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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  Owner - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Juniper - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2003 model & like it quite well. Front cup holders placement & size flexability need improvement. Why not have tilt-down lighted mirrors for rear passengers? Needs better quality carpeting. Consol lid not convenient for front passenger. Why not have same size tires on front and rear so they can be rotated? I am happy with the handling & performance.

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  Dream To Own And Drive - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Jerry - October 25 - 9:43 am

  This car is a dream if you are interested in performance. It has the power to merge into traffic on the freeway and the power to pass other vehicles on 2 lane roads. I am getting about 23 MPG on the highway and about 20 MPG in the city. It is so comfortable that I can drive this car for 350 miles without stopping and not get tired. There is plenty of room in the back seat for your passengers and there is a center fold down armrest in the back seat. The visibility from to the outside from inside the "cockpit" is excellent and all the gauges are easy to see. The console makes a handy storage area but unfortunately neither it nor the glove compartment lock. I love this car.

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  Must have car, nothing like it driving - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By stevejo - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome, will give whiplash if not careful. Good fit and finish. Lots of attention from people especially when the engine is reving. Have not noticed excessive body roll.

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  The best car ive ever had - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By rayray36 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  From the immaculate interior to the extremly fast v8 the mercury marauder is by far the best thing that has come out of ford in a while..

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  A car for me - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Stephen B. - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Its about time someone built a fun car for big people. Im 62" and dont fit in any of the Hondas, Nissans or Toyotas.This big Merc has it all. Power, handling, braking and fun to drive. I missed out on the last Impala but I drove a couple. Glad I waited for the Maurader. Its build quality is much better and it handles better and is faster.

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  Marauding in the Marauder - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Csmejkal - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The handling is great. Taking corners with some speed feels like you are one with the road. She makes you want to push her and see how she handles. The acceleration is just, well, take her for a ride and find out!

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  MARAUDER A JOY TO DRIVE - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By DON ROEHRICH - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my Marauder approx. 3500 miles and think it is really great. This car is fun to drive, very solid and built good. I like the car better every time I drive it.

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  THIS CAR IS AWESOME - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By 2003Marauder - August 26 - 2:00 am

  when i first got in this car i didnt think it was going to be what it really is. This car is a great combination of a large car... with a lot of power and speed. This car is great on the freeway, great high end torque. it really gets you moving. Everyone that is writing bad reviews has a problem with either ford, or they are gealous that this car is so good

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  BEST FORD YET - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By DeLoreanNorthstar - August 20 - 2:00 am

  The car just arrived today so ive only owned it for a few hours now but IT IS AWSOME! its like a cool cop car! its so fun to drive, everyone double takes a look (not sure if its a cop or kid) its just a whole lot of fun. (almost as fun as my DeLorean) Its beefy and sounds it too (although i wish it had deeper exhaust)

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  Marauder loaded - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By MarauderRARE - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Had the car 2 months now. Im a young guy(30s) and beleive it or not, previously owned 2 Grand Marquis. Liked them but decided for something with a little more attitude. Certainly found it with this beast. I love the car, but it has fit & finish issues. Im very disappointed with inconsistent spacing between doors and roof panels. Not acceptable for a car that lists for $37,000. Dash started to come apart on pass. side. Dealer fixed that. Yet driver side doors are still mounted improperly causing paint to chip in door jams. Dealer fixed that, but gaps between door and roof are inconsistent with pass. side. How does this make it past quality control at the assembly plant? Unacceptable!