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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  This car is functional and fast - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Terry S - January 17 - 2:00 pm

  I owned a 96 Chevy Impala SS before trading on the 2004 Mercury Marauder. I wasnt really sure I was doing the right thing, because I really loved the Impala SS. But, having the Marauder for over a year now, I can tell you this car is really the best car for a big guy [64", 275 lbs]with a family. When you need to get the family to church on Sunday, it has ample room for five adults. During the week, when you are driving alone for work or pleasure, it has the same high performance the SS had. It has very nice handling to go along with the power, and the brakes are nice and tight for quick stops. I give this car an "A" and plan to hold on to it for a very long time. Total reliability!!!

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  Overall great car to play with - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By cmarek - January 10 - 3:30 pm

  This beastly ride is great! It may not have the initial tire-chirping torque that marks a true muscle car, however it does get up to speed quite quickly and keeps up better with traffic than its crown vic, police interceptor, or grand marquis brethren. Not to mention the leather seats are comfortable and make you feel very relaxed, and the car rides smooth down the highway thanks to the self-leveling air suspension in the back. This car is a real head turner also, even bone stock cause its one you dont see everyday unless you personally own one like me :D. This ride is a great keeper for anyone who is lucky enough to have one.

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  o3 mercury marauder - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By j.n. brown - December 14 - 2:00 am

  very nice car not a all out hotrod but very capable decent ride and good handeling we have owned 14 porsche autos and other high performance cars and like the mercury very much .

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  Myrauder - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Mattotack - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car. Great to drive. Great handling. Great Interrior. Great Exterrior. Great Sound. Great Engine. Great Car. Just great everything

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  Great Car - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By jimb - October 16 - 4:43 am

  Second owner, purchased at 17k miles, now have 118K miles. Other than routine maintanance the car has been completely trouble free and very reliable every day driver. Stock power is ok but a few bolt ons and my 115K car and it is faster than 07 Dodge R/T Charger. Generally I get gas pump comments from younger folks looking for a "Wide Body V8s" After all the miles I put on this ride the leather seats are still in allmost new condition. Every button and switch works just like the day a purchased it. Highly recommend this car as used car purchase.

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  great car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By rusty picks - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this car is effortless to driveall features

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  HOT ROD MERC - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By M GOLDEN - August 8 - 2:00 am

  GREAT PERFORMANCE AND RIDE.ITS COMFORTABLE FOR THE LONG HAUL AND JUST PLAIN FUN TO DRIVE. IT EVEN GOT A THUMBS UP FROM A CAR FULL OF TEENS.

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  Grampas car - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Scott Tallman - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Grand Marquis. This is the Grand of Marquiss. Turns heads, extremely fun to drive. But loves gas, and lots of it. Rides a little rougher than other Grand Marquiss, but to be expected with the low slung tires. Could be more aggressive under 3000 RPM, but makes up for it over that. Wish it held its value a little better. Since I;ve owned it, less than 4 months, its gone down in value almost $6,000....wow.......and I bought it at 9500 miles for $25,500

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  great car - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By lbeezie12 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  make no mistake about it, this car IS comfortable(very in my opinion for a performance sedan). The ride is great, and i cant wait to open it up on the highway. The car is also loaded with features too. Inside and out, this car is simply awesome. My only gripe with it is the bottom end grunt. It just isnt enough for this type of vehicle. But once it gets going, it moves! Other than that, this is an awesome vehicle that is a great replacement(and better) for the 1994-6 impala ss. One test drive and i believe that you will agree.

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  A fun four-door sports car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By evansc6 - May 23 - 7:36 am

  Im fairly happy with my 04 Marauder. Its plenty fast (though Id love to add a supercharger), comfortable, and the fuel economy is pretty good at 20 mpg around town. I would recommend an 04 over the 03s because the newer ones have a better transmission (mine doesnt thunk into the next gear like the 03s). A little too much cheapy plastic inside, and the build quality isnt up to par with BMW, Mercedes, or even Honda. But overall a fun car to be had in the low $20Ks right now.