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2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Grand Marquis Full Review
7.
8.
2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Review
Mercury's rear-wheel-drive large sedan shares its design with Ford's Crown Victoria and is among the last traditional body-on-frame automobiles. Grand Marquis groups models under GS and LS labels. ABS is standard; traction control is standard on all but the base GS, where it's not available. Front side airbags are available on LS models. The only engine is a 4.6-liter V8 teamed with automatic transmission. An optional Handling Package includes dual exhausts for 239 hp vs. 224 standard. All models have a front bench seat. All but the base GS have standard power-adjustable pedals. Added midyear, a sporty LSE model includes the Handling Package, leather upholstery, and unique interior and exterior trim. Grand Marquis' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Crown Victorias.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they also include the only 6-passenger cars. Large Cars offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.
News
Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria are expected to get a minor restyle and perhaps a few new features for 2006. A 6-speed automatic transmission has been rumored, but is still unconfirmed. Otherwise, these traditional biggies will be the basically same cars we've known for years.
What happens next is unclear. There has been talk of a 2008 replacement based on Ford's Australian-market Falcon, a rear-drive V8 sedan slightly smaller than Grand Marquis/Crown Vic. But company insiders dismiss that idea, and some heavy work would be required to make an '08-model debut anyway. We'd guess Ford will opt for a different kind of next-generation big car, but we don't see it happening before 2010.
What happens next is unclear. There has been talk of a 2008 replacement based on Ford's Australian-market Falcon, a rear-drive V8 sedan slightly smaller than Grand Marquis/Crown Vic. But company insiders dismiss that idea, and some heavy work would be required to make an '08-model debut anyway. We'd guess Ford will opt for a different kind of next-generation big car, but we don't see it happening before 2010.
2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
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. Available traction control is much appreciated in snowy climates.
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.8 |
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. Available traction control is much appreciated in snowy climates.
Fuel Economy
Test Marquis averaged 17 mpg. Mercury recommends regular fuel for all models.
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.6 |
Test Marquis averaged 17 mpg. Mercury recommends regular fuel for all models.
Ride Quality
Soft base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, despite some float on pavement undulations. Firmer Handling Package setup can be jittery over sharp, closely spaced bumps, but quells some float and is no big penalty in overall comfort.
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.6 |
Soft base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, despite some float on pavement undulations. Firmer Handling Package setup can be jittery over sharp, closely spaced bumps, but quells some float and is no big penalty in overall comfort.
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. Litttle evident difference with Handling Package, but we recommend it for the included load-leveling rear suspension.
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.8 |
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. Litttle evident difference with Handling Package, but we recommend it for the included load-leveling rear suspension.
Quietness
Good isolation from road, mechanical noise. Wind rush well muted too, despite intermittent side-window whistle in one test car.
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Good isolation from road, mechanical noise. Wind rush well muted too, despite intermittent side-window whistle in one test car.
Controls
Climate and audio systems set far from driver; upper-range models help with redundant steering-wheel controls. Hard plastic surfaces give cabin a budget-grade feel, even with leather upholstery. Pull-out dashboard cupholder a flimsy embarrassment.
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 |
Climate and audio systems set far from driver; upper-range models help with redundant steering-wheel controls. 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 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.6 |
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 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.5 |
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 | Class Average |
| 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 Chrysler 300.
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.6 |
These sedans ride and handle nicely, but don't feel or act as lively and efficient as more-modern designs such as the Chrysler 300.
Total Score
| LS Ultimate | Class Average |
| 56 | 61.8 |
Scores for all Large Cars
| Low Score | 54 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 71 |
2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/06/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GS 4-door sedan | $24,585 | $23,134 | $750 |
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| GS Convenience 4-door sedan | $25,735 | $24,191 | $750 |
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| LS Premium 4-door sedan | $29,640 | $27,191 | $750 |
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| LS Ultimate 4-door sedan | $30,940 | $28,361 | $750 |
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| LSE 4-door sedan | $30,640 | $28,091 | $750 |
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 224-horsepower 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, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 8-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, automatic parking-brake 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.
LS Premium adds to GS Convenience:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
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, trip computer, AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear load-leveling air suspension.
LSE adds to LS Premium:
Powertrain
4.6-liter 239-horsepower V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/climate and radio controls, AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: keypad entry.
Handling suspension w/rear load-leveling.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
30th Anniversary Edition
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LS Premium
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$995
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$886
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|
Two-tone leather upholstery, steering-wheel radio controls, unique interior and exterior trim, chrome alloy wheels.
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Handling Pkg.
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LS Premium/Ultimate
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$615
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$547
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4.6-liter 239-horsepower V8 engine, dual exhaust, handling suspension, rear load-leveling suspension, unique alloy wheels. Std. LSE.
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Enhanced Color Pkg.
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GS Convenience
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$1,300
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$1,157
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2-tone leather upholstery, bodyside stripes, unique exterior trim.
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Leather Delete Color Pkg.
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GS Convenience (credit)
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$-700
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$-623
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Deletes leather upholstery. Requires Enhanced Color Pkg.
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Safety |
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Front side airbags
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LS Premium/Ultimate, LSE
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$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, LS Premium/Ultimate
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$995
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$886
|
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Heated front seats
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LS Premium/Ultimate
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$295
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$263
|
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Requires front side airbags, leather upholstery.
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Power sunroof
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LS Premium/Ultimate, LSE
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$1,025
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$915
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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GS Convenience, LS Premium
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$185
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$165
|
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer
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LS Premium/Ultimate, LSE
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$695
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$619
|
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Heated power mirrors
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GS, GS Convenience
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$45
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$40
|
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Trunk organizer
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GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, LSE
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$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, LSE
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$295
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$263
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2-tone paint
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GS, GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, LSE
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$295
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$263
|
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Chrome wheel covers
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GS, GS Convenience
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$50
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$45
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Chrome alloy wheels
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LS Premium/Ultimate
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$695
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$619
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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.
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2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercury Grand Marquis 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 211.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4135 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 20.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.6 /281 | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 224 @ 4800 | 239 @ 4900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 275 @ 4000 | 287 @ 4100 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 18/25 | 18/25 |
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 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Grand Marquis Full Review
7.
8.
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