2001 Mercury Grand Marquis: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This traditional full-size rear-drive sedan shares its design with the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. A 220-hp V8 and automatic transmission are standard. The optional Handling Package brings 235 hp and includes a different rear-axle ratio for better acceleration, plus performance tires, firmer suspension, and rear load leveling air springs. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. ABS, traction control, and power adjustable pedals are optional. New LSE option package substitutes front bucket seats with console for the standard bench seat; a luxury Limited package was also added at midyear. Grand Marquis' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Crown Victorias.

COMPETITION

This segment has been hardest hit by the huge popularity of sport-utility vehicles. Just a few years ago there were more than 12 cars in the segment and now there are just seven. Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, and plenty of power.

Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are two Recommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability or don't mind having a rear-drive car, then we recommend you take a look at the Ford Crown Victoria. With its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis it's a dinosaur in this class, but Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.