1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
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1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis ▼
- Price Range: $900 - $14,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Radio controls (early models)
- Climate controls
- Fuel economy
- Steering feel
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercury Grand Marquis GS/LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Mercury 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 Mercury 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 Mercury 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 Mercury 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 Mercury 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 Mercury Grand Marquis:
Grand Marquis got revised front and rear styling, a new suspension, larger brakes, and a standard antitheft system for '98.
1999 Mercury Grand Marquis:
Standard equipment and option shuffling were the only changes after the 1998 freshening.
2000 Mercury 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 Mercury Grand Marquis:
Adjustable pedals and 20 more horsepower were the 2001 updates to the Grand Marquis.
2002 Mercury 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 Mercury Grand Marquis:
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 Mercury Grand Marquis:
No major changes were made this year.
2005 Mercury Grand Marquis:
Added midyear was a sporty LSE model that included the Handling Package, leather upholstery, and unique interior and exterior trim.
2006 Mercury Grand Marquis:
For 2006, Grand Marquis got a new grille, front fascia, headlights, and updated interior trim.
2007 Mercury Grand Marquis:
Grand Marquis carried over unchanged.
2008 Mercury Grand Marquis:
The 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis carried forward with few changes.
Our road test for the 1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Value for the Money
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercury Grand Marquis GS/LS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 54 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercury Grand Marquis includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercury Grand Marquis .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Accessory belt:
The serpentine belt may come off in wet weather. A redesigned belt tensioner and water pump pulley are available. (2001-02)
Air springs:
Air springs are prone to leaks caused by the bag rubbing against the axle or control arm. (Any so-equipped)
Automatic transmission:
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)
Cold-starting problems:
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:
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)
Hard starting:
The connector at the starter solenoid tends to corrode resulting in a "no-crank" condition. (1992-94)
Hard starting:
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:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1990-2002)
Oil pump:
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:
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:
A broken gusset or weld separation at the frame crossmember causes a rattle from the rear or the car. (1990-92)
Vehicle noise:
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)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $380 |
| Alternator | $375 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $490 |
| Brakes | $285 |
| Exhaust System | $680 |
| Radiator | $380 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $290 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $365 |
| Universal Joints | $90 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercury Grand Marquis details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 2008 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $13,500-15,600 | $12,300-14,200 | $8,000-9,200 |
| 2007 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $11,500-13,400 | $10,400-12,100 | $6,300-7,400 |
| 2006 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $10,200-12,700 | $9,200-11,400 | $5,300-6,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $9,000-11,500 | $8,100-10,400 | $4,700-6,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $7,800-10,000 | $7,000-9,000 | $4,000-5,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $6,700-8,700 | $5,900-7,700 | $3,100-4,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $5,800-7,200 | $5,000-6,300 | $2,400-3,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $5,100-6,200 | $4,300-5,300 | $2,000-2,500 |
| 2000 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $4,500-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| 1998 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1997 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| 1996 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1995 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Grand Marquis | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercury Grand Marquis include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 212.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.8 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3776 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18-20 | |
| Seating Capacity | 20.6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 190-235 | 265-275 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: 16 |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 302 | 310 | 4-speed automatic: 17/23 | 4-speed automatic: 17.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Grand Marquis include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Grand Marquis |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-2008 Mercury Grand Marquis directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992-1998:
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.
1992-93:
Speed-control deactivation switch can develop short that could potentially result in underhood fire.
1992-98 Grand Marquis w/speed control system:
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.
1994:
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:
Heads of rivets holding rear-outboard seatbelt D-rings may fracture under load, reducing belt's restraining capability in an accident.
1995:
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:
Seal between fuel-filler pipe and fuel tank may not be fully cured, which could allow fuel to leak.
1995:
Some passenger-side airbags may not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate, causing hot gases to be released.
1996:
Driver's door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain the specified 1000-pound transverse load.
1996-2000:
Replacement seatbelts made by TRW and sold by Ford may not restrain occupant in a collision.
1997 w/traction control:
Rear brake line may chafe and brake fluid leakage may occur; brake pedal may develop "spongy" feel and stopping distance could be affected.
1998-2000:
Jacking instructions are incorrect and, if followed, could allow vehicle to drop suddenly.
2000:
During high-load conditions (ice, snow, or other debris), windshield wipers could become inoperative with no advance warning.
2000:
Left-rear seatbelt-retractor attaching bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
2000:
Loose module could result in delayed airbag deployment.
2001:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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