Price-conscious shoppers who do their research will learn that the Mercury Grand Marquis is one of the great full-size sedan bargains on the American market. It offers rear-wheel drive, lots of interior space, five-star crash performance, strength and durability, along with almost all the comfort and convenience features of the Lincoln Town Car -- at a much more affordable price.
The Grand Marquis competes against the Pontiac Bonneville, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde, and Toyota Avalon.
The Grand Marquis comes in GS ($22,415) and LS ($24,315) trim levels.
Both are powered by a 4.6-liter V8 coupled to a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Buyers have the option of either a single-exhaust system that makes 200 horsepower, or a dual-exhaust system that bumps power output to 215 horsepower.
The better-breathing system is standard on the LS version, which comes with more standard equipment than the GS, including cruise control, power door locks, an illuminated keyless entry system, chrome wheel covers, a light group, and pinstripes.
This is a big, roomy car. It boasts a curb weight over 3900 pounds, a 114-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 212 inches. Buyers concerned about safety will appreciate the heft, as bigger cars tend to be safer in collisions than smaller cars. The size of the Grand Marquis, as well as a new frame design that was part of the 1999 model year overhaul, helped it earn a five-star rating in government front and rear crash tests.
The Grand Marquis was restyled for 1999 with a new and more vertical grille, new complex-reflector headlamps and new tail lamps. Other improvements included revised front and rear suspensions for a smoother ride. The recirculating-ball steering system was upgraded with premium bearings and materials to improve steering feel and response. A power steering fluid cooler is now standard.
Option packages have been streamlined, which simplifies life for the factory, the dealers, and the customer. Our test car came with the $2,400 Ultimate Package, which includes the Premium Package plus anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic instrumentation, and a premium sound system. The Premium Package is available separately for $1,000 and includes alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electronic climate control, a power passenger seat and an auto-dimming mirror with compass.
The anti-lock brake system is also available as a stand-alone option for $600. 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 for $775. The traction control uses the anti-lock brake system to reduce wheel spin -- a big benefit on slippery roads.
Sit down in the Grand Marquis and you'll be treated to huge, thick seats as comfortable as an old pair of shoes. The Grand Marquis retains that big-car feel many of us grew up with. The interior is spacious, with plenty of room for long legs, broad shoulders and gangly arms, and it will comfortably seat six adults. The Grand Marquis provides more front and rear headroom than the Buick LeSabre Custom does.
Despite the car's size, there's enough fore-aft seat adjustment to accommodate petite family members. Like many bench seats, these seats are made for cruising cross-country and won't hold you in place in sharp corners. One minor annoyance: The hump running down the center of the floor for the driveshaft reduces foot space for anyone sitting in the center. It is the single largest drawback in the Grand Marquis' rear-drive design.
Rear-seat roominess and comfort are at the top of the class. Trunk capacity is rated at almost 21 cubic feet. Fit and finish inside the car are superb, and the choice of materials is excellent.
