Overview & Reviews

You're excused if you don't recall the original full-size Mercury Marauder "fastbacks" of the 1960s. Not as hard-edged as their full-sized competition of the early '60s nor as lean or brutally quick as their pony-car and midsize "muscle car" rivals later in the decade, the sporty Marauder sedans and personal luxury coupes sold in relatively small numbers.

The Mercury Marauder offered big-block power, an upscale interior and a persona that projected elegant, refined performance. But by the time it was retired after the 1970 model year, the big Marauder was out of fashion and had simply run its course. Only after a mid-'90s resurrection of the big, bad full-size muscle car genre by the Chevrolet Impala SS did Mercury try its luck nearly a decade later by bringing out its roomy and powerful Marauder.

Based on the full-size body-on-frame Grand Marquis sedan, the Marauder debuted with an upgraded engine, bigger wheels and tires, a sport-tuned suspension, bucket seats, special interior trim and an exterior paint job in "any color you want as long as it's black."

Though there was considerable initial interest in the car, performance enthusiasts never quite fell in love. In particular, although the Marauder's performance was respectable -- it could hit 60 mph in the 7-second range -- it didn't have the tire-spinning grunt off the line that marked a true muscle car. After two years of slow sales, Mercury shelved the Marauder name once again.

Most Recent Mercury Marauder

The Grand Marquis-based Mercury Marauder was produced for 2003 and '04. Initially sold only in black (blue, silver and red became available later), the car had a definite undercover cop car look to it thanks to the blacked-out grille, dark-tinted headlights and taillights, large five-spoke chrome wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips. Inside, Mercury replaced the more traditional big-car column shifter with a sportier floor-mounted selector along with bucket seats and a center console.

Adding an old-school touch was a pair of Auto Meter gauges for oil pressure and volts, while new-school power-adjustable pedals allowed most anybody to get comfortable behind the wheel. Leather upholstery was standard fare, and was wrapped around big, soft power front buckets that reminded some folks of first-class airline seats. Although they featured pronounced side bolsters, we found the padding a bit too soft to provide serious lateral support when putting the Marauder through its paces.

The Mercury Marauder was motivated by a 4.6-liter DOHC V8 with 302 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque. The engine -- the same one used in the Ford Mustang Cobra before it received a supercharger -- was connected to a beefed-up four-speed automatic and a limited-slip rear differential. The Marauder's excessive weight precluded neck-snapping performance off the line, but once the four-cam V8 hit its stride, the big Merc really pulled with authority. Driven sedately, the automatic changed gears seamlessly, but with your foot in it upshifts occurred quickly, with a satisfying shove to your backside.

As with Ford's other 2003 full-size sedans, the Mercury Marauder benefited from a major update that year, including a new frame and redesigned front suspension. For the Marauder, Mercury also added a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels.

In our experience putting the Marauder through twists and turns, fast sweepers and steady freeway cruises, we were impressed with how well this 2-ton-plus car performed. Although it provided a soft, comfortable ride under normal conditions, the Marauder also handled spirited driving with ease. Body roll was minimal with a neutral attitude, and the steering was light yet direct, with its variable-assist feature offering more weight with increasing speed.

A lack of off-the-line snap was the car's major fault. Though we never were able to perform instrumented testing, other published reports at the time pegged the car's 0-60-mph time in the mid 7-second range. Put simply, there was just too much weight and not enough low-end torque.

Still, the Mercury Marauder's lack of success as a new model pretty much guarantees rarity as a used model. We can recommend it without reservation for a used car shopper in search of a traditional full-size sedan with lots of room and V8 power, topped off with a healthy dose of attitude and uniquely American style.

User Reviews:

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  Knee Knocker - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By soyasay - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I ve had the car a couple weeks. I have put right at 1000 miles on her. Im a few years over fifty and I still like a car that runs and performs well. The last 5 or 6 years I have drove SUVs The wife wanted a car this time. This Merc fits the bill.It has size and finesse. I think the engine performs great along with the gear set up. The ride is a little stiff but it is not a lincoln. Mine is silver. The interior leather is very nice. I have to be very careful because this baby could get this old man in a lot of trouble.

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  Bring back the oldies - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Scott Tallman - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Super car, but dont try and back it up at nite. the backup lights are not very bright, have been blacked out by Ford. The ride isnt quite as comfortable as the regular Marquis because of the low slung tires the Marauder has. This is my 4th Grand Marquis, so I thought Id try the new Marauder. Its a joy to drive as long as the road isnt bumpy and its not at nite. Scott Tallman

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  Great Car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Art - May 31 - 1:53 am

  Fun to drive. Excellent performance. Love the exhaust sound. Gets lots of compliments from variety of ages. Great backroad driver as well as long trips. Probably the best car I have ever owned as far as a pleasure to drive and sheer fun.

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  Five Years - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By chapel1 - May 10 - 1:20 am

  Still as much fun as when I bought it 4 years ago. Best Advice, get a power tune or a chip, Your transmission will shift smoother and your engine will awaken from its factory EPA settings. Big Black and Fast! And still nice enough to take on vacation or out to dinner. You can achieve 23 mpg fully loaded at highway speeds.

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  Love my Marauder - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By jeffn - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Handles well, no slop in the steering and no "floating" in curves or on bumpy roads. It is slow off the mark but quickly picks up once the tach reaches 3000. It has the quiet ride that youd expect from Ford and the leather seats are quite luxurious.

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  Marauder fun - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By bigpapaC - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The pick up is excellent, faster that of 1996 Imapala SS. Ihave raced 3 or 4 on the streets of Detroit, none have even came close to winning. Loud pipes, chrome wheels, and dark tents, make the Marauder a head turner, and a favorite with tennage boys

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  mercury marauder 2003 - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By nonie - March 26 - 2:00 am

  overall great, except side mirrors are too high and limit turning visibility.

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  Coping... - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By jameslowell - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The combination of looks, sound, and performance are only surpassed by the frequent looks and comments my Marauder has received. Originally I felt the car could use additional starting-out-ooomph but as it (and you) get some miles you realize the unnecessar-iness of that. I have had a 96GSvette, 2-Z28s, and a 2000CamaroSS and, yes, during all that time my 96TownCar (a teen once commented "my GranDaddy has a towncar like that !"). This Marauder exceeds my appreciation for them all when considering good looks, awesome variable sound, superb handling - with the Marauder though, I get in it each time and do not ponder my "next car".

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  Super Street Cruizer - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By SuperSleeper - January 16 - 2:00 am

  i own 1 of 2 blue marauders in cali, its the perfect sleeper! cant wait to drop in a new cat-back exhaust system, headers, intake, tb, and kenne bell s/c!

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  Its ALL THAT - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By MRS. G - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall its a great car. I really enjoy highway driving, and this car is exceptional there. It handles curves smoothly and is very comfortable. The ease in excelleration is remarkably smooth no sudden jolts when it goes into overdrive. I Love my MAURAUDER!!!