2003 Mercury Grand Marquis: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $23,970 -$33,770
- Invoice: $22,517 -$30,858
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mercury Grand Marquis
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis help you decide if a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 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. Standard traction control is much appreciated in snowy climates.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test Marauder averaged 22.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. Overall, expect closer to 15-19. Base V8 isn't significantly thriftier. Test Marauder averaged 17 mpg. Mercury recommends premium fuel for Marauder; other Grand Marquis use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 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
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Steering vastly improved for '03: linear and accurate in turns, steady and slop-free in highway cruising. Still, 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
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.3 |
Good isolation from road, mechanical noise. Wind rush, too, despite intermittent side-window whistle in one test car. Marauder louder in most regards, with intentional muscle-car exhaust rumble, unintentional coarse-surface tire roar.
CONTROLS
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 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 has 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.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 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)
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Spacious, but too soft for long-distance comfort. Center driveshaft tunnel intrudes on foot room.
CARGO ROOM
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 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
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 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 Grand Marquis and similar Crown Victoria. 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
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 56 | 59.8 |
Total Score: 57
Scores for all Large Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
