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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  Great Family Car - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By MercOwner - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car since 2001, bought it with 32k miles. It is a very reliable vehicle. It has the best ride, unless you like sportier/firmer ride quality, and is large enough for the whole family, even on vacations. It is a Park Lane Edition, equipped with all options except for a CD player. One can really work the deals during the negotiation of these car purchases!

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  1998 Grand Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jeff - April 4 - 7:23 pm

  Bought this car for my wife with 87k. It is very nice to drive. Smooth and quiet. The best combined MPG to date is 21.72 . Since then I changed out the single exhaust to duals using Walker Quiet Flow mufflers and a Walker H- pipe. Doing this cut almost .6 sec off the quarter mile time. Dont know on the MPGs yet. I cant run the fuel out.LOL.

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  2002 Grand Marquis - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By libsdad - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 12-2002 as a program car. No major defects, except battery died and was replaced under mfg. warranty. Nice ride for trips, averaging 21.4 mpg. with 60/40 mix of hiway/city driving.Have yet to go on long trip, but look forward to it.

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  semi satisfied - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By tano - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car. Listed as a big car but interior seems anything but. Front seat all the way back still leaves one feeling too close to steering wheel. Practically no leg room for rear pass- ingers. Huge trunk but a real back breaker to load and unload.

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  Year two with the G/M - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jesse - March 18 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased my very low mileage Grand Marquis almost 2 years ago as a cheap car just to go back and forth to work. Ive since realized that this car is not a cheap car. Its very well constructed, Very reliable and gets excellent fuel mileage for its size. I drive 66 miles to work a day and Im 64" so I needed something comfortable and good on fuel....my truck was very thirsty so I bought this second car. Im very glad I did now...I love the car and hardly ever drive my new truck anymore as a matter of fact Ive only put 2000 miles on my truck in the last year....thats how much I enjoy driving this car.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By oldmarine5 - March 16 - 3:04 pm

  Purchased new and garaged in Florida. Driven mostly around town. Averages 20 MPG. Bought to carry six people and does so comfortably. Most dependable car I have ever owned. Has extra chrome plus gold package and looks like new car. I also own Infinity M37X, Toyota Sienna and BMW Z4. I particularly enjoy driving the Mercury which elicits smiles from my family.

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  Super Cruiser - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By TimRoss - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I work about 90 miles out of town and commute twice or more per week. The driving is mostly freeway / highway and speeds average 75 mph. This is the most comfortable car I have ever owned! I have had Jaguars, Lincolns, Volvo and other foreign makes. I will most likely replace this with another as close as I can find. Good fuel economy too!

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  A GREAT, BIG CAR - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By wil - March 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE THE LONG TRIP OR AROUND TOWN. ITS LIKE DRIVING YOUR EASY CHAIR. THERE IS TRULY NOTHING LIKE A BIG CAR FOR COMFORT AND COMFORT IS WHAT THIS CAR PROVIDES. FOR THE MONEY, I FEEL IT IS HARD TO BEAT. AND WITH THE THEN $3000 REBATE AND DEALER DISCOUNT A VERY AFORDABLE AUTOMOBILE. ILL NEVER GO BACK.

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  Grand Marquis part II - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By LandVessel99 - February 25 - 5:03 am

  After having my 1994 wrecked I found this one in Florida. After many miles the only major thing I had to replace was the intake which spewed antifreeze into the oil & caused it to run rough. Original mufflers lasted 10 years & pipes are original. Great mileage (people always say to me it is a gas guzzler when it gets the same mileage as their V6 foreign cars!) and put performance chip along with K & N filter on myself.

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  Palm Beach! - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By grand - February 23 - 12:10 am

  I purchased the 08 Grand Marquis LS palm edition and love it. The special touches really look good. Love the huge comfy seats. Eeasy column shifter feels solid. Great silver birch. Smooth and quick performance