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 - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ttully - November 4 - 12:56 am

  Ive been very happy with my Grand Marquis. In fact, its the first time ever that I purchased the same car twice in a row. Ive been driving a Grand Marquis since 1997 now! The ride is excellent. Smooth and great for long trips. Engine is pretty good for a big car. I have the 8 cylinder so of course that helps. Mechanically, nothing has went wrong so far.

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  Exactly what I need - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bill - October 30 - 4:33 pm

  True, this car ist cutting edge. The 06 is my 2nd one, the other was a 98.The stiffer chassis and rack and pinion steering on the newer models create a more satisfying driving experience. The car is floaty and large, but I am on the road six days a week, and cover about 4,000 miles a month. This car is my office and home away from home. I bought is certified pre-owned for almost nothing, as depreciation is poor on these cars. Never would I have bought one new, but is it a huge bargain used. I had a Chrysler 300C. It was pretty and powerful... and a piece of junk. For a functional tank that wont let you down, you cant do better than these dinosaurs.

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  Grand Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By bryanh - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Largest car weve bought in several years. The ride is smooth and quiet. Instruments are easy to read, especially at night, and controls are conveniently located within easy reach of the driver.

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  Great Car, great price - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jones203 - October 16 - 3:36 pm

  Ive driven this model in the 1980s and liked it then, but love it now. Many great improvements over the years, especially to the suspension system. Very well built car and fun to drive. Purcahsed used with low mileage. Compares favorably to my friends Lexus!

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  New Engine after 3000 Miles - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jim - October 12 - 12:30 am

  I bought my Grand Marquis new it was an 08 left over. I took the car in for an oil change, and a slight knock. after a three day diagnosis, came to find out that the #5 cylinder went bad. Ford approved a new engine to be installed can not find out if in fact a new engine is being installed or if its going to be a rebuild! Tried to get dealer to let me trade into something else, but after owning car for 6 months they said it depreciated $ 8000, so getting new engine, let see what happens!

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  Comfort - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Otis H. Smith - October 11 - 9:33 pm

  Ive owned many different types of cars in my 74 years. The Mercury has rear wheel drive, which I prefer over any front drive. I drive cross country a lot and I need the large trunk. The V8 engine is strong and smooth and gets decent mileage (18 - 25). Handling is very good for such a large car. Turning radius is a bit high (40 ft or so) which occasionaly complicates parking lot maneuvers a bit. Ride is very comfortable but the car is not "wallowy" and handles curves very well. ( I owned an Infinity G35 before - the Mercury doesnt handle as well but I dont need a race car. Couldnt drive like that anyway.) Im very satisfied with this car. Im not decrepit but I dont need a BMW.

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  Made it Ma, top of the world - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Stosh - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Just like James Cagney said in "White Heat"...Top of the world. I have had many cars in my lifetime, but this is the most reliable, best looking, most comfortable automobile I have ever owned. Looks like Im here now and will keep buying the Grand Marquis as long as they keep making them

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  Best large car for the money - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By wpd8458 - October 8 - 9:00 am

  I have just traded my 2006 Toyota Highlander in for a 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis LS. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, this is the best large vehicle around. Comfort and space combined with tasteful styling make this car a great buy. It is like driving on a cloud.

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  Grand Marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jcarey - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1997, 1999 and 2001 Grand Marquis Ulitma and today 10/13/02 purchased a new 2003 Ultima. So this should attest to my experience with this automoble.Total milage 1997-2001 models 244000 miles.

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  They keep building them - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By R.Y. - September 25 - 4:16 pm

  As another person mentioned, this car is a sleeper. The 210hp 4.6L V8 with SOHC provides very good performance while giving surprisely good gas mileage. I get 30 mpg Imperial (Canada) driving at over 60mph or 100kmph. This engine is designed for fuel efficiency while being powerful enough at .75 hp per cubic inch. The car is designed for comfort, which is why I like the arm rests instead of a storage bin. If you want a storage bin, buy an after market product for the transmission hump. Yes, the power windows are slow and you wish they would go faster when you are in a hurry, but thats not a deal breaker. You can still buy a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis.