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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Marquis - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By wrightchix - March 8 - 9:20 amLost water pump at 98000. Intake manifold at 110000. Ford recalled intakes on police and livery use models only. Seats hard on bottom for long drives. Lost sensor at exhaust manifold a 63000. Lost sensor at catalytic 111000. Spark plug wires wear prematurely. Otherwise, A great car.
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1999 Gran Marquis - A Great Ride! - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dave C - March 7 - 10:56 pmI have had this car since it was new. The ONLY things I have done to it are tires, belts, hoses at regular intervals and a new battery. I have had gas mileage as high as 29.8 MPG at turnpike speed of 80 MPH. Dependability, great gas mileage and a luxury ride! I have bought another one! Consumers Reports Magazine rates the 1999 as a Best Buy used car. I agree.
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What a great car! - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Robert - March 5 - 3:13 amI bought this car in May of 2006 for my wife, Being 22 years old I was ify about buying whats classified as an elderly persons car, but it is great. It had 51,000 miles on it when we bought it and within 2 weeks of owning it we went on a trip from souther florida (home) to Vermont to visit family. With gas at about $3 a gallon it only cost us about $200 to drive from florida to Vermont. It was extremely comfortable and we were albe to fit everything in the trunk! In the trunk we had 3 medium suitcases, 2 large suitcases, 4 fishing poles, 3 tacle boxes, 6 person tent, 2 sleeping bags, playpen and stoller. The Drive was comfortable and Id recommend this car to anyone, simply awesome!
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Why buy anything else - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bob Mac - February 23 - 2:00 amThis is the second Grand Marquis I have owned in the last three years and I am amazed that everyone doesnt drive one. I have found the cars to be the best value on the highway today. With Mobil 1 in the crankcase the engine performs flawlessly producing approximately 19 MPG in town driving and 24 Highway. I am a REALTOR and have spent $0 in repairs and at 63" I am able to transport 5 other adults around in relative comfort. Please do not Europianize this American Icon. I have no need for an uncomfortable sedan that has a skidpad rating of .9.
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great value - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By reeac - February 23 - 2:00 amYou cant go wrong for the money.
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best of mercury - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
By treu - February 21 - 10:00 ami bought the car in 1998 with only 20,000 miles on it and now it has 50,000 miles on it.its the best car for the price out there because, a lincoln cost about $4,000 more and just the same features as this grand marquis and also the car is very reliable and plenty of power for long or short trips. so if you want a car for a good price and reliablity get this car.
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good runner - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By aelam - February 21 - 10:00 amA good car to take a long trip in, easy on your back and your seat too.
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Mercury Grand Marquis -- not perfect - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Charles32707 - February 21 - 10:00 amthe accessories are very unreliable. My car has been back to the dealer about 12 times in the 3 years Ive owned. Bad speed control; bad keyless entry pad; bad AC (twice); windshield wipers have been worked on at least 6 times (replaced 5 times) and they still stutter across the windshield. Almost no storage room in passenger compartment. When drinks are in the drink holders, you cant access the AC controls. Rides rough for such a large car. Inadequate leg room in the back.
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2004 Limited Edition - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By NormParker - February 18 - 10:00 amPrevious cars were also Grand Marquis. This car has much more "pep" than the 93 and 98. However, the ride is not nearly as comfortable as the previous two. I even took the car back with less than 100 miles on it to have the dealer check to see if they had mistakenly put a ride and handling package on this car. The said it was the standard suspension. I like the looks of the car and the performance of the engine, but if I were to do it all over, I might just go ahead and buy the Lincoln Town Car just for a more acceptable comfortable ride.
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Last of the old school yank tanks - 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
By d_james - February 12 - 11:38 pmI rented a Grand Marquis because it was lined up with some Nissan Altimas and looked much more spacious for a family of five with all our luggage. It is huge inside (able to take a sixth passenger!), smooth and comfy and I liked it for this. However much I liked it, I have to admit that it is very thirsty on fuel and is enormous on the outside - not easy to park in a multi-storey cark park. It also corners in a heavy and sloppy fashion, as you would expect looking at it. It is an old design with all of the good and bad points you would expect of this.
