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 Marquis is Junk - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Sam - February 15 - 6:46 amThis car is junk. I cant even start it half the time. The alarm system will not disarm. It had a water leak and smells like swamp water. There is nowhere to put anything. It is total junk. Ive already had to replace the exhaust system. It is basically $22,000 worth of junk. I will never own another. Thats a promise. Mercury will fix nothing. 36,000 miles and you own it baby.
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2001 Grand Marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By captjohnr - February 8 - 10:00 amIve owned 2 other Grand Marquis(1985,1990) and this one is the best. It rides better, runs better and gets better mileage than the others. I hope Mercury keeps building their rear wheel drive line of luxury cars forever!
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Lots of car for the money! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Jay Taylor - February 4 - 10:00 amThis is the 1st Mercury Ive bought in 33 years. The last one was a 1964 Park Lane and that was a powerful car. I am very pleased thus far after trading in my 1995 Park Ave. Though the ride on the Park Ave was a bit smoother,this Mercury is much more responsive and a lot more fun to drive. Gas milage overall about 22.5 MPG-Not bad for a 235 horse power V8-Its the LSE model-- very close to the Maurader-very sporty!
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Great Car - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tp - January 30 - 10:00 amThis is the most comfortable, dependable car weve ever owned.
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True Blue American Icon - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By 0rnery - January 26 - 11:44 pmFull frame, V8 Rear Wheel Drive. The only configuration Ill ever own. Been driving Grand Marquis and Town Cars for over thirty years, and that will be the same till I die. I work on my own cars and have never purchased new. These cars are rugged, reliable and cheap & easy to fix. Thats why police departments, taxi companies and rental agencies chose this platform. Just bought this 2004 Ultimate sixteen months ago with 80K on it, and have not been disappointed. Got a documented 28MPG on a recent 600 mile trip. No doubt it will hold up like all my past FOMOCO cruisers. That means at least 15 more trouble free years in my possession. Batteries, tires and brakes are no "trouble".
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Great cruiser - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
By jsilvey - January 24 - 10:33 pmLove this car. 42 years old, 3 kids. Comfy as any car I have owned - and I usually buy a car ever 12 months. Very low ownership cost, reliable, dependable, handles anything I can throw at it. Same basic drivetrain and build as police cars - built to withstand abuse. Large, safe, and anyone can work on it. Body on frame is a cheap fix in case of an accident. Runs alternative fuel - E85, reduces greenhouse gasses by 25%. Great way to start driving capital towards alternative fuel infrastructure while supporting American workers. Great car for return-on-investment folks - purchase one that has taken a little depreciation and you can own it cheap and have no large long-term ownership costs.
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Best Car Ever! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Pat Malarkey - January 10 - 10:00 amWho likes going to work? But I love driving to work in my Grand Marquis. This is my third Grand Marquis in 10 years and I am 100% satisfied. The car is fast, comfortable, and runs strong. I set the temperature and the car heats or cools the cabin automatically. I hope my next Grand Marquis is just as good! Rear wheel drive cars are great!
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Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Dwight Squires - January 2 - 10:00 ammy third Crown Vic. Very reliable. Great highway car. Very durable. I use it for business, often drive 500 miles in a day.
