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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  my mercury marquis - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JB Wright - April 11 - 6:06 pm

  this vehicle is everthing I expected it to be, my father in law has had 2 and I always felt like I would appreciate the car so when a one owner, always garage kept came available, I bought the car. It has been every thing I thought it would be, extremly comfortable with plenty of room and power. I will definetly buy another one. I have always owned Park Avenues and Buick Electras but I am sold on the Grand Marquis.

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  2nd Marquis - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Boston Girl - April 9 - 6:26 pm

  I had already owned a Grand Marquis and was looking for a new car. I test drove a Chevy Impala and Ford Fusion. I bought another Marquis because the price and ride was great and I know that it wont need a lot of future repairs. I wish it was sporty looking instead of a grampa car.

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  Bullet Proof - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Tieden - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Most under appreciated car on the road today. If your looking for a small neo- hippy car or a glitzy peacock vehicle dont look at the merc. but if you need a to hell and back in comfort and reliability you cannot look anywhere else. I do alot of highway driving and at 70 mph+ I average 31-33.5 mpg depending on AC usage. show me any v8 import lux sedan that gets that mpg and then compare price tags and reliability. this platform is something that should never be discontinued its a mark of American quality. Im 31 and I get asked why I drive an old man car and I respond because old men know quality and dont have time for less.

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  Good Reliability - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mark - March 25 - 8:16 pm

  I got this car at 40,000 miles for free from my dad. It took some getting used to but it is alright for now. Its too floaty and cant get comfortable in the front seats. Ford needs to redesign this 70s interior. Pay me a couple hundred grand and I will tell you how to do it Ford. It is obvious you are overpaying your help with this one. The only thing I like about it is it has not broken down yet. What the heck is wrong with Ford for not having anti-lock brakes standard on this car. Give me a break. Its like I am in my dads Impala from the 70s. The car has decent headlights and hopefully will get me around this winter with no problem.

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  Edmunds is wrong - 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Martin/GA - March 23 - 8:10 am

  I see Edmunds has graciously given the GM a 6.5 where the owners have a 9.1. I will agree with the owners. Yes this car is outdated which caused me to keep looking. I kept coming back. It now has features no other car has, bench seats. All the newer cars have copied the Euros and the Japanese with bucket seats and hamster motors. These killed my back and I am not a senior citizen. My back does not hurt anymore and I actually look forward to going to work ( gliding to work). Flew to Las Vegas and road tripped it home at 27 MPG. I am getting 20.3 driving to work. My 08 Sentra only got 30. Edmunds, you keep your Acuras & Hondas with the narrow seats. My American bottom will be in an American car.

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  2001 Mercury Grand Marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Frank1938 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  After 18 months have had no problems at all. I have had screws to come out of door handles & various small glitches with interior hadware Overall a very good car

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  Nice car but ride could be improved - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Edward Briggs - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Air Conditioner worked great. 8 way power seat and back lumbar kept me from getting fatigued on I-95 Plenty of power from 4.6 liter V-8 allowed us to merge safely. Plenty of trunk space for our luggage. Smooth ride on Interstate but a little herky jerky on secondary roads. Plenty of cabin room for us to stretch out 4 speed auto tranny shifted great. I like the outside buttons on the drivers door, in case you lock your keys inside. Spare tire is steel full size rim, and you can use it when you rotate wheels. Remote control from key ring is convienient to lock and unlock trunk lid and doors. Headlights give ample candle power at night driving.

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  98 Grand Marquis - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By george49024 - February 19 - 6:34 pm

  I bought the car for $2000 with 86,000 miles on it. Great car. At about 118k the plastic intake got a crack in it causing the engine to quickly over heat and warp the heads. This is a problem with these motors. You can look it up on the net. The same motors are found in the Crown Vics and the 8cy mustangs. I replaced the motor with another one with about 118k on it which I replaced with a after market intake manifold made out of aluminum instead of plastic. It ran until about 136k it was totaled in a 5 car highway accident during a ice storm. I took kidding about it being a "grandpa" car but I loved the car. Would buy again but replace the intake manifold. Best 2 grand ever spent.

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  Interstate Traveler - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Road Warrior - February 16 - 4:16 pm

  Ive had this Mercury about 30 days, we just got back from a trip. It was a very nice highway traveler. It got decent mileage (24 MPG). It has a lot of safety features for the money!!!

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  Missing my Merc - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By macq - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I had been driving a Buick Park Ave for the last five years and became spoiled for a large highway cruiser. I wanted to get a Lincoln Towncar (mostly because, hey, its a Towncar) but found that the Grand Marquis was, basically, a Lincoln for alot less cash. So far, my only complaints are that it isnt as quiet as my Buick. There is annoying wind noise at highway speeds that make me want to turn the stereo up. Also, the factory tires spin on wet pavement when accelerating moderately from a stop. Unfortunately, I havent driven it in over 10 months since I have been in Iraq but looking forward to returning to those smooth leather seats soon.