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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1996 Grand Marquis, great car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By donguy - February 22 - 10:00 amThis is the best vehicle I have ever owned. 204,000 miles and I still have the original transmission, water pump, alternator, air conditioner, fuel pump, no engine work and only 3 sets of tires. I still get 26 mpg on the highway. A really great car. The only complaint I have had was that the intake manifold broke at 170000 miles. It was made out of plastic. It was replaced with a revised model. Ford should have performed a recall on this.
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Kids call it my GEEZER - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
By WAM - February 17 - 3:50 pmLove my Ultimate got T-boned in a 2005 walked away unharmed cant say same for guy who ran red light. Safety and a good large American car built with good steel kept me in good shape. Went next day to same dealer and he put me in a 2006 for my insurance check. Recommend business with Rich Morton of Annapolis any day. Car is comfortable for a big guy like me at 260lbs and my wife at 115lbs and at my age in sales I dont need to impress anyone with wasteful spending.
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Legal Car Theft - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Patrick McCarthy - February 16 - 10:10 amAn American icon. V8 with outstanding mileage and comfort. Quiet and good handling. On the way home from the dealer, it was getting over 26 mpg! Should get 30+ mpg with a K/N+Flowmaster+Mobil One. American V8 performance! I feel like my Father in the 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s always big Mercs. MSRP $26190 + dealer added deep tint glass. GS w/Drivers Conf.Grp. We stole our Norsea Blue one for under $17900! Compared to other cars. So much for so little! Highest 5 star safty! Thousands less than noisy tiny small 4cyl cars at 26 mpg? Gorgeous, classy, safe. Drive one, steal one, we did, its legal! Thanks Dad, Im proud this Mercury reminds me of you. Miss you!......Your Son
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my big merc - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ford4v460 - February 7 - 2:00 amgreat car, the style and feel, i will buy another one when this ones has had enough......
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My 2001 Mercury Grand LS - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Julia - February 5 - 5:23 pmSecond Grand Marguis LS Ive owned and its because they drive and ride so easy and have such power. Roomy, comfortable, luxury at its best. I love it. Someone backed into me in the Arbys parking lot once and I had to have it repaired. The Robert Hutson dealership did a great job. I always had service done at 3,000 miles and have not had any problems.
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Lots of fuel pumps - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By mattamypat - February 2 - 10:00 amMy car has slightly over 36,000 miles on it. I just had to replace the fuel pump for the second time, imagine with only slightly over 36,000 miles. I am 76 years old, I had to have my car towed yesterday in 90 degree heat. It cost me over $540 for a stinking fuel pump for the second time. I have contacted Mercury via phone, both the 800-521-4140 number and the number you get when you join their user club or whatever it is. They wont do a thing, they wont let you talk to anyone who can make a valid decision. You get to talk to phone-flunkies answering flunkies and that is it. Some support, I have owned my last Mercury.
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Really nice car - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Robert - January 26 - 10:00 amMost driving is around town. A very comfortable city ride over railroad tracks and street bumps and the many turns made at intersections.
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never buy another one - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By anthony caggiano - January 15 - 2:00 ambought car new,had trouble with check engine light,transmission,front end,all before 25000 miles.Dealer on three returns was unable to fix check engine light.Dealer indifferent,as was manufacturer
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Mercury Marquis is a legend - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Tom Macedo - January 13 - 5:50 amWe bought this car as a used vehicle for my wife and a family car as we have grandsons. It was a hertz rental with 22,000 miles on it. This vehicle has performed extremely well, with super handling and comfort and most of all it is a safe vehicle for my wife in town and on the highway. Power is great and gas mpg is good. As a race car driver in the past, I really like rear wheel drive and this car has met all my expectations!
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Great Car - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Billy Boy - December 22 - 10:00 amThis is my third Grand Marquis, and by far the best of all. They just keep getting better and better. I always put over 100000 miles on them before trading, with no major problems. Also, I get the dual exhaust model, as it adds a few more horsepower to the already peppy 4.6L.
