Mercury Grand Marquis

Mercury Grand Marquis
Mercury
aka
Production	1983-Present
Class	Full-Size
Body Style	4-Door Sedan
Length	211.1 in.
Width	84.5 in.
Height	58.3 in.
Wheelbase	114.6 in.
Weight	4,118-4,137 lbs.
Transmission	4-speed Automatic
Engine	4.6 liter DOHC V8
Power	224 hp @ 4800 RPM 275 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
Similar	Ford Crown Victoria Cadillac DTS Toyota Avalon Buick Lucerne Buick Lacrosse Chrysler 300
Designer

The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size rear-wheel drive sedan branded by the Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company and manufactured at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Canada. It was also built in St. Louis, Missouri until 1985.

Overview

The Grand Marquis is essentially a slightly more luxurious version of the Ford Crown Victoria. It comes in two trim levels; GS and LS. The trim level can be identified by the fifth, sixth and seventh digits in the VIN. A Grand Marquis GS is represented by "M74", while a Grand Marquis LS/LSE is represented by "M75".

The Grand Marquis shares the same "Panther" platform as the Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and the former Mercury Marauder. The Town Car will soon share the same manufacturing plant with the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria when Ford's Wixom factory is closed. Current models are powered by Ford's 4.6 L SOHC V8 engine, which produces 224 hp, (239 hp with handling/dual exhaust package). The only exception for power output was the Mercury Marauder, the Grand Marquis' high performance cousin which was powered by a DOHC version of the 4.6 L engine and produced 302 hp (224 kW).

Power is carried to the rear end by a four-speed electronically-controlled, wide-ratio automatic transmission. This transmission is known as the 4R70W, and is the successor to Ford's AOD and AODE transmissions of the early 1990s.

Mercury has always been marketed as a step-up from the Ford brand and has historically been more performance and luxury oriented. There are indications of that in the Grand Marquis. Properly equipped, the large sedan can be both a comfortable semi-luxury sedan while still offering adequate performance.

The Grand Marquis remains quite affordable, priced well below similarly well-equipped entry-level luxury sedans. Prices for the Grand Marquis range from US$24,910 for the GS to US$29,570 for the LS.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Mercury Grand Marquis Review.

Recent Changes

New for 2007 is the Palm Beach package which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors with chrome fronts, cashmere leather seats with embroidered "Palm Beach" logos, side impact air bags, unique satin applique on the instrument panel and door panel, "Palm Beach" badging, and 16" 9-spoke chrome wheels. There is also the option for a conventional spare tire and an auto dimming rear view mirror. An Audiophile 6 disc in-dash changer with an 8 speaker configuration is available. The engine is now E85 fuel capable.

Styles and Major Options

The Grand Marquis is available in GS and LS trims.

GS Standard Features

• AM/FM Single CD Stereo
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Cloth seats with 8 way power driver's seat
• Power mirrors
• 16" Steel Wheels with Chrome Covers
• Traction Control

LS Standard Features
In addition to or in place of GS Features

• Power Adjustable Pedals
• Overhead Console with Compass, Map Lights and Universal Garage Door Opener
• Pinstripes
• Rear seat reading lights
• Electrochromic Rearview Mirror
• Leather Seats with Upgraded rear bench
• Power Heated mirrors
• Leather Wrapped Steering wheel
• 16" Painted alloy wheels

Major Optional Features

• Power Moonroof
• AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer
• Fog Lamps
• Driver and Front Passenger 8-Way Power Seats
• 16" Chrome Wheels
• 16" Machined Aluminum Wheels

Pricing

Today's actual prices for the Mercury Grand Marquis can be found at CarsDirect.

Grand Marquis Trims
GS	LS
MSRP
$24,910	$29,570
Invoice
$23,527	$27,814

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Fuel Type
Gasoline	E85 Ethanol
MPG
17/25	13/17

Safety

Standard Safety Features

• Traction Control
• Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
• Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
• 4-wheel ABS
• Laminated Side Glass

The NHTSA has conducted crash tests of the 2007 Grand Marquis. Its full scores are available at safercar.gov.

Rating (Stars)
Front		Side		Rollover
Driver	Passenger	Front Seat	Rear Seat	2WD	4WD
5	5	4	5	5	-

Photos

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  2007 Grand Marquis

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  The Third Generation Marquis has a rear similar to the Ford Crown Victoria

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  The Grand Marquis has plenty of room for six.

