10
0
Large car; Built in Canada
  • 4-door sedan
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,300 – $17,000*


1992 Mercury Grand Marquis


1992 Mercury Grand Marquis


1993 Mercury Grand Marquis


1995 Mercury Grand Marquis


1993 Mercury Grand Marquis interior

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Antilock brakes (optional)
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Climate controls
  • Fuel economy
  • Radio controls (early models)
  • Steering feel

The Grand Marquis stacks up just fine against its rivals from GM: the Buick Roadmaster and Chevrolet Caprice, both of which were eliminated in 1997. Overall, however, we recommend some of the more efficient front-drive full-size sedans, such as the Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville SSE, Chrysler LHS, and Dodge Intrepid.

Overview

Ford Motor Company’s roomy rear-drive family sedans, the Mercury Grand Marquis and Ford Crown Victoria, were curvaceously reshaped for the 1992 model year. In addition to getting new skin, the Grand Marquis was now powered by Ford’s 4.6-liter overhead-cam V8. It provided 190 horsepower, pumped to 210 with the optional dual-exhaust system. The only transmission was an electronic 4-speed automatic. Antilock brakes and traction control were optional. An optional passenger-side airbag joined the standard driver-side unit provided at introduction.

Yearly Updates

1993 Grand Marquis
A passenger-side airbag moved from the option list to the standard-equipment roster as part of the changes to this full-size rear-drive sedan. Also added was an overdrive lock-out button on the end of the shift lever.
1994 Grand Marquis
Only minor detail changes were added to the Grand Marquis for 1994. Additional side-impact protection allowed the big Mercury to meet new 1997 federal standards.
1995 Grand Marquis
Major freshening was applied to the Mercury Grand Marquis. Noticeable styling changes were made to both the front and rear of the car. The Grand Marquis received a new grille, clear-lens reflector headlights, and a revised bumper fascia. In back, there was a new aluminum trunklid with a lower liftover and new taillights. Both models also gained color-keyed bodyside moldings. Functionally, the Grand Marquis added a battery-saver feature and the mast antenna was replaced by one mounted in the rear window. Minor revisions were also made to the interior, including new seats and a redesigned instrument panel, which now featured a woodgrain trim and a new 12-volt power outlet for accessories.
1996 Grand Marquis
Making headlines was a new composite intake manifold for the car’s 4.6-liter V8, designed to reduce engine noise. In addition, the shift quality of the 4-speed automatic was improved making for smoother, less-annoying downshifts.
1997 Grand Marquis
The Grand Marquis received an upgraded power-steering system designed to improve driving feel and precision, but lost some standard and optional features.
1998 Grand Marquis
Grand Marquis got revised front and rear styling, a new suspension, larger brakes, and a standard antitheft system for ’98.
1999 Grand Marquis
Standard equipment and option shuffling were the only changes after the 1998 freshening.
2000 Grand Marquis
Rear child-seat anchors were new. So was an emergency manual release for persons trapped in the trunk. A new BeltMinder chime and warning light was meant to encourage buckling up.
2001 Grand Marquis
Adjustable pedals and 20 more horsepower were the 2001 updates to the Grand Marquis.
2002 Grand Marquis
Grand Marquis added heated door mirrors, ABS, and traction control to the standard features list and treated option groups as separate models for 2002. The lineup consisted of GS, GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, and top-line LSE editions.
2003 Grand Marquis, Marauder
A revamped frame and suspension and a performance model highlighted the changes for ’03. Reviving a name from the past Mercury added the high-performance Marauader model for ’03. It featured a 302-horsepower V8, sport suspension, and exclusive trim. All models got chassis and suspension improvements designed to improve ride and handling. Rack-and-pinion steering replaced recirculating-ball as well. Front side airbags were a new option.
2004 Grand Marquis
No major changes were made this year.
2005 Grand Marquis
Added midyear was a sporty LSE model that included the Handling Package, leather upholstery, and unique interior and exterior trim.
2006 Grand Marquis
For 2006, Grand Marquis got a new grille, front fascia, headlights, and updated interior trim.
2007 Grand Marquis
Grand Marquis carried over unchanged.
2008 Grand Marquis
The 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis carried forward with few changes.
2009 Grand Marquis
Load-leveling suspension, leather upholstery, and traction control were newly standard on the Grand Marquis for 2009. Note that the similar Ford Crown Victoria was no longer available at retail, being sold only to fleet customers.
2010 Grand Marquis
The 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis saw no major changes.
2011 Grand Marquis
The 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis was virtually unchanged for its final model year.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Mercury’s Grand Marquis and its fraternal twin, the Ford Crown Victoria, provide the second application for Ford’s new all-aluminum, 32-valve, dual-cam 4.6-liter V8. For the Grand Marquis, it’s originally tuned to deliver 190 horsepower at 4250 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 3250 rpm. Those desiring a little more performance can order the optional dual exhaust, which ups the engine’s output to 210 horsepower at 4250 and 275 pound-feet at 3250. Marquis gained 20 horsepower in 2001. For ’03 the Marauder got a dual-cam version of the V8 with 302 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. All engines mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 190-235
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 265-275
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 17/25

 16.0
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 302
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 310
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 17/23

 17.6

Road Test

Mercury’s flagship, the Grand Marquis, offers adult-size space front and rear with limousinelike entry and exit. Extra room is what you expect with the Grand Marquis, and you get it. There’s over 20 cubic feet of cargo space in the deep trunk, but much of the volume is in a center well that doesn’t easily accept bulky objects.

