Acceleration

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
5	5.5

Generally smooth and strong around town, but transmission's tardy downshifts make for lazy merging and passing response in a broad 40-60-mph range. Marauder's 302-hp V8 feels robust, especially in standing starts, and is less frustrating in midrange passing conditions. Traction control--optional on Ford, standard on Mercury--is a snowy-climate essential.

Fuel Economy

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
4	4.6

Test 239-hp LX averaged 22.4 mpg in mostly highway driving; an LX Sport averaged 16.3 in a city/highway mix. Base V8 isn't significantly thriftier. Test Marauder averaged 17 mpg. Mercury recommends premium fuel for Marauder; Crown Vics and other Grand Marquis use regular.

Ride Quality

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.8

Soft base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, despite some float on pavement undulations. Firmer Performance and Handling setup can be jittery over sharp, closely spaced bumps, but quells some float and is no big penalty in overall comfort; Marauder feels much the same.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.5

Steering vastly improved for '03: linear and accurate in turns, steady and slop-free in highway cruising. Still, Crown Vic and Grand Marquis handling characterized by marked body lean in fast changes of direction, mediocre tire grip. Marauder's larger tires hold the road well in turns, but can't erase negative effects of too much weight, too much body lean. Nose dives in quick stops, but brakes feel strong, pedal modulation good.

Quietness

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.3

Good isolation from road, mechanical noise. Wind rush too, despite intermittent side-window whistle in one test Crown Vic. Marauder louder in most regards, with intentional muscle-car exhaust rumble, unintentional coarse-surface tire roar.

Controls

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
4	5.6

Old school, even in dressed-up Marauder. Optional "large-type" digital instruments easy to read, but we prefer the standard analog gauges. Climate and audio systems set far from driver; upper-range models help with redundant steering-wheel controls. Marauder and LX Sport have extra gauges and floor-shift console, but same dashboard layout and stodgy steering wheel. Plethora of hard plastic surfaces lends cabin a budget-grade feel, even with leather upholstery. Pull-out dashboard cupholder a flimsy embarrassment, though cars with bucket seats replace it with two molded into console.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.9

Good-old big-car feel, with adult-size room and easy access. However, seats in all models are virtually contour-free, so lateral support in turns is poor.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.9

Spacious, but too soft for long-distance comfort. Center driveshaft tunnel intrudes on foot room.

Cargo Room

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.8

Trunk holds lots of luggage, but space is concentrated in a deep center well, so some bulky items are a tough fit. Spare tire still above rear axle, but newly available trunk storage unit divides center well into more-useful covered bins.

Value within Class

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
5	6.9

Suspension and steering changes for '03 improve confidence and control on the road, so rear-drive traditionalists are better-served than ever by Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. But these sedans still don't feel or act as lively and efficient as more-modern designs such as the Dodge Intrepid and Chrysler Concorde. Marauder is a credible attempt at a muscle sedan, but doesn't go far enough in performance or interior excitement to be a compelling enthusiast value.

Total Score

LX w/Handling and Perf. Pkg.	Class Average
57	59.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		59
High Score		66