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:
Showing 511 through 520 of 658.00-
Great Car - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Fred - May 13 - 3:46 amThis is a wonderful luxury vehicle! The stlying and performance is wonderful. The ride is so extremely smooth its like riding on a cloud. I would reccommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a luxury vehicle with class, style, reliability, and great performance.
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If only the AC was trouble free - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Al D. - May 10 - 4:20 pmMy 2008 MGM is my fourth one in fourteen years, except for a 05 Lincon LS (what was I thinking?) the have been my only choice. What can I say, I like the car for all the same reasons aforementioned, but mostly for comfort and reliability. The only exception to this is that I have encountered a AC problem in three of the four Ive owned. A 94, 98, 04, 08, and only the 94 was trouble free. But then again it is the only problem. If Merc. could get this right its a Peach.
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poor gas and break pedals - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
By ted - May 7 - 11:06 pmthe 2009 mercury grand marquis, changes were made not to my liking. the gas pedal is TOO vertical, ( needs to be more on an angle) this is causing greal nerve pain in the entire leg. The break pedal is too high, can no longer move foot from the gas to the break easly. More pain in the shin portion of the leg. These obvious changes were not present from model years 1992 thru 2007. I had no problem with these models.
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Dons 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By dlpeters - April 30 - 2:00 amGreat car. Great styling and everything that you get in a Lincoln for $15000 less. Compares most favorably with Buick, Olds, Pontiac and Chrysler. I would buy another with no hesitation.
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MercLS - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By sobogo - March 30 - 10:00 amDriving is enjoyable, you sit in the seats, not on them. Seat controls and driving controls are all at your fingertips. The ride is very good and cargo space is both accessable and plentiful. Air bag rear suspension seems to give better stability, especially when you are hauling a load.
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The Brown Bomber - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By highman001 - March 29 - 12:43 pmSmooth ride and tons of trunk space. Leather interior and good sound system makes this fun to drive. On a cold day it has seat warmers and heats quickly. A/C blows cold and I love the color of Arizona Beige even though I nicknamed it the "Brown Bomber" good pickup and speed
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Great Car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By dag-1 - March 26 - 10:00 amThe car has comfortable seats for my bad back, & I like the adjustable foot pedals, they come in handy on long trips. The has good gas mileage on long trips, Traveling betweed Seattle and the Tri-citys the car average 27.4 MRG.
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None Finer - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By mikemerc - March 26 - 10:00 amOur 4th Mercury product since 1967.
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Best Car and Looks GREAT - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dedrick Brown - March 21 - 9:43 pmI always love big cars because I like to get more for my money. I want buy a small car because they do not ride like the Grand Marquis. This car is the best car and everywhere I go people give me compliments on this car. It is very fancy also with a vinly top. Lincoln Town Car I really like but why should I pay more for the same car and motor. Im a car expert and you are getting your money worth when you buy this car. I also on a Mercedes and a Jeep but they donot ride like the Grand Marquis. I believe every family should at least own one of these cars.
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Safe, Comfortable, and Reliable - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By pcastoldi - March 13 - 5:16 pmI absolutely love my Grand Marquis and all of the features that it has to offer. Since I purchased this vehicle used, I got an excellent deal on it and with it a decent bundle of features that make this car a real joy to drive around with. I purchased it with over 63,000 miles on it and I now have over 74,000 miles. The seats are very comfortable; the trunk is carnivorous - one of the largest in the North American market; the ride is smooth; and the engine has plenty of power to cruise along the highway or pass any vehicles in your way. Combine this with its extreme reliability (I have not needed to do anything other than standard maintenance) and you have a winning combination! I love it!
