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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  2003 Mercury Marauder - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By GH - April 21 - 5:23 am

  Bought mine new in October 2002. Just broke 39000 miles in August 2007. No real issues. Electrical system cant keep up with electrical load at idle. Reason is Marauder alternator has built in slip clutch, allows more HP at idle and top end. Pop it in neutral and step on emergency brake. Quiet and tight car. Go to Ford and purchase Police Interceptor badge for $10.00, slap it on and see the cars slow down. Car has been looked at by CHP, FHP, local PD, none has ever said take badge off. They ask wat kind of car it is; I show badge, say a Police Interceptor, open hood show engine, they say Oh yeah. Wish it came with Mustang 390 HP engine.

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  Rosss (04) Maurader - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Ross R. Raymond - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have finally found the perfect car (for me),its big,beautiful and very responsive!,I also get what I consider good milage for a two ton plus car.

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  2003 Marauder - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By barry - March 24 - 2:23 am

  I love the handleing and performance of this vehicle and also has a incredible ride

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  Gentlemans Hot Rod - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Fman - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Mild enough at idle to not scare youngsters, but loud enough when you step on the gas, that bystanders know this is not just a Grand Marquis. Everywhere I go, I get complimentary comments about my Marauder. Once the rpms exceed about 3000, this motor literally screams. I traded a supercharged 3.8 Pontiac SSEI for this vehicle and find it superior in all categories...about the same on mileage, but I didnt buy it to make great mileage. A bonus...while coming up fast on traffic on the Interstate, many will move over-not sure if Im one of the "stealth" police Crown Vics ;)

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  Muscle is back - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By chapel1 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive,awsome highway performance and really cool looking polished 18" wheels.Has a really nice stance with the higher profile rear tires.Draws looks from young and old and even lots attention from SS Impala fans.Hope Mercury can keep this car going for years.Im impressed for Mercs first attempt in years at a performance 4-Dr automoble.

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  A real peformer - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Robert Hemlak - January 29 - 3:03 am

  I researched this auto for eight months before purchasing. I agreed with the negative comments about slow acceleration from a complete stop,I also agreed with the poor performence of the "audio" system. I corrected the slow acceleration problem by enlarging the air intake and the exhaust from manifold to tail pipe tips. The standard 3.55 gear ratio was lowered considerably. I addresed the audio problems by replacing the monoral amp.with more power and upsized the factory woofer with a quality larger one.

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  Power and Style - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Smokie - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased four days ago, 14.5 mpg. on first refill, engine seems tight, with less low end torque than I expected, however after about 200 miles I noticed a continuing improvement in take off speed and also in torque when down shifting. The car responds much quicker and with less gas pedal the more I drive it. I love the way it sounds and the handling is excellent for its size. I have not floored it yet and I dont believe I will until about 1000 miles. The car has not disappointed me yet; it is exactly what I want it. Luxury, Power, Good looks.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By skp369 - December 31 - 12:30 am

  Excellent all around car. Great acceleration, braking, and handling. Its like driving your lazy boy and having a sports car with room for the kids.

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  What a Blast! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By bigbaga - December 22 - 10:00 am

  After driving Lincoln Town Cars and then Navigators for the past 15 years I said, "what the heck", its time for this 50 something suit wearing professional to try this "hot rod". What a Blast! The evening I picked this up at the dealership it was sitting inside the service department. When the salesman started this car in that cavernous garage the sound was so awesome I wished I didnt have to stay to do the paperwork! This car is the bargain of the decade! Comfort, all the amenities and 300+ hp of tire smoking, put you back in the seat power for just over $30K! Why hasnt this car caught on? It will definately stay in my collection!

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  lotsafun - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By fblumberg - December 9 - 2:00 am

  got dennis reinhart upgrade#1 needs new double exhaust and sway bar for stage 2 eventually a vortek system for 45o hp gotta love it... id buy another for a 2nd car... traded a 2001 towncar for it im 45 so its like the cars i grew up with..