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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Runs like new - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Rick - December 10 - 9:46 pmI fell in love with my dads 85 Gran Marquis and wanted one ever since. Although I bought my 95 car used a couple years ago with 81,000 miles on it, it runs like a dream. I did have to have the trans rebuilt but it is a small investment to a car that is otherwise mechanically sound. I havent had a problem with it since. With regular maintenance and oil changes, the car more than serves me well. I love it!!
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Problems never addressed - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
By tools1 - December 9 - 2:00 amA consistant problem is the head gasket on the 4,6 liter engine. it commonly leaks and costs +/- $1,500 to fix. Ford also used a plastic manifold that crack with wear, which cost $500 +/- to fix. The last problem is a brake line bracket on the rear crossbeam that can cut & ignite the gas tank during a severe rear end crash. Ford has recalled and fixed public vehicles but has not done the same for everyday consumers. Overall I would never buy this vehicle Ford or Mercury ever again.
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One Great Car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Margarita - December 7 - 2:00 amI bought this car brand new. Its the biggest car I have ever purchased. I have driven Cadillacs, Town Cars,and Buicks and I can tell you this car is equal to any one of them. It is a pleasure to drive.
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Good Old Gal - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Wes - December 7 - 2:00 amYes, the Mercury Grand Marquis is my grandmothers car....except I bought one too. It is a big boat that floats over the highway. If you want near Lincoln luxury at Ford prices...this is your car.
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rkitkt - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Gary Kuhstoss - December 3 - 2:00 amBest car Ive ever owned. I plan to keep it at least 10 years.
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Seats & other problems - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By Ron Rudge - December 3 - 2:00 amI bought this car as a 6 passenger sedan . No way! You cannot put 3 people in the front seat of this car. Noise in or about dash dealer cannot eliminate. Very disturbing. Head rest are a big pain. While backing out of driveway you cannot see to the right with these large headrests. The car has a tendency to drift to the right.
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Great Car - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
By David Carlton - December 3 - 2:00 amThis is my third Grand Marguis, and I think it is the best buy in the Country.
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2000 Grand Marquis - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By RVolley - December 1 - 10:00 amThe only big complaint I have about the car is, the brakes keep squeeking and the rims keep clicking. I am told the brakes squeek because the have steel in them and the rims click because of a design flaw. My dealership told me this. Other than that it is a great car. Alot of car for the money.
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Gorgeous Car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
By David - November 23 - 3:13 amI bought my Marquis in September, I have absolutely no regrets about it. The car is beautiful, it looks better than most town cars. Mine is silver with a black cloth roof, and decked out with chrome. I have never been in a more comfortable car, its very quiet and it rides wonderfully with that air suspension. Its a shame that its viewed as an "old persons car," because I am 20 years old,and love the car. It is extremely easy to handle, park, and drive; people who complain about bad parking or bad handling need to go back to driving school. One last thing, it is excellent in the snow, I live up on hills and let me tell you,snow tires and posi traction rear is great!
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Its an okay car - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
By loveswedcars25 - November 17 - 11:58 pmMy family has had this for 12 years. I have to say, Im surprised it has lasted this long with us. The engine is great. Very powerful and quick to take off. Will definitely spin a pair of tires off. But, the transmission was terrible from the start, and the interior sizing is terrible for a car of its size. Its like they crammed to much sound canceling material into it before they thought about how they were going to fit the seats into it with enough room for the passengers to be comfortable in it. Air is great, I like the fact that it is a climate control system. Radio is terrible. And the rearview mirror is placed entirely to low. I wouldnt recommend this car to really anyone.
