2003 Mercury Grand Marquis: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.