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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  Cruising in style! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By BriGuy - July 15 - 4:20 pm

  What a wonderful car. Great power. Smooth ride. Consistently getting 23- 25 mpg in a V8! 103K now and idles like new. One repair in all that time, big one though: transmission. Manufacturer defect once repaired shifted better than ever. This is my most recommended car I have ever owned or reviewed by far!

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  Marquis GS Limited - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Gary L. Carey - July 4 - 2:36 pm

  The GS Limited gives a great ride and is a very comfortable car to drive. In the north where we live, the traction control is a very important feature in rainy conditions. We have yet to drive in snowy conditions.The seating is very comfortable and the electric lumbar is fantastic as the wife and I have different requirements. The mpg rating is not very good but we have very few miles as yet so we expect this to improve. The size does create some problems parking, but can be overcome. The steering is excellant and has fast responce. Excelleration is good and the braking is excellant. Interior cabin design is easy to adjust to and is very roomy & comfortable. Trunk size is a plus.

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  Great car! - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Kevin - July 4 - 11:10 am

  Bought this car as an inexpensive commuter and have been plesantly surprised. I bought it one year ago with 80,000 miles on it. I have put 21,000 miles on it in one year. Had to replace the starter, fuel filter, and replaced the rear brake pads and rotors. I enjoy driving this car because its very comfy, quiet, and I think its good on gas considering it has a V-8. I recently returned from a long road trip (1500 miles round trip) and I got 26-28 mpg through the Kentucky/West Virginia mountains. Driving around town and on the highway I average 21 mpg. Currently my "Air bag" light is on but Im not going to worry about it.

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  Grand Marquis GS/Best Buy for the Money - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Venuswymn - July 3 - 12:56 am

  The 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis GS is definitely the best buy for the money on the market. Its roomy, comfortable, reliable and affordable. The styling may seem outdated to folks who are trendy but hey...why change something that is already the best. Just as much room as a Cadillac DTS but much more economical to buy and to maintain. Some of the bells and whistles that the LS has are not there but those few things arent worth the extra cost...unless you dont know what else to do with your money. I love my Grand Marquis!!!

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  A great value vehicle - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By keith - June 24 - 11:10 pm

  This is your dads car but it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. This thing runs, and runs, and runs. I have the sport and handling package so it haas some pep to move on the highway.

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  Terrible Ride - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By carb711 - June 20 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car new, after having test driven one and renting one for a week. They were fine. Mechanically this car is great. However, the ride quality has been slowly deteriorating ever since day one. The amount of wind noise makes normal conversation difficult. Rear passengers almost need a kidney belt due to the stiff ride. The dealership says both problems are normal. How do they justify that it keeps getting worse then. I had beaters in college that rode better. Ive owned one in the past and also own a Mercury Cougar. Neither had these problems. Going out shopping this week for a Toyota and Im sure Ill get poor trade in value.

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  Old Folks Car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Merleal2 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Great for trips, poor man luxery car.

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  Happy owner - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Willard - June 13 - 2:23 am

  Have experienced almost eight years of trouble free operation. Vehicle now has 75000 miles. Fuel mileage for our routine shopping is 20+.

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  Great Quanity, Desire more quality. - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Veldboom - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Roominess for peole and luggage is the greatest feature. The seats are not as comfortable as in the 93 Grand Marquis. The engine runs well at 110,000, but several suspension parts needed replacement. Usually I do not need that type of repair. My Camry (with independent suspension) seems smoother on the highway and requires less maintenance.

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  Okay buy - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mike Stevenson - June 4 - 4:36 am

  I always thought that the japanese made a better car but took a chance with Mercury. The Mercury has a good ride and leather but handles horribly, gets 15 MPG, and is bad quallity. I had one mechanical problem after 28,000 and thats all.