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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  HEAD TURNER - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By bad by choice - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This auto is a real head turner.Big and bold styling.The chrome wheels and metallic red paint drew rave reviews from family and freinds.The bucket seats are very supportive especially with the lumbar support.This auto has 302 horses from a 281 cubic inch engine.What more could you ask for! ABS,TRACTION CONTROL and great detail inside and out.Big by nature and a lot of fun to drive.

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  2003 MERC - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By FERNANDO - June 20 - 10:00 am

  AS A FAMILY MAN AND MUSCLE CAR BUFF, THE MERCURY MARAUDER IS DEFINETELY MY KIND OF CAR. IT CAN TRANSPORT MY FAMILY IN A SECURE COMFORTABLE WAY TO GRANNYS AND STILL BE AN EYE CATCHER ON A NIGHTLY CRUISE ON THE BLVD...TOO BAD ITS ONLY HAS 302 PONIES!

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  Love my car! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By vicmar - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Marquis for 10 years. My last had all the bells and whistles Bigger engine, Alum. wheels, etc.) When I saw the Marauder, I knew I had to have one. I purchased it in April, and I love it! Lots of luxury, and alot of power!

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  Marauder Review - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By theactuary - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car provides an excellent combination of size and power for a very reasonable price. The interior is well appointed. Seats are big and comfortable. Instrument poanel is easy to read. This car flies once you get it moving. Smaller cars will beat you off the line, but you will blow their doors off on the highway.

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  This is what Ive been waiting for. - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By rkfranklin - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I picked mine up July 2nd. One of the frist 4 shipped from the factory. Ive had a lot of cars mostly Ford products. Driving is fun again. I thought my Mark VIII was great untill this came along. After the Mark tried the Lincoln LS, didnt even come close. This is a keeper. Has preformance, style, ride and room. I love it.

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  Big Cars are back - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By carguy1ok - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I like large, safe powerful vehicles. People are overlooking these American luxury sedans and settling for gussied up compact imports with 1/2 the room. SUVs have outlived their lifespan,fuel and insurance is far too high and one can get as much space, comfort and far better mileage than a suv. I think the Marauder is a great option for a large car with many luxury comforts and true V-8 power.

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  marauder 03 - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By gharb62 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Lincoln continental for a 2003 Marauder and have not been sorry. I have been followed into parking lots by people asking me what kind of car it is. I am over 60 and have corvettes and jaguars and this is the best. I took it the track and went against the kids in their rods and did the quarter in 14 and 95mph and Inot an expert, and had my wife in the car!

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  No good - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Martinz - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is slow, Handles bad, and it a HUGE copy off the lengendary 1994,1995,1996 Impala SS. Oh and what color is the Marauder only avaible in?? Black. Same as the 1994 Impala. Whos coping who??? I really dislike this car and im gonna sell it.

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  Great car! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By JRW - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Although this is a large vehicle, it handles nimbly. Acceleration and passing are spritely. The transmission shifts crisply. The engine is powerful, yet very smooth. The engine develops substantial torque at low engine speeds - making acceleration seem effortless. The Alpine sound system is very good. I really like this car!

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  One too many repairs - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Neil B. - February 10 - 9:33 am

  Cool car, but its been more than 20 years since Ive owned a car that so many things have broken or failed. Most are odd and surprising: lower A arms at 70,000 miles, rear axle seal at 80,000, failure of headlights (needed new Light Control Module at $400 just for the part), rusted lower steering column at 104,000. Also, a number of the interior lights (headlight switch indicator, power window buttons, heated seat buttons) no longer work. Vacuum leak in the vent system disables controls. Now it is in shop, likely needing an $800 fuel pump replacement. I love the car but Ive spent $3 or 4 thousand over the last 3 years fixing things that Ive never fixed before in any other car Ive owned.