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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MARAUDER LOVER - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By William Decker - August 14 - 10:00 amVery fun car.Great looking,especially with the optional spoiler.
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Not Your Granpas Car -but Close - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By Jack C. - August 12 - 10:00 amI just amazed that American car companies continue this charade. Looks very municipal.Better,sexier cars available for the same$ or less. For $34k, get a G35.
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All smiles - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By hp6465us - June 7 - 10:00 amI test drove a bunch of cars, including alot of Europians like Mercedes and BMW,and although the models I drove undoubtedly out performed this car, They lacked the inside room and comfort. But for the money, there is no competition for the Marauder. Some other American sedans are slightly better off the line, but once she gets moving, the handling and road feel are beyond anything GM or Chrysler has to offer. And yes, even including that utterly disappointing, uncomfortable, tub of goo Monte Carlo SS.
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value for your money - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By buddy1 - June 1 - 2:00 amDidnt plan on buying a MM.Was going to trade in 1999 Grand Marque LS on exact replacement. MM was on showroom floor.The price was so right I drove it off the showroom floor for a test drive.We then drove it the 250 miles back home.You cant beat the value you get for the money in this mercury line. Power,AWESOME handling,ride is a bit stiff in the city streets but on the highway or mountain roads where we live this car was built for them.I feel sorry for city dwellers who will really never get to use the car at its potential.Note: We didnt trade in our other Grand Marque.
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A true American muscle car... - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By deerejoe - March 2 - 6:30 pmA whimsical purchase turned into a genuine love for driving and enjoying this great automobile. Ford Motor Company should have promoted the Marauder in a more vigorous manner to reach a greater consumer base. This is NOT your average Mercury Marquis. Engine and suspension features are uniquely Marauder as are the interior appointments and exterior design motifs. The vehicle stands alone in the luxury category for a large family sedan that can drive and run with the best on the road today. The Marauder has the style, the performance and the glitz to turn heads and generate real interest from all who see and wonder just what this car is all about. Real CLASS at a reasonable price.
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LOOOOVE IT - 2004 Mercury Marauder
By namllitsdad - January 13 - 10:00 amGreat style Fun to Drive Faaaaaast
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GIVE ME MORE POWER...PLEASE - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By Mike Meidroth - January 4 - 2:00 amWeve had the car for 4 months and thus far it has been problem free, no visits to the dealership or unusual gremlins! They notified me in July 02 that vehicles were in transit but I had decided to wait for the X100 limited production version. After seeing and driving the Marauder, we decided to go ahead and buy it and replace the daily driver. The admiring glances and thumbs up from other drivers has been a kick. My wife drives it most of the time and loves to tell people its her car not mine (she tells me she smoked a guy and his 4-speed El Camino from a rolling start the other day!).
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Marauder Rocks! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By robleyw - January 4 - 2:00 amFinally a full size sedan with performance. Simply awesome!
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Upscale Musclecar - 2004 Mercury Marauder
By Blue Marauder - January 2 - 10:00 amGreat combination of performance and comfort for a daily driver. Low production figures. Frequent compliments given by total strangers.
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One of the Best - 2003 Mercury Marauder
By skp369 - December 7 - 2:00 amThis is the amoung the best cars that I have ever driven. It is like driving a lazy boy on wheels with excellent performance. It is not as fast as a corvette (owned a 93) but it more than makes up for it with the comfort and the practicality. A whole lot fun in the daily traffic and weather situations that most people find themselves in.