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Colors

Exterior Colors

Smokestone

Dark Toreador Red

Silver Birch

Norsea Blue

Light Ice Blue

Driftwood Gray

Black

Vibrant White

Two-Tone Colors

Silver Birch/Driftwood Gray

Black/Driftwood Gray

Vibrant White/Smokestone

Vibrant White/Silver Birch

Interior Colors

Cloth

Leather

Camel

Dark Charcoal

Medium Light Stone

Main Competitors

• Dodge Charger
• Ford Crown Victoria
• Lincoln Town Car
• Chrysler 300
• Cadillac DTS
• Toyota Avalon

Hybrid Models

The Grand Marquis has never been offered as a hybrid model.

Unique Attributes

Resale Values

Criticisms

Current generation (1998-present)

1998: The Grand Marquis received an exterior refresh, including new front and rear fascias, grille, hood, headlights, cornering lights, taillights, bumpers, door mirrors and wheels. There were a number of small interior updates, such as a new two-spoke steering wheel, green LED backlighting, a black column shift lever and turn signal/wiper stalk arm (previously chrome), and a Gentex auto dim rear view mirror with an integrated compass. A single CD player became available, as well as an eight-way power passenger seat with lumbar support. The analog gauges now had red pointers, instead of the orange ones in previous years.

A number of mechanical changes were also made. A fail-safe cooling system with a dual speed electric fan was put in place, along with a coil-on-plug ignition system. Larger dual piston brake calipers were added to the front, hence 16 inch wheels were now standard. A Watt's Linkage Suspension was added to the rear. Fuel lines were moved to the passenger side frame rail. A coded ignition key (known as Passive Anti-Theft System [PATS]) system was introduced and a 72 amp/hour battery replaced the previous 58. Other minor changes included a redesigned engine cover and the power steering fluid reservoir being moved to the front of the engine.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

1999: No major changes were made. The option/standard list was modified.

2000: Anchors for child seats were added in the rear. A new trunk release allowed occupants trapped in the trunk to exit without assistance.

2001: Changes included adjustable pedals and higher engine output.

2002: Heated door mirrors, ABS and Traction Control were added to the standard options list. The trim levels for this year are GS, GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, and top-line LSE editions.

2003: The Grand Marquis received a facelift and new rear fascia, along with refreshed interior door panels (including door handles and power window/power lock control switches) and an optional overhead console (standard on the LS Series). However the real changes were under the skin, with the second generation of the Panther platform. An all-new hydroformed frame was engineered, rack and pinion steering replaced the old recirculating ball system, and the front and rear suspension, as well as the brakes, were redesigned. An engine knock sensor was made standard along with a six-quart (5.7 L) oil pan (20% larger than the 2002 model). The wheels were redesigned with a high positive offset. A quiet EBD brake booster with a mechanical panic assist system was added. Other changes included an intake manifold with aluminum water crossover and an electronic returnless fuel system. Side airbags were also made available and a dual media (cassette/CD) player made standard. More minor changes included a redesigned engine cover with a chrome V8 logo, the oil fill was moved to the passenger valve cover and the power steering fluid reservoir moved to the radiator surround (previously on the front of the engine). A shoulder belt was put into place for the rear middle passenger and a valet key was made standard.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

2005 Grand Marquis

2005: A number of changes were made for the 2005 model year. An electronic throttle control system was put in place, moving the cruise control function to the main computer. Occupant weight sensors were added, which could disable the passenger airbag. Other changes included two new front crash severity sensors, a new steering column and two-spoke steering wheel and the addition of a mast antenna on the right rear fender. Interior changes included new wood trim, chrome interior door release handles and an Audiophile 6 disc in-dash CD changer (optional on the LS Series), The LSE trim was added mid year. The steering wheel lock feature was eliminated.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

2006 Grand Marquis

2006: For 2006, the front end was refreshed. This included a new, rectangular grille, bearing a likeness to the 1980s models. Fog lights were now an option. Interior changes included a new steering wheel and dash layout, as well as a new instrument cluster, which featured the addition of a tachometer and digital odometer/tripmeter. The mast antenna on the right rear fender was integrated back into the rear window and new wheel designs were made available. This was the first year for the 4R75E transmission.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

Previous Generations

Second generation (1992-1997)

1992: This was the first year for the 4.6 L SOHC modular V8 engine. The car was also completely redesigned, with its angular shapes replaced by a new aerodynamic body. The new rounded design was then highly regarded for its light weight and low wind resistance, which led to increased fuel efficiency. The interior was redesigned, with new door trim and seats. Four-wheel disc brakes were made standard, along with speed-sensitive power steering and a 19 gallon fuel tank. Rear air suspension was optional, along with a keyless entry system.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes">Liquid's Model Year Changes</ref>

1993: A front passenger's side airbag was made standard. An overdrive button was added on the end of the shifter.

1994: Side impact protection was added, allowing the car to comply to future 1997 standards.

