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The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size, six-passenger sedan available in base GS and upscale LS trim levels. The GS gives you A/C, suspensions parts full power accessories and a CD player. The LS model has a few extra features such as leather seating and alloy wheels. The LS also allows access to some options not available on the GS. Despite its 2-ton curb weight, the Grand Marquis feels reasonably quick off the line thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 224 hp and 272 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Traction control is standard, but stability control is not available. Inside, the dated design and spotty materials quality are immediately apparent. The vehicle’s strengths are its solid value for the money and the roomy, comfortable accommodations for five or six. This includes a huge 21-cubic-foot trunk that’ll easily swallow a week’s worth of luggage for four adults or a family.
In reviews, we’ve found that the Mercury Grand Marquis delivers a soft, forgiving ride quality. As one might expect, handling is mushy. Ultimately, there’s just no getting around this big sedan’s decades-old design, substantial weight and large dimensions. If you’re looking for a used current-generation Grand Marquis, there haven’t been many significant changes since its debut. One exception was the handling package, which was discontinued for 2008. Only available on the LS, the handling package upped the V8’s output to 239 horses and 287 lb-ft and notably improved handling, as the name would suggest. With the demise of this package, the base engine became the Grand Marquis’ sole power plant.
Though it’s received a variety of updates throughout the years, the Grand Marquis is still basically the same car as it was back in 1992, the point of the last major redesign. The current body style dates back to 1998, and there were only detail changes until 2001 when available adjustable pedals debuted and engine output increased to 220 hp and 235 hp (with dual exhaust). For 2003 the Grand Marquis received an all-new chassis under that now-familiar body shell. The suspension remained largely the same, but the frame was beefed up for greater rigidity and more responsive rack-and-pinion steering was fitted for the first time. Antilock brakes were made standard that year, and front side airbags were available on the LS. The V8 was revised to deliver a bit more power, and the rear suspension was tweaked to improve handling. The performance-minded Marauder with its 302-hp V8 and bucket seats debuted that year but would die a few years later, as the general public just wasn’t receptive to a hot-rod Mercury.