Under the hood sits Ford’s overhead camshaft V8, which provides the car with more than adequate amounts of horsepower and torque. The engine is also quiet and enables the Grand Marquis to accelerate the way you expect a large car to do. Stoplight launches aren’t exactly the best, but highway passing power is more than ample. We averaged a mediocre 17.3 mpg, with nearly half of the driving on highways and expressways. Marauder V8s move out with more authority–reminding us of the mid-90s Chevy Impala SS models. Surprisingly, we averaged 17.6 mpg with the high-output V8, but premium-grade fuel is required.

Steering on base model is feather-light, devoid of feel, and base suspension still tends to be on the soft side, so try to find a model equipped with the optional Handling Package, which includes a rear air suspension, larger stabilizer bar, tuned suspension parts, dual exhausts, a 3.27 rear axle ratio, and larger 225/60R16 tires mounted on alloy wheels. The beefed-up suspension helps reduce body roll and gives the car better cornering grip. Marauder models hold the road much better and have sharper steering, but their performance tires are not suited for winter driving.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis GS/LS

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 5
50%

Total: 54

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
114.4 212.0 77.8 56.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
6 18-20 20.6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.4 38.1 42.5 38.8
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Grand Marquis 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 71
Injury 56
Theft 41

Trouble Spots

Air springs
Description: Air springs are prone to leaks caused by the bag rubbing against the axle or control arm. (Any so-equipped)
Automatic transmission
Description: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1992-95)
Clutch
Description: When starting from a stop, it may feel that the vehicle lacks power or is upshifting too soon due the torque converter clutch engagement caused by a problem check ball in the transmission valve body. (2005-06)
Cold-starting problems
Description: The drive-belt tensioner pulley or idler-pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)
Coolant leak
Description: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-2001)
Engine temperature
Description: The engine may occasionally overheat and/or the air conditioning may not cool properly due to a bad radiator fan motor. (2006-07)
Hard starting
Description: The connector at the starter solenoid tends to corrode resulting in a “no-crank” condition. (1992-94)
Hard starting
Description: If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle-air control valve may be sticking. (1996)
Heater core
Description: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1990-2002)
Oil pump
Description: The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil-pump relief valve sticks. Higher than recommended viscosity oils cause wear to the valve bore. (1992-94)
Transmission noise
Description: Automatic transmission is notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear above 35 mph. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed and that only Mercon fluid be used. (1992-94)
Vehicle noise
Description: A chattering noise from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or overshimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1992-96)
Vehicle noise
Description: A broken gusset or weld separation at the frame crossmember causes a rattle from the rear or the car. (1990-92)
Transmission problems
Description: There may be as much as a 2 second delay for the transmission to engage reverse due to a weak detent spring and/or shifter cable adjustment. (2002-04)
Accessory belt
Description: The serpentine belt may come off in wet weather. A redesigned belt tensioner and water pump pulley are available. (2001-02)

Recall History

1992-93
Description: Speed-control deactivation switch can develop short that could potentially result in underhood fire.
1992-98 Grand Marquis w/speed control system
Description: The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1992-98
Description: This vehicle was previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity. Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component.
1994
Description: Nuts and bolts that attach rear brake adapter to axle-housing flange can loosen, allowing damage to ABS sensor, hydraulic line, or parking-brake cable.
1995
Description: Seal between fuel-filler pipe and fuel tank may not be fully cured, which could allow fuel to leak.
1995
Description: Some passenger-side airbags may not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate, causing hot gases to be released.
1995
Description: Noncycling power-window circuit breaker and cycling-type headlamp breaker were interchanged; in the event of short or overload in circuit, both headlamps can go out without warning.
1995
Description: Heads of rivets holding rear-outboard seatbelt D-rings may fracture under load, reducing belt’s restraining capability in an accident.
1996
Description: Driver’s door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain the specified 1000-pound transverse load.
1996-00
Description: Replacement seatbelts made by TRW and sold by Ford may not restrain occupant in a collision.
1997 w/traction control
Description: Rear brake line may chafe and brake fluid leakage may occur; brake pedal may develop “spongy” feel and stopping distance could be affected.
1998-00
Description: Jacking instructions are incorrect and, if followed, could allow vehicle to drop suddenly.
2000
Description: During high-load conditions (ice, snow, or other debris), windshield wipers could become inoperative with no advance warning.
2000
Description: Loose module could result in delayed airbag deployment.
2000
Description: Left-rear seatbelt-retractor attaching bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
2001
Description: A restraint-control module (RCM) or a side- or front-crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing.
2001
Description: Driver- and/or outboard front-passenger’s seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.
2005
Description: Battery cable’s fusible link on some cars may contact and subsequently chafe on cross-member bolt, which may result in heat damage and possible fire.
2007
Description: The windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body, resulting in wind noise, squeak/rattles, and/or water leaks. Dealers will replace the windshield.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 22, 2014.
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