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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give me the old grand marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By bernie moon - February 17 - 6:00 pmTraded a 95 Marquis with 98k problem free, quiet, comfortable miles. New grand marquis after 1 month needed a new air conditioner compressor. Wiper motor and blades are incredibly noisy,wind noise is worse as Ford went to thinner glass all around in 97, seats have much less support,and I am getting more squeaks with dry seals in the steering linkages. Considering how Ford has used the same platform for years they are profiting handily from cheaping up the car.
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100,000 Plus Miles and Going - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dave in Des Moines - February 6 - 4:56 pmI purchased the car with 77,000 miles and now have over 180,000 miles on the vehicle. It has been extremely reliable on the most important item; the engine. Just regular maintenance. Have had problems with temperature controls air/heat switching, check engine light always on, and recently the suspension but those problems occurred well past the 120k mile arena. Great car for my teenage son to learn on.
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I LOVE my GRAND MARQUIS!!!! - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By bbnot2busy - January 29 - 2:00 amI bought my 2000 Grand Marquis about 6 months ago. What a DREAM it is to drive! I love the soft ride and the quiet engine. The fuel mileage is better than should be expected from a car this size! My mother has a 2002 Toyota Avalon and she does not get the MPG I get with my Merc! Having sold my Pontiac Bonneville to move up to the Grand Marquis I have decided that I will continue to purchase the Grand Marquis from now on! Would not trade it for any car on the road!
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Last of the freeway cruisers - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Bill Love - January 17 - 12:03 amWe bought this car for comfort and quietness on medium to long trips. Great value here with all the options available for under $29,000.00 including CA sales tax and registration. Mileage on the open road at 75 mph is consistently 25 mpg. Around town figure 16 while in the hills where I live a rather dismal 13. Could not be happier with this purchase and so far not a hint of any problems. Getting the Grand Marquis loaded is the key and takes the vehicle into a luxury class.
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Leeanns 2001 LS Merc - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By leeann - January 9 - 2:00 amCar is very dependable, comfortable in town and on the road. Handles beautifully and holds the road exceptionally well (due to the rear wheel drive and wheel base). Rear seat is very comfortable (many rear seats are not).
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Found a great car... - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dr. S. Harrison - January 2 - 2:46 pmCant beleive I found a super car for only $28,000. I feel so safe in this car and it does all the work for me as its so easy to drive and park. It is so comfortable and responsive. I love this car!!!
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Owner - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Howard Mattison - December 19 - 9:53 pmThis is my fourth Grand Marque starting with a 1984. I have always enjoyed driving them and have never had any serious trouble. For a large car the gas mileage is very good. Gets 21 in town and 28 on the highway. Good dealer to deal with and good service at dealer.
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leaking air - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By MrBees - December 17 - 2:00 amI hate driving this car because of the wind noise around the front windows. Having it checked here and in NC Im told its the design of the mirrors. Surely with the number sold, they dont put up with the noise, its distracting.
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A solid, traditional, reliable car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Paul - December 11 - 9:53 pmI find the official review from Edmunds a bit irresponsible! I fail to see the logic in urging folks not to want a so- called "throwback" of a car when the Grand Marquis is a solid, reliable US/Canadian vehicle that gets the job done in comfort and safety. Competitor cars have iffy build quality are costly to repair. Does Edmunds want us to pay more for something "new" just because newness is somehow better? I disagree! I have a 2008 BMW 5 series too and the iDrive is a mess, the dopey flipper shift knob gets in the way, parts break often and its back to the $$$hop; its constantly nagging at me too! A lousy personality I pay a fortune for. Ill take the familiar, old school Ford V8 anyday.
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2 ton of fun! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By drjjjj - December 9 - 6:54 pmFord F150 engine, drive train and frame with car body! Very reliable, cheap to maintain, upscale in out and 20mpg on regular! 2003+ are the best years-big changes in suspension & steering! Dirt cheap to buy used now and they stopped making them in 2011! May have baby boomer demand coming-sleeper used car?? They make driving relaxed and there is no substitute for a V8, long wheelbase and 4000 lbs of quiet ,mass on a long freeway trip!
