2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A "hot rod" Marauder model and optional front side airbags keynote Mercury's updated rear-wheel-drive full-size sedan for 2003. Grand Marquis shares its design with Ford's Crown Victoria, though Crown Vic has no Marauder counterpart. These are among the few remaining body-on-frame automobiles, and the '03 versions aim for better ride and handling with a revamped chassis and a change in steering from recirculating-ball to speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion. Subtle modifications to nose and tail, plus new wheel designs are styling changes. Front side airbags are newly available. ABS and traction control continue as standard. All Gran Marquis have a 4.6-liter V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission. GS and LS models have 224 hp. An optional LS Handling Package added midyear includes dual exhausts for 239 hp. Marauder has a twincam 4.6 with 302 hp. Marauder also has a sport suspension, monotone exterior appearance, and 18-inch alloy wheels vs. 16s on other models. It comes with front bucket seats, center console, and floor shift. Other models have a front bench seat. All but the base GS have standard power-adjustable pedals. Also sharing this basic design and its 2003 revamp is the Lincoln Town Car. Grand Marquis' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Crown Victorias.

Competition

Heading up the field as Best Buys are the Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid twins. They have real room for six, exceptional road manners, plenty of power, and hefty manufacturer discounts. Toyota's Avalon and Buick's LeSabre are our Recommended choices. Both have room for five and offer a comfortable ride (with modest handling capabilities). If you are looking for towing ability and don't want an SUV, Ford Crown Victoria, with its rear-drive layout and body-on-frame chassis, is an option. Ford has updated it nicely over the years and it comes at a reasonable price.

News

Despite early introduction of updated '03 models and addition of the nostalgic Marauder, Mercury's full-size line took a sizeable 28.4-percent sales hit in 2002. The midsize Sable was also down, but outsold Grand Marquis by about 19,000 units.

Ford hopes to revitalize the ailing Mercury brand by introducing four new products in the next three years. First up is the Monterey minivan, taking over for the defunct Villager as a luxury version of Ford's renamed '04 Freestar. Late '04 should usher in a Ford Escape-based compact SUV, name to be announced; it'll be Mercury's second SUV and, presumably, sales support for the larger Explorer-based Mountaineer. By 2006, Mercury will also have a compact sedan based on the Mazda 6 and a larger "high package" 4-dr called Montego, based on Ford's 2005 Five Hundred. As for Grand Marquis, it's said to get a major restyling for 2006, though basic engineering stands pat through late decade at least. The same applies to divisional sisters Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car.

Meantime, sources hint that the Marauder may soon get more power and snazzier cosmetics. The neo-muscle car hasn't been selling as well as Mercury hoped, and the hopes were modest to beginwith. Many critics cite disappointing performance and tame appearance as sales deterrents. No word on when a fortified Marauder might arrive, but we wouldn't be surprised to see it for '04.

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Steering feel

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		59
High Score		66

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/12/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

GS 4-door sedan	$23,970	$22,517	$725

GS Convenience 4-door sedan	$24,870	$23,345	$725

LS Premium 4-door sedan	$28,770	$26,358	$725

LS Ultimate 4-door sedan	$30,170	$27,618	$725

Marauder 4-door sedan	$33,770	$30,858	$725

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

4.6-liter 224-horsepower V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 8-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, cupholders, column shifter, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights, automatic parking-brake release, remote fuel-door/decklid release, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, cornering lights, 225/60TR16 whitewall tires, wheel covers.

GS Convenience adds to GS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power-adjustable pedals, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player.

LS Premium adds to GS Convenience:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

LS Ultimate adds to LS Premium:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/climate and radio controls, electronic instruments.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear load-leveling air suspension.

Marauder adds to LS Ultimate:

Powertrain

4.6-liter dohc V8 engine, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Front side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls and climate controls, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, center console w/floor shifter, tachometer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: electronic instruments.

Fog lights, performance handling suspension, 235/50WR18 front tires, 245/55WR18 rear tires, polished alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
GS Color Pkg.
GS Convenience	$1,200	$1,068
2-tone leather upholstery and paint, color-keyed bodyside moldings.

Handling Pkg.
LS Premium/Ultimate	$615	$547
Special axle ratio, 4.6-liter 239-horsepower V8 engine, upgraded suspension, rear air suspension, 225/60TR16 tires.

Limited Pkg.
LS Premium	$795	$708
Front side airbags, heated front seats, unique interior and exterior trim, special alloy wheels.

Safety
Front side airbags
LS Premium/Ultimate	$395	$352


Security side glass
LS Premium/Ultimate	$295	$263


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Marauder	$	$


Leather upholstery
GS Convenience	$995	$886
LS Premium/Ultimate	$0	$0


Heated front seats
LS Premium/Ultimate, Marauder	$295	$263


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
GS Convenience, LS Premium	$185	$165


6-disc CD changer
LS Premium/Ultimate, Marauder	$395	$352


Trunk organizer
GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, Marauder	$200	$178
NA GS.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Full-size spare tire
GS, GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate	$120	$107
NA Marauder.

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mercury Grand Marquis 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	114.7

Overall Length, in.	211.9

Overall Width, in.	78.2

Overall Height, in.	56.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	4052

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	20.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.0

Seating Capacity	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.	38.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V8	sohc V8	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.6 /281	4.6 /281	4.6 /281

Horsepower @ rpm.	224 @ 4900	239 @ 4900	302 @ 5750

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	272 @ 4100	287 @ 4100	310 @ 4300

Availability	Standard	Optional	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	17/25	NA/NA	17/23

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mercury Grand Marquis 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Photos

Also in the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Review:

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Mercury Grand Marquis Specs & Safety

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