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2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Grand Marquis Full Review
7.
8.
2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Review
Mercury's rear-wheel-drive full-size sedan shares its design with Ford's Crown Victoria and is among the few body-on-frame automobiles. Grand Marquis groups models under GS and LS labels, and also offers the performance-oriented Marauder. Front side airbags are standard on Marauder and available on the others. ABS is standard; traction control is standard on all but the base GS, where it's not available. Front side airbags are standard on Marauder, optional on LS. The only engine is a 4.6-liter V8 teamed with automatic transmission. GS and LS models have 224 hp. An optional LS Handling Package includes dual exhausts for 239 hp. Marauder has 302 hp, plus 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. Optional laminated side-window glass is designed to reduce wind noise, limit breakage in a collision, and improve security against "smash-and-grab" theft. Also sharing this basic design is the Lincoln Town Car. Grand Marquis' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Crown Victorias.
News
It's official: The Marauder won't be back for 2005. Enthusiasts were unimpressed with power and performance that didn't match the "bad boy" image the car tried to portray, and the Marauder bombed on the sales chart. As for Grand Marquis, it's expected to get some sort of restyle for 2006, and possibly a 6-speed automatic transmission.
But what happens after that is unclear. Like sisters Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car, Grand Marquis uses a basic design that dates from 1979 and is long since paid for, which means pure-gravy profits on each sale. Dealers and company accountants love that, but they also know that old designs don't keep selling forever. Lately, we've heard that Ford is thinking about replacements based on its Australian-market Falcon, a rear-drive V8 sedan slightly smaller than Grand Marquis and Crown Vic. Gossips say the guard could change as early as model-year 2008, but Ford says the idea is only under discussion and would not affect Town Car, which will eventually go its own way. Of course, it's possible that the oldies might run alongside the Falcon-based models, depending on how sales fare in the meantime, but decision points are still a ways off, so most anything could happen.
But what happens after that is unclear. Like sisters Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car, Grand Marquis uses a basic design that dates from 1979 and is long since paid for, which means pure-gravy profits on each sale. Dealers and company accountants love that, but they also know that old designs don't keep selling forever. Lately, we've heard that Ford is thinking about replacements based on its Australian-market Falcon, a rear-drive V8 sedan slightly smaller than Grand Marquis and Crown Vic. Gossips say the guard could change as early as model-year 2008, but Ford says the idea is only under discussion and would not affect Town Car, which will eventually go its own way. Of course, it's possible that the oldies might run alongside the Falcon-based models, depending on how sales fare in the meantime, but decision points are still a ways off, so most anything could happen.
2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Steering feel | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
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
Soft base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, despite some float on pavement undulations. Firmer 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.
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Soft base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, despite some float on pavement undulations. Firmer 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
Steering is 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.
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Steering is 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
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.
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6.5 |
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
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. Hard plastic surfaces give cabin a budget-grade feel, even with leather upholstery. Pull-out dashboard cupholder a flimsy embarrassment.
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
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. Hard plastic surfaces give cabin a budget-grade feel, even with leather upholstery. Pull-out dashboard cupholder a flimsy embarrassment.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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.
| 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)
Spacious, but too soft for long-distance comfort. Center driveshaft tunnel intrudes on foot room.
| 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
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 available trunk storage unit divides center well into more-useful covered bins.
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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 available trunk storage unit divides center well into more-useful covered bins.
Value within Class
These sedans ride and handle nicely, but 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.
| LS Ultimate | Marauder | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 6.7 |
These sedans ride and handle nicely, but 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 | 59.7 |
Scores for all Large Cars
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 67 |
2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/11/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| GS 4-door sedan | $24,370 | $22,860 | $725 |
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| GS Convenience 4-door sedan | $25,520 | $23,919 | $725 |
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| LS Premium 4-door sedan | $29,425 | $26,923 | $725 |
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| LS Ultimate 4-door sedan | $30,725 | $28,093 | $725 |
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| Marauder 4-door sedan | $34,325 | $31,333 | $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
GS
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
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/CD player, digital clock, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, driver-side illuminated 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:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power-adjustable pedals, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, passenger-side illuminated visor mirror.
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, 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, AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
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 |
|
Limited Pkg.
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||
|
LS Premium
|
$795
|
$708
|
|
Front side airbags, heated front seats, unique interior and exterior trim, full-size spare tire, special alloy wheels.
|
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|
Handling Pkg.
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||
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LS Premium/Ultimate
|
$615
|
$547
|
|
4.6-liter 239-horsepower V8 engine, dual exhaust, handling suspension, rear load-leveling suspension, 225/60TR16 tires, unique alloy wheels.
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Enhanced Color Pkg.
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GS Convenience
|
$1,300
|
$1,157
|
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Two-tone leather upholstery, bodyside stripes, unique exterior trim.
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Enhanced Color Pkg. Leather Delete
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GS Convenience (credit)
|
$-700
|
$-623
|
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Deletes leather upholstery from Enhanced Color Pkg. Requires Enhanced Color Pkg.
|
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Premium Plus Audio Pkg.
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LS Premium/Ultimate
|
$895
|
$797
|
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Upgraded sound system, 6-disc CD changer.
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Safety |
||
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Front side airbags
|
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LS Premium/Ultimate
|
$395
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$352
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Leather upholstery
|
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|
GS Convenience
|
$995
|
$886
|
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LS Premium/Ultimate
|
$0
|
$0
|
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Heated front seats
|
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LS Premium/Ultimate, Marauder
|
$295
|
$263
|
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Power sunroof
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LS Premium/Ultimate, Maurader
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$1,025
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$913
|
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
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GS Convenience, LS Premium
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$185
|
$165
|
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6-disc CD changer
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LS Premium/Ultimate, Marauder
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$395
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$352
|
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Trunk organizer
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GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, Marauder
|
$200
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$178
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NA GS.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Laminated side-window glass
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LS Premium/Ultimate
|
$295
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$263
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Full-size spare tire
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GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate
|
$120
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$107
|
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NA GS, Marauder.
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2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercury Grand Marquis 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 212.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 |
| 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. | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.6 |
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 @ 4800 | 239 @ 4900 | 302 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 272 @ 4000 | 287 @ 4100 | 318 @ 4300 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 4-speed automatic | 17/25 | 17/25 | 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 | 5 |
| 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
Also in the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Grand Marquis Full Review
7.
8.
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