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Mercury Grand Marquis
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The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size rear-wheel drive sedan sold by the Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company. It is essentially Mercury's version of the Ford Crown Victoria with which it shares its Panther platform along with the Lincoln Town Car. All three vehicles are presently manufactured at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Canada though a plant in St. Louis, Missouri was also used until 1985. Since its introduction, the Grand Marquis has only been available with V8 engines, and remains one of the last "traditional" American full-size cars, with features including 6-passenger bench seating.
The Grand Marquis went into production in 1983 as a separate model (previously being a trim level for the Mercury Marquis from 1975 until 1982), and is currently in its third generation, having also been facelifted many times along the way.
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The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size rear-wheel drive sedan sold by the Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company. It is essentially Mercury's version of the Ford Crown Victoria with which it shares its Panther platform along with the Lincoln Town Car. All three vehicles are presently manufactured at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Canada though a plant in St. Louis, Missouri was also used until 1985. Since its introduction, the Grand Marquis has only been available with V8 engines, and remains one of the last "traditional" American full-size cars, with features including 6-passenger bench seating.
The Grand Marquis went into production in 1983 as a separate model (previously being a trim level for the Mercury Marquis from 1975 until 1982), and is currently in its third generation, having also been facelifted many times along the way. It also spawned a short-lived performance variant in 2003 and 2004 that bore the historic nameplate Mercury Marauder.
Introduction
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 when Mercury's mid-size offering was renamed Marquis. 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.
First generation (1983-1991)
The Panther platform Grand Marquis was introduced in 1983, when the base Marquis and Marquis Brougham nameplates were moved to the mid-sized Fox platform. The Grand model remained on the Panther platform and became Mercury's flagship sedan. The only change the Grand Marquis had from the previous models was Central Fuel Injection replacing the two-barrel carburetor, new taillights, and a new grille. The 302 in³ Windsor V8 was the only engine, coupled with the four-speed AOD automatic. The new Grand Marquis sold well, and remained virtually unchanged until 1986, when it received sequential electronic fuel injection.
In 1988, the exterior received a facelift to freshen the styling. This facelift included a new front clip with a rounded grille and badging shared with the rest of the Mercury lineup. The familiar cross-and-wreath emblems were replaced by Mercury's new "flying M". The 2-door coupe was dropped due to slow sales; Grand Marquis coupes are hard to find today. In 1990, a driver's side airbag was added to compliment the redesigned dashboard and enlarged head restraints. These were the only changes the Grand Marquis received, as Mercury was preparing a new Grand Marquis for 1992.
Second generation (1992-1997)
1992 redesign
For the 1992 model year, the Panther cars underwent their first extensive change since their original launch. Like both the Crown Victoria and the Lincoln Town Car, the Grand Marquis was given all-new sheet metal, much more rounded than in the preceding generation, although still rather conservative, with a formal roof line and chrome waterfall grille. The Colony Park station wagon was not redesigned and canceled after 1991. After 1992, the passenger-side airbag (an option since 1990) became standard.
The redesigned Grand Marquis received the 4.6 L SOHC "Modular" V8 engine as the replacement for the 5.0 L OHV V8 previously employed. For 1993, the electronically-controlled AOD-E transmission was introduced.
1995-1997
For 1995, the Grand Marquis' was refreshed. In front, the lighting arrangement was simplified on the front bumper, using fewer bulbs, and the grille shape was changed. In the rear, the license plate mount was moved from the bumper to a redesigned trunk lid. The entire interior was replaced, with round gauges replacing strip speedometers (digital instruments remained an option), rotary climate controls, and a new corporate radio/cassette control panel. The controls for optional power seats were now located on the door panels with buttons for the power windows and door locks. Mechanically, the major change was the switch to the 4R70W transmission. In 1996, the Grand Marquis dropped the first-generation steering wheel for the one used in many other Ford and Mercury sedans. For 1997, the Mercury logos were removed from the C-pillars.
Third generation (1998-present)
The Grand Marquis was redesigned for 1998, with a new front and rear fascia, grille, hood, bumpers, wheels, lights, and mirrors. Although it bears a resemblance to the older model, every body panel was changed besides the doors and roof. It also got some small interior changes, and more optional features. 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, requiring 16 inch wheels to be standard. A Watt's linkage was added to the rear suspension. Fuel lines were moved to the passenger side frame rail. A coded ignition key (known as Passive Anti-Theft System, or "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.
2003 changes
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).
On GS models, the B-pillar trim was now painted body-color.
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.
2005 and later changes
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 quarter panel. 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.
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 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.
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.
