Mercury Grand Marquis

Mercury Grand Marquis Models

The Mercury Grand Marquis comes in GS and LS trim levels. Both are powered by a 4.6-liter V8 coupled to a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

LS adds luxury equipment, including a premium stereo, premium cloth upholstery, power lumbar support, an illuminated keyless entry system, chrome wheel covers, a light group, and pinstripes. GS and LS models are sold with a slightly higher level of standard equipment, and at slightly higher prices, in California and Hawaii than in the other 48 states.

The Grand Marquis engine produces 220 horsepower at 4750 rpm, and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. With dual exhausts, which are optional on GS and standard on LS, those numbers rise to 235 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.

Option packages have been streamlined, which simplifies life for everyone. Our test car came with the Ultimate Package, which adds anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic instrumentation, a premium sound system, and the Premium Package. The Premium Package includes alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electronic climate control, a power passenger seat, an auto-dimming mirror with compass, and power-adjustable pedals.

The anti-lock brake system is also available as a stand-alone option. We highly recommend it as it allows the driver to maintain steering control during emergency braking maneuvers. You can also get ABS and traction control packaged together. The traction control uses the anti-lock brake system to reduce wheel spin -- a big benefit when accelerating on slippery roads.

Driving the Mercury Grand Marquis

The Grand Marquis' 4.6-liter single overhead-cam V8 is one of the best engines Ford has ever built in terms of quality and durability. It is smooth and quiet, yet delivers strong acceleration with plenty of power for quick passing. It features a coil-on-plug ignition system that is simple and reliable. Thanks largely to its strong V8, Grand Marquis is rated to tow 2000 pounds.

The transmission delivers smooth, precise, quick shifts. Like many transmissions on the market today, it requires no maintenance for the life of the car.

Grand Marquis offers a smooth, quiet ride. It is stable at high speeds and in crosswinds. Better yet, with the suspension alterations made in 1999, this is the best-handling big Mercury we've ever driven. Mercury engineers refined the Grand Marquis in 1999 to produce a car that rides and handles better than its predecessor. The rear trailing arms were redesigned and relocated to provide better control of vertical wheel motions. A three-piece Watt's link was added; it provides more precise lateral location than would be possible with the single-piece Panhard rod or track bar usually used in live-axle setups.

The car does float over undulating pavement, though not at uncomfortable levels. The steering is a bit light at higher speeds, but the power assist makes it easy to maneuver the big car in crowded parking lots.

Braking performance is surprisingly good for such a large car. The brakes were enlarged and upgraded for 1999 as well, with larger, thicker rotors and dual-piston calipers on the front discs. Those changes improved braking performance and reduced the chance of brake fade when descending steep mountain grades. Steel 16-inch wheels are standard, while aluminum alloy wheels are optional. Standard tires are P225/60R-16 all-season Michelins.

We found our Grand Marquis to be a pleasure to drive on a winding road. An optional Handling Package ($855) includes a completely retuned suspension with rear air springs and a larger rear stabilizer bar, plus a quicker 3.55:1 axle ratio, special 16-inch alloy wheels and Goodyear high-performance tires. On GS models, the Handling Package also includes the dual-exhaust engine. The Handling Package sharpens cornering response and improves acceleration. At the same time, it doesn't degrade the ride quality.