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:

• 

  A 2003 Mercury Gr. Marq. review - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By W. Shideler - November 6 - 9:40 am

  With all its looks, the dusgusting thumps, bumps and grinding wheel noises (dealer says tire is noise cause; he shyed away from:which tire is it?) its a much improved driving experience. I believe the noise is ignored for business reasons. It is disturbing and I will have an independent garage check it out.

• 

  A Pleasure to Own - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Gail Acuti - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchase was a pleasant experience. The comfort of long distance drives is worth every penny of cost. Previously drove a Chrysler Concorde...the comfort of a long distance is evident, when getting to my destination, I can exit the vehicle and not feel like a crumpled crippled non-human entity. The wide stance of the chasis gives a very smooth ride......I have been pleasantly suprised each and every day that I own and drive this car.

• 

  My Car - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By cfdems2 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable car that I have owned.

• 

  The - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By swampfoxx - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car because of price, and although I did not expect it, never thought of myself as a Grand Marquis person, this is an impressive vehicle. Mine is a LS Gold Limited Edition 1998, with special suspension and all the luxury goodies. It averages 25 plus mpg on the highway with automatic a/c on. Fastest cool down in 100 degree weather then automatic temp control. Acceleration makes you think your "are" in a police pursuit vehicle. Although still prefer a smaller vehicle for "fun", you cant beat the Grand Marquis for cross-country travel.

• 

  Big Highway Cruiser - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By roknrob - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is standard suspension LS (not the performance version), well equipped w/leather, 8-way power seats both sides, factory CD, power pedals etc. I use this as a highway commuter, 66 miles/day. GOOD: 4 disc brakes, fuel economy (26 hwy), reliability, passenger and luggage space, safety, value for low buck. NOT SO GOOD: Numb handling, sensitive to cross winds. So-so ergonomics...long reach to radio, wide but unsupportive seats, no tachometer, slooooow power windows, no usable cupholders or driver storage (dumb split armrests...coulda been storage). Aging old-man styling, but still a respectable old-fashioned Detroit cruiser.

• 

  Best car ive ever owned... - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By PAUL - September 27 - 11:43 pm

  Bought in 3/00 w/29k miles, ran like new to 140k, involved in accident, sorry to see it go, i changed oil every 2000 miles! And besides that, i added gas....

• 

  GREAT VAULE AND LOTS OF POWER AND ROOM - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By MERC MAN - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS I WAS LOOKING AT A NEW MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IT WAS ONE OF THOSE CARS THAT YOU HEAR ABOUT, YOU KNOW THE LITTLE OLD LADY WHO DROVE IT TO CHURCH EACH SUNDAY THAN KEPT IN IN THE GARAGE. IT WAS NOT FAR FROM THE TRUTH, IT ONLY HAD 36M MILES AND WAS IN PERFECT SHAPE. I PUT ALOT OF MILES EACH YEAR AND IT MADE SENSE TO ME TO PRUCHASE THIS CAR VS. A NEW ONE DUE TO THE HIT YOU TAKE ON DEPRECIATION. AFTER THE FIRST 30 DAYS I AM VERY SATISFIED.

• 

  Wonderful car!! - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By sadchevyowner - September 6 - 11:04 am

  My wife and I love her 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis "Palm Beach" edition. We purchased her Grand Marquis 14 months ago. It had 15700 miles. My wife had been driving a 2006 Lexus ES330 that was purchased new. It only had 18000 miles when we sold it. In many ways the Lexus was nice, but it had very uncomfortable seats. The Grand Marquis has exceedingly comfortable seats with lumbar support on both sides. Her Mercury also has the air suspension system and it rides like a dream. We would highly recommend this car. It is really a shame that it is no longer available as a new car, so my advice would be to find a low mileage late model Grand Marquis

• 

  mercury marquis - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By john - August 25 - 4:06 pm

  we just took a 2 week 3,000 mile trip in this car what a pleasure, even with 3 kids in the back (dvd player helped) the ride is not as soft as some of the older luxury cars, however this car will take a corner well and stop on a dime. Acceleration is adequate or good if you are lucky enough to find one with the performance package this car has been very economical, cheap insurance good gas milage (27 mpg at 75 mph) and only about $200 in repairs at 130k thats doing a lot of towing too

• 

  Plenty of room fuel economy up to 24MPG - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bob Zykofsky - August 18 - 2:36 pm

  With my medical problems, this car is very easy to get in and out of and very roomy for the price.Drove 6000 miles and no service problems. this is an excellant car for highway driving. Good for city driving too. I have a loaded Palm Beach edition,and although I have always enjoyed cloth, the soft cashmere leather is acceptable to me.6045 miles.