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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A Full Size Sports Car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
By EXPAstatetrooper - July 30 - 10:00 amI first saw the Marauder when it was released in fall 2003. I test drove one and liked the handling and power. The seats were very comfortable and it was a lot of fun to drive. The fact that the only color was black inside and out discouraged me from buying. In July 2003 I saw a silver Marauder with light gray (flint) interior and I changed my mind on the spot. The engine is quick to respond and the steering control is very positive. The front bucket seats are extremely comfortable. The car corners very nicely and the BFGoodrich tires hold the road exceptionally well even in heavy rain. I have found owning it to be delightful experience.
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Bring back the Marauder - 2004 Mercury Marauder
By grazniM - June 24 - 2:56 amIncredible Machine. Bought mine used and it totally rocks; owned many large and small cars. This one is a blast to drive, turns heads, is super comfortable, easy to maintain, and for its size (both overall and engine), it gets great mileage - 26.5 on my last trip to DC. Merc really dropped the ball on the marketing of this vehicle.
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American Muscle Lives ! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By spider0101 - June 23 - 10:00 amThere are very few if any vehicles out there that can evoke a visceral feeling when you put the pedal to the metal. The first time I got on this baby my heart skipped a beat and I felt it all the way down my spine. An econo box with a hood scoop just doesnt do it for me and never will. Give me a big bad American V8 pushin 300 hp with attitude.
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Just Missed - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By sbcdrone - June 18 - 10:00 amThe Marauder is almost complete, but has a few flaws. The exhaust system should have been made from the same high-grade stainless steel used on the Buick Grand National. The engine power comes in at high rpm suggesting the Boss 5.4 from the 2002 F-150 would have been a better choice. Opening the trunk in the rain, or just after, is guaranteed to get water in the trunk. The sound system is choked by small speakers, and the rear window antenna is a poor choice. A trunk-mounted power antenna would provide better reception. Fuel milage has been excellent; handling and comfort are what I expected.
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Big Mistake by FoMoCo - 2004 Mercury Marauder
By TomMc - May 27 - 2:33 amThe Mercury Merauder is a truly great automobile. It has it all: Performance, Handling, Looks an all around great pleasure to drive. Ford/Mercury failed miserably to advertise this vehicle and get it out to the public. Examples: GTO, HEMI, these words and advertising are really selling cars. If Mercury had followed suit and made it to the Two Door model and bumped-up horse power versions, this car would be a Buyer "Magnet." I truly feel sorry for those that didnt experience driving the machine...
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Awesome Car for the Price - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By mercmarauder - May 22 - 2:00 amDont let the sticker shock you. These cars can be bought for a little less than $30,000. And you get a ton (really 2 tons) of car for your money. The 302 HP rating must be conservative. The car is FAST. And comfortable. And it handles like a Mustang GT. 17 MPG around town. Room for the whole family. Comfort. Pwer. Performance. Take that Caprice (ahem IMPALA) lovers!
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Wow - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By Trash - May 17 - 6:36 amI just bought my dream car. I paid too much, I dont care! The question above, that said " Fun to Drive" says it all. You step on the gas, and it pushes you in to the plush leather seats at 60+, and then you look and it says 100. Wow! The sound of the engine is a low "gurgle" unexpected from such a small V-8. Having driven it less than 1000 miles, I can only say that it handles well, but on a wet road surface it could definitely get away from you. The quiet interior is only interrupted by the mellow exhaust tones as you depress the accelerator. A pleasure to drive, Im thankful that Im lucky enough to own one of these modern day muscle cars. This is the direction NASCAR should have gone.
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My Favorite Car - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By jdgrules - May 9 - 7:20 pmI had always wanted a Marauder after seeing it in 2002 as a concept. Finally over a year I had a chance to pick one up with 11k on it! Its been the best car ive ever owned, never breaks down and ive done oil changes, tires (which are expensive), and add an k/n intake/exhaust and yes its a little slow outta the gate but she scoots once in motion its like a freight train, and that 4.6 DOHC has the opportunity to be so much more. I can recommend this car to ANYONE, if your even remotely handy with cars this car is a breeze to work on. Thing to keep in mind, the book values on the car are wrong, parts are a little tough and expensive, gas mileage isnt bad, insurance is cheap, and its fun!
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My Next Car....... The Marauder! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By Marty S. - April 17 - 10:00 amYou have to go and find one first, good luck, not many dealers have them yet. But once you do, and you first come upon it, you are awestruck with it`s look, then, it`s overall appearance is fascinating! She rumbles like a Mountain Lion, pure Power yet Luxury as well. This is DEFINITELY MY NEXT CAR, NO QUESTION! WAY TO GO MERCURY! M.S.
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2003 Marauder - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By Zoltan Kovacs - April 13 - 10:00 amGood car , lots of fun and great car club, Mercury Marauder.net
