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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  Happy Grand Marquis owner - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Joseph E. Gamache - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Grand Marquis and the 03 is the best! I appreciate the big trunk, rear air suspension, and very good mileage for a car this size. I am 76 yrs old and drive to Florida each January. I am not tired at the end of each days travel. Dependability has been excellent.

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  Best Full Size Car Ever - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Tony216 - July 21 - 10:23 am

  This car has a very comfortable ride. V8 has ample power and gas milage is respectable. Interior is spacious and very quite.

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  Mercury Grand Marquis Review - 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By rickydee2 - July 17 - 2:30 am

  Edmunds review of the mercury Grand Marquis tells me they have never driven one or other Ford products like them. Such as the Ford Crown Victoria or the Lincoln Town Car The mileage estimates for all there are not accurate. I have owned all three of these cars and they all get at least 29 to 30 miles to the gallon on the highway and 19 to 20 in town. I owned a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria with a police interceptor engine, but had the highway geared rear end. It was personally owned by a police officer as his own car. I drove that car from Kansas City to Memphis and filled up when the fuel gauge was almost on empty. It took about 17 gallons to fill it up and I had drive 497 miles!

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  Hard to beat for the price. - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jim - July 8 - 3:56 pm

  This is my second Grand Marquis. I had a 2005 (Ultimate Edition). The only repair I made on the 2005 was front brake pads at 88,000 miles (I drove the car to 101,000 miles). Great repair record, great ride, roomy trunk, OK gas mileage. Feel that if the rebate is $5,000 or more the car is hard to beat.

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  Grand Marquis Still A Good Car - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Marquis Owner - July 1 - 3:33 am

  I have owned a Grand Marquis for 23 years and just purchased my 7th one, a 2009. The care still rides and handles very well and looks good. I was disappointed to find they have removed the compass, the automatic parking brake release and the Home Link.

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  Dont buy one that shakes - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By William Dennison - June 28 - 7:40 am

  This car has vibrated and shook since purchased. The dealer says there is no Ford service bulletin, so there can be no problem. In fact, there is a service bulletin that the dealer apparently does not know about. I gave the dealer a copy of the bulletin and the car is still not fixed. This is the worst car I have ever owned. This car really lives up to what many people think the letters in Ford really represent.

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  Great big road car! - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By junglej - June 26 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my LS used 2 yrs ago at 70k and now have 130k with no repairs whatsoever. I love the gas mileage - Im getting 24.6 summer and 22.6 winter with about 60%hwy and 40%city driving. Even at our mile-high, theres plenty of power in the small V8 to accelerate up hills. I easily and inexpensively bought a Ford OEM radio/CD player to replace the std cassette player. I found the drivers seat didnt fit me well until after I took out the lumbar support and put more foam in the upper back and seat bottom. I also found that I have to brake with my left foot or the awkward right leg position causes pain. Im 62" and 270lbs.

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  Best American car money can buy - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Zhe Kong - June 15 - 8:16 am

  Bought GS with convenient package when Ford offered $6000 discount in July 2004 for $19,000 brand new including tax etc. Love it ever since. Silk smooth with the torque rich V8 and 4 speed automatic transmission. Rear wheel drive. No fishtailing thanks to modern traction control. Agile on the road thanks to the variable assist power steering. Very safe. Very reliable. Not even a recall. Regular gas. Respectful MPG (22+/-1) daily commutes through out the year with this 4K plus pound of steel. Besides oil change and a new set of tires, the maintenance fee is zero.

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  2004 Grand Marquis Ultimate - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Paul C. Pistone - May 18 - 10:30 pm

  After driving a Crown Vic switching to the Grand Marquis was an easy transition. Both are excellent, dependable vehicles and I really appreciate the additional features that come on the Grand Marquis Ultimate. I find the Grand Marquis LS Ultimate to have an incredibly smooth ride with the air suspension. The electronic dash display along with controls on the steering wheel for climate, cruise and sound system are awesome! The comfort is equal to that of the Lincoln Towncar at a much better price. The spacious passenger cabin and large trunk are excellent for taking road trips. Impressive 5 Star Safety ratings, Traction control, airbag systems and body design with steel reinforcement.

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  Excellent Buy - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By J Armenta - May 5 - 9:53 am

  Have driven this for over 42000 miles and this vehicle has given me pure satisfaction. Although it could have a bit more power, it still delivers on average of 23 mpg. Not bad for its size. Got 27 mpg on the last trip to Michigan, very comfortable to travel in as well.