2000 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis help you decide if a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis is right for you.

2000 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

GS/LS	Class Average
6	5.6

Grand Marquis' quiet overhead-cam V8 provides smooth, swift acceleration. Unlike some earlier versions, the transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts quickly, so this big sedan is more throttle-responsive in the 20-45-mph range. Highway passing punch is ample.

Fuel Economy

GS/LS	Class Average
4	4.6

Mileage is competitive but no more: around 17 mpg in our normal driving but just 14.4 mpg in heavy cold-weather urban work.

Ride Quality

GS/LS	Class Average
6	6.1

The base suspension is less floaty and more controlled than it once was.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GS/LS	Class Average
4	4.9

Though we used to recommend the optional Handling Package for its firmer damping, we don't notice much difference now between the two setups in ride or handling. The optional traction control works well on dry roads but seems of little help in snow.

Quietness

GS/LS	Class Average
6	6

Noise levels are lower than the class average, which means quiet refined highway cruising.

Controls

GS/LS	Class Average
4	5.3

Optional digital gauges are easy to read day or night, and the audio controls are large and handy. Buttons for the climate system are also generously sized, though the driver must stretch a bit to reach them.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GS/LS	Class Average
7	6.9

Only a split bench front seat is available--too bad, as it has little lateral support, leaving occupants to rely on their door panels and the folding center armrest.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GS/LS	Class Average
6	5.8

Grand Marquis offers adult-size room and easy access all around, though the center driveshaft tunnel takes up a lot of foot space and makes life uncomfortable for a rear center passenger.

Cargo Room

GS/LS	Class Average
6	5.8

The trunk holds plenty of stuff, but much of its volume is in a center well that doesn't easily accept bulky objects.

Value within Class

GS/LS	Class Average
5	6.3

We prefer the greater traction, economy and space-efficiency of full-size front-drivers like Buick LeSabre and Chrysler Concorde over the more traditional Grand Marquis and sister Crown Victoria. Still, these are good cars, especially for those who prefer their big sedan with rear drive and V8 power. They're also very reasonably priced.

Total Score