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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  Exactly What the Doctor Ordered! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Dan Berger - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been in law enforcement for 28 years, attended all the high-speed police driving courses -- Im even a certified anti-terrorist driving instructor. I wanted exactly what the Marauder is: understated, beautiful, powerful, and comfortable. This one is a real head-turner! I simply added tint and a CD changer. It rides like a Lincoln on steroids with a real suspension; corners like it means business. But please dont buy one! I like being the sole owner in my area of such a fine piece of American automotive engineering!

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  Love this car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By speedfan - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room, great style, headturner, yes a little slow off the line then watch out. Perfect audio. Very comfy and very safe. Very few cars will keep up with it. This IS the perfect car.

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  Great buy and wont sell it! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Bill Christ - September 29 - 2:50 pm

  Found my 03 Marauder unsold in dealers lot September 07 with 170 KM on it. Bought it $20K less than sticker price. Regretted buying but found I never will sell it. Even my wife loves to drive it! Gas mileage is not good, but in third year of ownership, all I worry about is regular maintenance - no problems. I stupidly installed new snow tires on 17" rims -- my Marauder is running at higher RPMs to run the smaller tirees and the traction control must be turned to off after 40 MPG with the smaller 17" tires, but with snows, I go EVERYWHERE in our Minnesota winter -- I love the my Marauders power, flexibility, and snow travel ability!

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  GetOneNow - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Jammin Joe - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Too bad Ford never ADVERTISED this car! The only way I discovered that it existed was seeing it on the cover of an auto rag. This is an EXCELLENT car, worthy of much more acclaim than it will ever receive, as I believe its been slated for discontinuance (Most likely because no one told the marketing department about it!).

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  2004 Mercury Marauder - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By elsidjr33 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  The car comes fully equipped and the only major option being a moonrroof. The seating is comfortabe for five and a large trunk for their luggage. It is not a drag car but it can hold its own with most daily drivers and get you there in real comfort. You need the cruse control or you find your self exceeding your estimated speed. Fit and finish is very good and they got the torque converter stall and transmission shifting on target. The torque and HP peak at high rpm which gives a real high speed kick. Getting 24 mpg on the road its a pleasure to drive and even my wife loves to drive it.

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  Everything I expected and MUCH more. - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By RobBrad - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Tremendous automobile . Successfully blends a Mustang SVT Cobra with the full size luxury of a Lincoln Town Car It is fast, fun , comfortable, luxurious, AND gets LOADS more " street comments " than I expected. Plus it is an absolute stealth fighter for anyone who does not have a clue how fast it is , or is just trying to find out.

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  If money was no object - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By DONP1217 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car, overall, that I have ever driven. I would pick this car over all others even if money was no object.

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  2004 Mercury Marauder - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By CT Marauder - May 25 - 12:40 pm

  To date I have never done anything to her other than normal maintenance work you would expect. Tires, brakes a couple of light bulbs. For its weight @ 4200 lbs or 2tons the car has plenty of power and handels better than you would figure on a full size 4 door. The ride and comfort for a full size muscle car is exceptional to say the least. Many changes were made to it so it would stand out above the Grand Marquies. No more conventional stearing has rack and pinion. Forged control arms with a better front and rear suspension and larger sway bars. Heavy duty transmision and coolers for it. Mustang rear end gears and so much more.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By mm2003 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  An EXCELLENT family car with power and performance.

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  Middle Age - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Andy Peclet - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Middle aged means you have been around long enough to drive cool cars. Could this be all that Mercury says? Answer YES! The first time my fat middle aged butt hit the seat I knew. Hit the key and the beast comes to life. Get salesman in car and advise to stay calm. This is not grandma going to bingo. The urge hits. Mash the peddle and the Maurader roars to life. At a buck 20 the salesmans pacemaker starts to fail, back to the showroom to sign some paper. Turn heads you bet. Fun car yep. Great job Mercury. Adding an addtional 60 HP with the new chip it even gets better. If you got one enjoy it. If you want one get it. If you dont like em tough #!%&.