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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  Built to last - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Tony - November 13 - 5:23 pm

  Bought this car with 85,000. I use it for commuting back and forth to work, approximately 25 miles each way. I now have 118000 miles on it and I can honestly say it is the most comfortable, best handling and quite car I have ever owned. Mileage is around 22 mpg in mixed traffic. Very adaquate power and have had no mechanical problems beyond normal wear. I know this has the old man stigma but for the price this is the best car you can buy.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Chappy91 - November 12 - 5:36 am

  I needed a reliable second car for the family and the dealership had this cream-puff on the lot. Garage kept, prestine condition. Have had it two weeks and am enjoying the 45 mile round trip commute to work. Surprisingly great gas milage, I use premium in the tank. Smoother than silk ride, corners like a dream. I definitely feel safe having my family in the car. I forsee many excellent years in this beauty. By the way, this is my first Ford...swore I would never own one...previously only owned Japanese or German...making a believer out of me.

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  After the hard work, a smooth ride home - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By AJ - November 12 - 5:30 am

  I bought a second-hand car after graduation for office commuting. I grew up playing with Matchbox cars and I never imagined I would be driving a rear wheel drive large American sedan one day. Nearly three years and 28,000 miles later, I am still in love with my car. Aside from regular maintenance and a few niggles (door rattle), it has not cost me anything to maintain. I fill it, shut it, and forget it. My friends and relatives were apprehensive when I chose it over a fuel efficient Japanese car, but now all of them enjoy riding in it. The car is very reliable. It is also fun to drive. Considering its size, it maintains traction in high-speed turns and it is nimble while parking

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  Gas Mileage Poor???? - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By papasmith - November 3 - 2:38 am

  I am not sure if others who are complaining of poor gas mileage have a different engine or what in their GM but, in my case, this car gets excellent gas mileage for its size. On road trips, my GM will get 28MPG and a bit more. This is with around 120k. We have not have the car tuned or anything else to enhance gas mileage. This is no hype or exaggeration. Now, I know that it is listed to give 22MPG Hwy as the official number. That might be true when it is new but, once it is broken in, the MPG shoots up. This is a very comfortable and reliable car for the most part. This why they and Crown Vic are popular as taxis and cop cars.

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  A Great Traditional American Car - 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Clifford W - October 25 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car from an older fellow in Feb. 2010 for the sole purpose of replacing my Oldsmobile Aurora. This Grand Marquis is not as advanced or as modern as the car it replaced but the ride and comfort far surpass anything on the road today. I have driven many cars from Acura to Volvo and can personally say that Ford did a great job on keeping the traditional American sedan alive. It is a shame Ford is discontinuing the Panther platform of cars ( Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Town Car) as of 2011 because I am now sold on these excellent cars. The Performance is good for its almost 3800 pound mass and the powertrain is smooth and responsive. I highly recommend you test drive one today!

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  Only one complaint - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Monty - October 24 - 7:26 am

  Overall a roomy comfortable car. Mostly older men buy them, but good for young, big guys too. Lower lumbar support and power seats were great. Smooth ride

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  Best Full Size Sedan in America. - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Austin - October 19 - 6:10 am

  The Grand Marquis represents an incredible value. I looked at the Avalon, Maxima and Camry and none of them even came close on value. The Grand Marquis has a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs for thousands less than the imports. This is the most comfortable car that I have owned. Gas mileage is very good for a full size vehicle (23.5 City & 30 Highway). It has top safety ratings in all categories. Do yourself a favor and test drive one of these before you decide to buy an import.

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  I am happy - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By kittkatt - October 17 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Crown Victoria since 1997 I am use to the big car feel. The Marquis is very similar to the Crown Victoria and the drive is just as good.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Dwight - October 15 - 4:56 pm

  I bought this car new, enjoyed it very much. Has 60,000 miles, 23 average mpg, better on trips. I think its a quiet car overall, the only thing I dont like is a start up engine knock but its been doing that all the time and I lost a center hub cap. The car runs great, plenty of power for me, good ride.

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  Good Car - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By 631rob1991 - October 13 - 5:16 pm

  Had bought the 96 GM second hand for $400. Great investment. Drove smooth as can be. I enjoyed the spacious interior. The V8 gave it good pep.