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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  my merc - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By elbee - March 24 - 3:40 am

  This car is a stealth car. It does everything well, and nobody notices it. Most of my friends drive sports cars, or SUVs. I just shake my head and wonder how they could not want one of these. I get an honest 22 to 24 mpg in absolute comfort.

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  Biggest Waste of Money - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By lynn_m - March 18 - 8:14 am

  I bought this car a year and a half ago because of the raving reviews on this site. I spent $7,000 for a 2002 with 70,000 miles on it. Now at 100,000 miles I have to put $2,200.00 into the car. The whole front suspension is shot. Upper and Lower Ball Joints Sway Bar Links Idler and Pitman Arms I am very disappointed in my investment. Also that car gets horrible horrible gas mileage. Probably 12 miles to the gallon.

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  Old school - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By RMO - March 16 - 6:14 pm

  Great Value. Resale value is low but that is good for buyers looking for dependable transportation. Electronic temperature controls can be expensive to fix. Great car for the money. This thing is just as comfortable as when it was new, runs just as smoothly as well. Ill take another one.

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  Great Car no problems - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Shane - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Brought it brand new in 1999. Currently have 150,587 miles. Had the intake manifold replaced and recently a tire rod and now on its 4 set of tires. Otherwise the car has been reliable, comfortable safe ride. A/C works well still cold. My only concern is the stability of the under carriage on rough rods. the vehicle sometimes feels as if it loses contact with the road surface at highway speed. Mileage is appx 250 miles to a tankful highway/city driving.Also the fender above the front tires is rusting. Seems to be a common problem with this car.

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  Easy front seat access - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ron - March 16 - 4:33 am

  The front passenger seat is easy to enter and exit. This is the main thing I was looking for, since my wife has a physical handicap. The front doors are high and wide, and hip and head room are excellent. The front bench seat, without a console, is a plus, for the extra legroom. The leather power seats help getting in and out. I had considered a van for front seat access, but this cars front seat dimensions were almost as good.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By T Barber - March 13 - 8:13 am

  Car is comfy, but seats need more support. Car runs really well for the size of car & engine. Transmission seems to always be "in the zone" with very good 1st gear power and ready willingness to downshift to appropriate gear when passing. Mileage is very good at 27-28 hwy, 16-17 around town. The tach is a good addition. Car steers and handles very well for being over 2 tons.

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  good car - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By imacroy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  had a 1997 model, only in shop once for a recall itema. Had to get another one. 25 mpg on hghway, runs on regular fuel.

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  solid and comfortable - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By brian waters - February 27 - 10:48 pm

  Will not hold resale value, but if you want to keep it and do some basic maintenance it will last. Solidly built, lots of passenger and storage space

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  Great buy. Cheap insurance for a V8 - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JayJay - February 25 - 12:53 pm

  Not a fast car, Im 20 and like to speed. Great big boat and roomy except the rear back leg room. The car really needs bigger rims 17 inches to help with the handling. The car came with a crappy sound system so I put a new head unit, speakers, and amp. Never had any problems with it. Im allways putting the gas to the floor. Driving it as crazy as I do, I still get 15 mpgs. I put 20,000 miles on it in a year and still running great!

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  GS Convenience with 2 tone package - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By GS Convenience - February 20 - 2:30 am

  Ive now owned this car for 5 months and love it. It is a very quiet, comfortable car and rides like a Town Car. My 2 tone package came with nice extras such as a hood ornament, brushed aluminum scuff plates that say Grand Marquis, the Mercury emblem debossed in the two toned leather seatbacks and body color door handles. The car seems rock solid and has decent fuel mileage for the all city driving I do (19- 20mpg). It handles like a much smaller car but has the big car ride without being floaty or wallowy. It is also quite a bargain for a full size car with a V8 engine. Id recommend it to those of any age. Im not a grandpa even though the car might be considered a "grandpa car".