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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  Dead at 175,000- not feasible to fix - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By tom2002a - September 13 - 5:36 am

  I bought this new and never had any problems other than a cracked intake manifold which Ford paid for as part of a class actin settlement. Was hoping to get 250k plus - changed oil, trans and other fluids etc. Developed a brake leak and the brake lines are corroded from front to back - $1800 in labor alone to replace. I had noticed alot of the piping under the hood seemed to rot - electrolysis? If youre looking at one of these watch this - great car otherwise.

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  But I dont feel like a Grandpa!! - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Chuck801 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Which is a good thing since Im only 45. There just comes a time in every mans life when he gets tired of those small, 4 passenger, no power cars. When youre ready for something bigger with some major power, the GM is it. Truth be told I really wanted a DeVille, but for a little more than half the price I got the same style, roominess, comfort and POWER! OK maybe it doesnt have the GPS. A real man wouldnt use that anyway. When youre ready to give up on those toy(ota) cars and step up to some style, check out the Grand Marquis. For the first time in 15 years, Im not embarrassed to offer to drive.

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  Love this car! - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By labronnasmom - August 25 - 11:44 pm

  We bought this car with 80,000. on it and now it has over 240,000. Weve been to Utah and back to Ok several times and each time we check the mileage. The worst it got was 26 mpg and the best it got was 31 mpg. Each time. I find it hard to believe it only rates 16 in the city. This is a caddy for the poor people. We were going to get another one until they quit making them (that was dumb) So we got a Ford Escape instead. My dad has a 1999 and he loves his too.

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  Good Car that Could Be Better - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Roy - August 21 - 6:43 pm

  My experience with FoMoCo products is that they are good ideas poorly executed. My Mercury is a case in point. While perfect for people looking for a traditional RWD sedan that owns the road, this car lacks the solidarity and reliability its predecessors possessed. It handles well for its size in braking, acceleration, and cornering. It also is a good ride on the highway. But dont expect too much from it. The engine has mounds of torque but is noisy when pressed. The engine is a great performer, but you got to go light on the gas unless you (a) can afford speeding tickets and (b) are related to a Saudi prince and have inherited your own private oil well.

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  Great Value - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By joe maxwell - August 9 - 2:33 am

  This car has surprising power with good fuel economy. Great auto for long trips. I understand why so many police organizations drive the Crown Vic or the Marquis.

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  Ok Car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By CG - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Ok car. Transmission went out at sixty thousand miles. Cost 1500 to repair. Power seats went out. Idle air control went out. Drivers side key pad also went out. Car pulls while braking in the rain. Would not purchase again.

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  Real Good Car - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By 1968joseph - August 4 - 9:53 am

  This car is great for people who are not trying to outdo the Hendersons If you really want to put 5 people in a car, this is the only one that will do it. The Town Car is not made after this year from what I hear. I had a Chrysler 300 that was good, but my three kids -2,5 & 16 did not fit and the seats were hard as a rock. I dont need a race car or something that hangs in the curves like James Bond. I just like having a great car that is comfortable, dependable and quiet! Nothing else is made like it. As far as the design being outdated, the reason it is still around is that it works. I have had the 91 Lincoln, 95 Crown Vic and this one. They have been great. 4.6 is solid. Beats an SUV

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  Mercury Grand Marquis Ultimate - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Glenn Thiel - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is a true luxury car and priced about $10,000 cheaper than its twin, the Lincoln Towne Car. I had never owned a Mercury and the first time I drove it, I was sold. The ride and the spacious interior make up for the fact that the gas mileage is not great. The car is equipped with things like lumbar seats, heated seats and mirrors,programmable garage door opener, and an enormous trunk. It steers almost effortlessly.

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  Very Pleased - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mike - July 27 - 9:33 pm

  Bought the car used with 9800 miles showing. Had rented an LS the year before and really liked the car. The only thing I did not like about the rental were the too soft seats. Got a great deal on this GS w leather and like it better than the LS I took to Colorado. It is very manuverable for its size. Its easy to get in and out of and dont believe everything you read in Consumer Reports...I get 27 to 28 mpg on the highway. You drive it like a moron and youll pay for it at the pump just like any other vehicle. And no, the Chrysler 300 is not a better or roomier vehicle. My car is much quieter, roomier, easier ingress and egress and MUCH better visibility.

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  Great car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By lavrick - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 7 years and no major problems. Only thing was BOTH side view mirrors went out at the same time. Quite costly to replace.