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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  I love this car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By DPJ - May 9 - 2:00 am

  In the three months Ive this car, Ive fallen in love with. Big fast car. Fun to drive, and I feel very safe in it. With everyone driving SUVs, its nice to be in a large car that rips up the pavement. Gas mileage isnt geat, but were talking about a big car.

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  Highway Star - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By clamboy - March 29 - 11:26 pm

  This car is a remarkable value. Paid 22K CPO in Aug and this thing rides like an American S-Class. Could it be a little faster...maybe. Once its off the line this car is an animal from 20-120. I think Mercury hit it right. More horses wouldve made this car a gas guzzler. I think that they bailed out way too soon on HiPo.. now Chrysler has all the 4 door muscle. Including a suicide door Imperial.(Way to fo LM asleep at the wheel as ususal.) This car is BEAUTIFUL in every way imaginable. They should bring it back and offer a light 4.6 and a Supercharged version. . I love this car. Drive it once and youll want it

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  Roomy and Powerful - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By luvmymarauder - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The Marauder is truly a one-of-a-kind car on the market right now. It has great room, a nice sounding stereo, great performance and handling and a very nice interior. It has a great exhaust sound and throws you back in the seat when you step on it to get around that slow car on a two lane highway.

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  my kind of car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By louis olguin - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The very first time I drove the Marauder was in february,2003, when it first came to market. I test drove it, and took it to almost 120 within 20 seconds of getting in the vehicle. the salesperson and I are both former Marines. As I was reaching the speed of at least 95mph., he said, Lou, you havent hit that last gear yet, hit it, and I did. Two months later, I bought one. Grrrreat move.

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  ImpMauler - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By FinishLine - December 26 - 10:00 am

  First thing first. This car can stamp out any Impala on the road. However, the Imp was built almost ten years ago and still is a worthy adversary. To me that doesnt make sense. This car should have been 360 horsepower more low end torque and equipped with a five speed automatic/auto stick. Then I would be able to understand Fords ingenious advertising scheme for this car (not!)Which we all know was no advertisement at all. Because you wouldnt have to advertise a car like that. But that didnt happen did it? And that is why this is the last year the beloved Marauder will be built. What a shame!!

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  All cars should be like this - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Bob J - December 15 - 7:00 am

  I drive over 100 miles a day to and from work (mostly highway). I get 25 MPG in the summer and 22MPG in the winter (hate that winter gas). The car is big and roomy. It reminds me more of the cars from the late 1960s. At nearly 50,000 miles, its time to replace the rear tire, again.

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  Comfort and Power - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By DRB - December 9 - 4:03 pm

  Since August 2004 when I bought it never had a problem with it still sounds and acts the same as the day I drove it of the lot. Everyone from cops to passers by have to check it out. Like the days of old it is a full size car that has power galor that will give the thrills of yesteryear when everyone loved US muscle cars. On a trip the car is great on the highway about 400 miles to a tank on a trip. Just keep your foot out of it in the city. Best fuel performance in the 2200 to 2400 RPM range normal driving. Faster than a stock Mustang GT in a quarter mile race.

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  Fun full size car to drive - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By David Sheuring - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I am the owner of the 03Marauder and I love it. I have always driven older 60s and 70s sedans, which I still own. But I had been following the story of the Marauder for the last 3 years and was very interested in it. When the car came out, I had read the reviews and they were very complimentary on the vehicle. Then in May, 2003, I had a chance to purchase the only one this dealer had. This car drives like a car should drive, plenty of pickup, wonderful appearance and roomy inside and the trunk. The car is very easy to drive and can be pushed if needed. I find that I can keep this car looking like new. It is very easy to clean.

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  Stealth Car - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Idaho Spud - October 25 - 10:00 am

  So far everything is fine. Runs great handles great. The suspension is a little stiff for around town driving but out on the road it is just fine. People just dont know what it is when they see it, when I tell them a Marauder most have never heard of it. That is part of the fun

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  a rare find, very cool - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By buckyboy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is not for everyone. It is only for the ones who know about this car, and wanted it from day one. I am glad i bought this car. There are some things one might complain about, although minor, YOU WONT HEAR IT FROM ME. One thing you cant deny about this car is the cool factor. Although every car could have more horses, this car is overflowing with testosterone. I like the fact that it is rare, but wish people would stop saying it looks like a cop car. I didnt buy it for that reason. Mine is black with blacked out windows, it looks downrite mean! It truely is a great combination of luxury, performance, and style.