Facelifted 1995-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis

1995: This was the first year for the 4R70W transmission along with an OBD-II compliant computer. The vehicle received an exterior refreshing, along with a choice of new wheels. The interior was also redesigned with a new dashboard, seats, door trim panels, and door-mounted power seat controls. 10 inch front seat tracks were standard. A 2.73 rear axle ratio was made standard, over last year's 3.08. The power antenna was integrated into the rear window on all models and an electronic temperature control system was available on the LS series.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

1996: A new four-spoke steering wheel replaced last year's "brick" steering wheel and a single key entry system was introduced. The throttle body linkage was redesigned along with the engine cover and an all-plastic intake manifold was made standard. Shifting performance was also improved.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

1997: The power steering system was upgraded for more precise handling and better component durability.

First generation (1983-1991)

Facelifted first generation Mercury Grand Marquis

1983: The Marquis, like the Ford LTD, split into a mid-size version based on the Fox platform while the Grand Marquis continued with the Panther platform. The grille was changed slightly this year.

1986: Sequential electronic fuel injection is added.

1987: The Grand Marquis is now built exclusively at the St. Thomas plant.

1988: The exterior received minor changes; the familiar cross-and-wreath hood ornament, as well as the other cross emblems, were replaced by Mercury's "Flying M" logo. The rest of the exterior emblems were updated to the new block script used on the Sable. The 2-door coupe was no longer available.

1990: The dashboard of the car was completely redesigned, including the airbag-equipped "brick" steering wheel.

1991: The electronically controlled AOD-E transmission was introduced.

Origins

The Mercury Marquis was introduced as a trim package on the 1967 Mercury Monterey. The Marquis name gradually replaced Monterey. The Grand Marquis trim line was introduced in 1975 as a step up from the base Marquis and Marquis Brougham. The Grand Marquis became a model in its own right in 1983. Since then, there have been three generations of the Grand Marquis, with a major redesign in 1992 (the Mercury Colony Park wagon was not redesigned but discontinued), a refresh in 1998, and a major revamping of the front suspension and steering system in 2003.

Worldwide

Canadian market

In Canada, after the Mercury brand was phased out in 1999, the car was sold as the Ford Grand Marquis but still remains badged as a Mercury, despite being named a Ford in all Canadian sales literature. Since the demise of the Mercury Marauder in 2004, the Grand Marquis is the last remaining Mercury vehicle sold in Canada. It replaces the civilian Crown Victoria, which is now sold only to commercial fleets and law enforcement in Canada (as a Police Interceptor).

Middle Eastern market

Middle Eastern 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, equipped with the Export Handling Package, with the LSE wheels

The Grand Marquis and its twin, the Ford Crown Victoria, are popular sedans in the Middle East. This is especially true in countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Vehicles with Middle East specifications (also known as GCC spec) come with slightly different options and features, including the GS-L trim. A true dual exhaust system is standard, as well as aluminum wheels. LS wheels are standard on the GS trim and vehicles manufactured after 1998 come with Lincoln Town Car seats, available in both cloth and leather trim.

The Handling and Performance Package (HPP) was renamed to the "Export Handling Package" (EHP) and differs slightly from the Handling and Performance Package. The dual exhaust system is not part of the EHP (since it already comes standard), and it comes with a 2.73 rear axle ratio over the 3.27 of the HPP. The Export Handling Package usually comes standard on the LS and shares the same 16 inch aluminum wheels with the LSE. A long wheelbase version is also available, called the Grand Marquis GSL. In North America, the long-wheelbase model is only available to fleet customers as a commercial version of the Ford Crown Victoria.

Future Models

Despite rumors to the contrary, Ford has announced that they will continue to produce the Grand Marquis through at least 2010.

The company does plan on redesigning it along with the Crown Victoria sometime in the future, likely retiring the Panther platform altogether and moving them to the Ford D2C platform (used by the Ford Mustang). While Ford would likely replace the Crown Victoria name with something along the lines of Fairlane (or maybe even GalaxieTemplate:Citation needed, to go out of Ford's plans to use names that start with the letter "F"), the Grand Marquis name would most likely be shortened back to "Marquis" to go along with Mercury naming their cars with names that begin with the letter "M".

Design quirks and oddities

• Using same basic Panther Platform it used in 1978.
• Using same Door and window design aince 1992.
• Using same Dash Design since 1995.

Awards

• Class exclusive standard V8 Engine.
• Roomiest Interior in its class.
• Largest Trunk in its class.
• 5 Star safety rating in all 4 categories 12 years running (1995-2007)

References

External links

• Mercury Grand Marquis official websites: U.S.A. | Canada
• Jonelle's Crown Vics, etc.

References

This page was constructed using content from the Mercury Grand Marquis Wikipedia article and these contributors.