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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  creacher comforts lacking. - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By insurance man - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great ride especially on highway, front passenger and driver comfort excellent,poor front arm rests, they should have storage compartments for cds, and stuff, cup holder not eaey to get to. Rear passenger room lacking for such a large car. huge trunk, but placement of spare tire takes up too much space.

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  Mercury gets high marks - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bryce Acree - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Lots of "bang for the buck". Commpare the Grand Marquis to models like the Toyota Avalon? Avalons price approaches 30k but a Grand Marquis can be had for between 21 and 23k . Then compare the price of repair parts and there is a huge difference. (The GM being far less expensive to repair, of course)

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  04 Grand Marquis - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Mojave2k - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Fords best kept secret, the Grand Marquis. Ford did an upgrade of the steering and suspension in 2003 adding variable rack and pinion steering and a new "boxed" frame, they already have a "watts link" rear suspension. They come with big 4 wheel duel piston anti lock discs, and "traction control". And 225/60/16 Michelins for tires. Ford does not advertise these cars much, but if you look, what you will find is that they share many main components with the new F-150 truck. The 4.6 V8 engine, the same 4-speed auto transmission, and the same solid axle rear end. They are built like a truck and drive like a Jaguar and sold at a Camry price.

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  Grand Marquis - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Brian Nadler - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle provides a refined quiet ride. It is powered by a 4.6 liter overhead cam v8. This is the same engine which powered the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar up till 1997. Being a heavier vehicle Grand Marquis does not have the same level of pickup as 8 cylindar Thunderbirds and cougars of the 1990s. Performance may be imporved by added the performance package with dual exhausts. Finally, I would like to see Mercury add a Tachometer to the intrumentation. This is a very practical way to confirm the transmission is in overdrive and visualize low engine rpm at highway spped.

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  Loyal Marquis fan - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By William Balla - December 27 - 2:03 am

  This is my third Grand Marquis and I have never been disappointed in any of them. Others cant come close to the comfort and smooth ride that this car gives. A very dependable auto.

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  LSE more fun! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Chris Raaths - December 24 - 1:30 pm

  This is my 4th Crown Vic/Marquis. Engine had more power than before. This one has the LSE package, similar to HPP package, but buckets and a floor shifter, like the Crown Vic Sport. Handles much better than previous models. Fuel economy about the same, with more power. Seats are comfortable. Sound system is good. Fuel economy is do-do around town (as these cars have always been so-so) about 18 mpg. On the highway, 26 mpg. Better choice comfort and MPG wise than my old Tahoe.

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  !Highway Trip Car! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Fordy - December 6 - 9:03 pm

  I bought it to make highway trips, and that is what it excels at. I would not buy this for cruising around town. This car is built to do speed, and to have a sure foot on the highway, and it does with the right tires, not Michelin. It has aggressive gearing I like to get acceleration, and to be able to do 140 MPH. The ride is great and quiet on the highway, not the best, but up there. This is best bought as a Used vehicle since you get the best deal for the value. I only recommend the Ultimate edition, because this car is not worth the money without all the goodies. Plenty of room width-wise, no bumping elbows. Big trunk for all you luggage.

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  Car That Grandpa Almost Never Drove - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By John from So. Fla. - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 96 LS as an estate sale from a relative in Las Vegas. This vehicle had sat for one year under a carport near McAllen, Tx....Was in pristine condition w/only 24.8K mi. Paid $200 less than Wholesale. However at 32K mi. had to replace lower control arms (Ball joints rusted on from long term standing).Excellent vehicle /comfortable /Hwy cruiser. 24-25mpg@65, 22-23@70, 18- 19 local....Now live in So. Fla..All the old guys drive Grand Marquis... Great car ! !

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  1993 mercury grand marq - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By al maiorino - November 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is totally repair free even when you abuse it. car will run forever very comfortable

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  NEW CAR IMPRESSIONS - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By RAY - November 12 - 2:00 am

  DOWSHIFTS ARE FAR TOO AGRESSIVE, AS COMPARED TO A 93 CHEVROLET LTZ