2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis help you decide if a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is right for you.

2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

	Steering/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LS	Class Average
5	6.4

Generally smooth and strong around town, but the transmission's tardy downshifts make for lazy merging and passing response in a broad 40-60-mph range. Available traction control is a must for snowy climates.

Fuel Economy

LS	Class Average
4	4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 17 mpg. Grand Marquis uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

LS	Class Average
7	6.6

The soft suspension is absorbent and fairly controlled, though undulations induce some float.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LS	Class Average
4	5.6

The ride-biased base suspension suffers marked body lean and mediocre tire grip in fast cornering. The available load-leveling rear suspension helps a bit. Exterior bulk is a pain in tight parking spots.

Quietness

LS	Class Average
7	6.7

Good isolation from road and mechanical noise. Wind rush is well-muted too, though one test car suffered from wind whistle around the side windows.

Controls

LS	Class Average
5	6.3

The climate and audio systems are a bit far from the driver; upper-range models help with available steering-wheel controls.

Details

LS	Class Average
5	6.2

Numerous hard-plastic surfaces give the cabin a budget-grade feel. The available leather upholstery doesn't do much to improve the overall ambiance.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LS	Class Average
7	8

Traditional big-car feel, with adult-size room and easy access, but the middle rider must straddle the bulky driveline hump. The bench seat's flat cushion means virtually no lateral support in turns.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LS	Class Average
6	7

Spacious, but too soft for best long-distance comfort. The bench is wide enough for three adults, but the floor hump intrudes here, too.

Cargo Room

LS	Class Average
5	4.8

Grand Marquis's roomy trunk concentrates space in a deep center well, so some bulky items are a tough fit. The available drop-in trunk organizer helps with smaller cargo. The spare tire mounts are way up above the rear axle, which can cause back strain.

Value within Class

LS	Class Average
3	7.1

Grand Marquis is a nice enough big sedan, but it suffers from a basic design that dates back to the 1980s. We prefer the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger, and Mercury's own Sable as more-modern, more-satisfying choices in this class.

Total Score