in this automobile they they really created a winner. It is an a great buy for the money. The interior is luxurious, the confomrt of a full sized sedan and its saftey, a powerful V8, and I love the handling of a rear wheel drive car regarsless of what the critics say. All I can say its the greatest.

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  Great car under rated - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Edwin - July 2 - 3:07 am

  Very different get used to old school power

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  BY A PODES - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By R PODESTAR - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I TRADED IN MY 1996 GRAND MARQUIS,IT HAD A GREAT RIDE AND VERY QUITE. BIG MISTAKE, MY NEW 2003 GRAND MARQUIS ULTIMATE IS VERY NOISY AND THE RIDE IS VERY BAD,EVERY BUMP AND CRACK IN THE ROAD IS FELT. (JIGGLY). THE GAS MILAGE IS NOT WHAT THEY TOLD ME. LUCKY TO GET 21MPG ON HIGHWAY.NO ROOM IN THE FRONT SEATS TO STORE ANYTHING.VERY DISAPOINTED.

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  Grand Marquis - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By CGood - May 25 - 4:26 pm

  This is the fourth Grand Marquis Ive had in the last 6 years. I now own 2 and will be purchasing my 5th in the next year. I do a lot of cross country driving and you just cant beat these cars on the used market for comfort and handling. Mine has 120,000 miles and runs like the day it was new.

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  Unhappy warrior - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mishmash - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Compared to my prior 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, my 2002 has a poorer ride quality and far poorer gas mileage. My 95 got 28 mpg on the highway and over 20 mpg around town. My 2002 gets 16 mpg. My 2002 downshifts going up the slightest grade, and my dealer can do nothing about it..."Its controlled by the electronic engine module".