For 2008, the Grand Marquis lost its Handling and Performance Package as well as its 5-passenger sport option (similar to the Crown Victoria's LX Premium Sport and Handling Package, known as the LSE until 2006) These were the only Grand Marquis produced for North America to be equipped with dual exhaust.
For 2009, the Grand Marquis is available in only 2 trim options; LS Fleet and LS Retail. The GS has been dropped. Also, Mercury/Lincoln dealers in the United States have a "No stock" rule in effect for the Grand Marquis, as incentives as high as $4000 were becoming a requirement to remove them from dealer lots, usually after several months. The LS Fleet is available for fleet purchase only in Canada and the United States, and the LS Retail is available on dealer special orders only in the United States. The Grand Marquis has been replaced in Canada's retail market by the new Ford Taurus. Standard equipment on both models is the new, federally mandated recessed window switches and side impact airbags.
Fuel Tank Safety Concerns
see Fuel Tank Safety Concerns.
Intake Manifold Defect
Model years 1996 to 2001 inclusive, using an all-composite intake manifold, are subject to coolant leaks. Late in 2005 Ford settled a class action lawsuit. See Intake Manifold Defect for details.
Canadian market
In Canada, after the Mercury brand was phased out in 1999, the car was sold as the Ford Grand Marquis but wore the Mercury grille badge, despite being named a Ford in all Canadian sales literature. Since the demise of its short-lived Mercury Marauder twin in 2004, the Grand Marquis was the last remaining Mercury vehicle sold in Canada until the 2008 model year, when the Ford Taurus took its place as Ford's full-size sedan. It replaced the civilian version of the Crown Victoria, which was now sold exclusively to commercial fleets and law enforcement in Canada (as a Police Interceptor).
Mexican Market
The Grand Marquis was sold in Mexico from 1979 to 2004 as a Ford, but it kept the Mercury badge on the front grille. The Grand Marquis was replaced for the 2005 model year by the Mercury Montego, due to slowing sales accounting to the sedan's size. Although the Mercury Montego was intended to invigorate full-size Mercury sales, it was dropped after the 2007 model year because of its poor success.
Middle Eastern market
The Grand Marquis and its twin, the Ford Crown Victoria, are popular sedans in the Middle East, especially in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Vehicles manufactured for this market are known as GCC Spec vehicles, and are available in all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
As of 2009, the Mercury Grand Marquis is only available in two different trim levels in the GCC: GSL (M70 VIN designation) and LS (M75 VIN designation), both of which are near identical in terms of features. Previously, six different trim levels were available: GS, GS Convenience, GSL, LS (previously known as LSE until the 2008 model year), LS Premium and LS Ultimate. These models come with slightly different options and features from their North American counterparts.
All vehicles destined for the Middle East feature the High Ambient Temperature and Speed Package, a heavy-duty battery, an engine oil cooler, an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler and Arabic language labels.
The pre-2009 LS model (previously known as LSE) features 5-passenger seating, with a floor shifter and center console. As of 2009, the LS models are only available with a column shifter and 40/20/40 Lincoln Town Car seats, available in luxury cloth or leather trim. The GSL is a long-wheelbase model, offering six inches (152 mm) of extra leg room for rear passengers. It's standard features include driver's 8-way power and 2 way manual passenger seats, side airbags, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatically dimming rearview mirror, electronic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, Premium sound system with CD and cassette, 17" wheels with 225/60VR16 Pirelli P6 Four Season tires, heated door mirrors, fog lights and special "GSL" badging. The once optional gauge cluster is also standard, with controls located on the center of the dashboard, between the headunit and climate controls. In North America, this model is only available to fleet customers as a commercial version of the Ford Crown Victoria. Lincoln Town Car seats have also been standard equipment on vehicles manufactured after 1998.
The American Handling and Performance Package (HPP) has been changed to "Export Handling Package" for the Middle East. The only differences between the two is that GCC models have a 2.73 rear axle ratio (as opposed to 3.27) and as a true dual exhaust system is standard equipment, it does not come as part of the package. Rear air suspension, unique springs, an upsized front stabilizer bar and heavy-duty rear stabilizer bar are part of the Package. Vehicles equipped with this package also feature a Mercury Marauder rear spoiler (not available on GS-L models). EHP is a standard feature on the LS, whilst LS Premium and LS Ultimate models with this option share the same 16" 9-spoke wheels as their LS counterparts. For 2006 and newer models, the new 9-spoke Crown Victoria LX wheel with a Mercury center cap has replaced the '03-'05 LSE wheels with darker inserts.
External links
- Mercury Grand Marquis official websites: |
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- Forum dedicated to the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Panther Chassis
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