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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  Grand Marquis Ultimate - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By TerryAlan - August 12 - 6:40 pm

  Great car for the money. Mercury is dealing and able to get a large car for the price of a midsize. Smooth riding and quiet. Certainly a better ride and more comfortable than either a Pontiac Bonneville or Buick Park Avenue (owned both).

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  A great car to take to work - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jon - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car to take to work (90 miles a day), to tow with, and to lug family and friends in. Also to stop putting so many miles on my baby, my Mustang. As far as performance, Im used to the power of my GT, though the power is nothing like my Mustang, its very powerful for what it is. A full sized sedan. I have only one problem with the car, and thats the interior. Only two cup holders (The car can seat 6 people). Also the front arm wrests should have storage, along with the back arm wrests (If the car had rear arm wrests). Oh, and the car needs a posi so both rear wheels spin. As far as mileage, I get 25-28 hwy, 20-23 city. It burns no oil with 105,000 miles on it.

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  Grand Pa? I think not. - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Love the Old School - August 4 - 2:00 am

  A mafia trunk, chunky wheels and a bad a** v-8 engine. What more could you ask for...? Rear wheel drive? Traction control? Leather? ABS Breaks? Its all there in the Grand Marquis. This car is like a rocket off the line, turn off the Traction cntrl and have some fun :) This car is surprisingly smooth and easy to handle. I went from a 99 Galant to this land boat and it handles like an overgrown German sedan. With the variable steering, cruise contrl, and that luscious suspension system one cant help but feel like they are commanding a vessel made for crusing.

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  Great Value for the $$$ - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By virge - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the automobile for the person who wants a large comfortable car with power, comfort, and will not require a second mortgage on the house. An agile handling car in town and a smooth, quiet, riding car on the highway, this car provides the space and versatility of a large car with the ease of handling of a medium sized automoblile. Quick off the line and powerful enough to pass most of its competition, it gives confidence to its driver. I have had no reliablity problems and will continue to buy future models if Mercury stays on its present course. Highly recommended.

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  Best Used vehicle Ive Purchased - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By THSKATER - July 28 - 6:56 am

  Purchased this vehicle as a second car to travel back and forth to work ( I have two new Mercurys that I did not want to use for work ) the 2001 Mercury had 10000 miles on it!not even broke-in yet. what a pleasure to drive, I dont even use our other cars. fuel mileage is good, I love the ride, the cabin is very quiet and configuration is great, as for the exterior, in my opinion it is one of the best looking cars in its class. Reliability played a large part in my decision process, Im a retired officer from a county in Pa. the fords I drove every day were ( and are ) very reliable vehicles. I just moved up a rung on the ladder of the vehicle that I drove for twenty years.

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  AAA Excellent Car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Frank - July 26 - 8:03 pm

  This car handles like a dream. I dont know where some of the people get off giving it a bad review. I am 43 years old and have driven everything from Beetles to Vettes. This is a great car for the money, runs strong and mileage is fine. Especially for a big car. This car looks and runs great.

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  my mercury - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ian nathanson - July 21 - 9:06 am

  Im 28 not 60 and I love my Mercury did I mention that Im 6,5 and have a family this car is safe and if you use the Cruise control you can get up to 30 mpg at (55 mph) the only complaint is the brakes could have been better. The stying is old but its simple you dont have to go to school to learn all the gadgets. All in all its a great dependable car

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  Bill Andersons Grand Marquis (2006) - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By william anderson - July 19 - 4:50 pm

  This is a luxury car that is value priced. It is a very safe vehicle with very low insurence rates. The car has a lot of room, and is great for long drives it is very spacious, and you can travel in total comfort. this car has all of the luxury you would want at an axceptional price.

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  grand marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By ss513t - July 19 - 10:00 am

  a stiffer suspension would be nice.biggest gripe is the long hood and would like another 3-4 inches legroom for the back seat.

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  2003 ultimate edition - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By phil b. - July 19 - 10:00 am

  took it back to dealer one time for electrical prob. fixed.