1996 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4.6L V8

Summary:

For the Money it CAN

Faults:

Intake Manifold Cracked (595.00 installed)

Brakes (emergency) Malfunctioned 295.00.

Shox didn't absorb 110.00 Installed.

Ball Joints were worn out.

Tie Rods needed to go cause could align

800 bux for the ball joints and ends plus a brake job thrown in and the Bushings.

Bushings dry rotted.

Two Power window regulators (120 each)

General Comments:

I felt compelled to update my previous 1996 entry (Cuke on Wheels) because this hunk of junk has totally impressed me. Most of the stuff listed above is just wear and tear stuff. As for the engine and transmission I can officially say that they are indeed bullet proof. Talk about reliability this thing performed admirably in that Blizzard of 2002/3 here in the DC area without a hitch and has been absolutely ultra reliable.

My hat goes off whoever designed and made this taxi wannabe because its been paid off for 3 years now and the only thing goes in are maintenance items. I drive about 28k miles a year and I promised myself when this thing hits 200K I will treat myself and get some tint. LOL.

Later.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2003

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis LS

Summary:

The Marquis delivers an elegant ride under different kind of load and road conditions

Faults:

I have installed a class 3 trailer hitch which caused the rear end to drop at least 3 inches.

I have unsuccessfully searched for a set of heavy duty springs to boost the rear end.

I came across a spring dealer who sold me a set of `air lifts' which insert into the existing spring.

I allowed the air hose from the `air lift' to exit at the hitch plate used for the trailer wiring harness connector.

Then I attached an air valve to the hose end which leads to each of the two `air lift' devices.

The `air lift' is a heavy rubber bag which is squeezed between the coils of the spring.

I raised the car with a hydraulic jack allowing the spring to decompress.

These bags allow a minimum inflation from 5 to 35 pounds per side.

I can now carry 6 passengers and luggage, as well as haul 4 bikes on the hitch bike rack or pull a trailer without causing the rear end to drag on the pavement.

This allows the ride to be elegant and yet firm when it needs to be.

What a great automobile!

General Comments:

We have decided to rent trailers during our vacations over the last number of years.

This has eliminated the cost of purchasing and storage fees.

This car has freed us up to take different types of vacations as a family and extended family.

On our latest vacation trip we hauled an 18 foot speed boat.

I could not have hauled safely without going to a truck chassis type vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th August, 2003

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6

Summary:

A big fast roomy reliable vehicle

Faults:

Car has been very reliable. Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

These cars are well known for their room and reliability. The best kept secret is their performance and acceleration. Get one with the Sport Handling package and you've got yourself a very good performing full size sedan that is a blast to drive.

I love out accelerating people in their hopped up imports and expensive Japanese sedans. Merging on the highway and passing is a breeze.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2003

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4.6L V8

Summary:

A lot of car for little money

Faults:

When I bought the car it needed brake work. The cost was $320.00. Nothing else has gone wrong.

General Comments:

I only paid $4500 for a big, roomy car.

The V8 is smooth and quite. It handles like a smaller car.

It shoots up interstate on ramps and has great passing power.

If you take it easy fuel mileage is not bad.

It's comfortable around town and on the open highway.

It has lots of room for my two growing boys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2003

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4.6L V8

Summary:

Cucumber on wheels that can outperform your more expensive mid size 6 or 4 cylinders with ease

Faults:

Plastic Intake manifold cracked at 90K.

$565.00

Total brake job at 100K

475.00

EdelBrock Shock upgrade at 110K.(shocks worn out)

530.00

That's it.

General Comments:

Great Car for the money. Smooth powerful acceleration and merging is a piece of cake. Edelbrocks stiffen up the otherwise squishy ride on the pre 98 models.

Hey, if you are a van owner like I was and are sick and tired of people cutting you off get a GM or a C Vic. Can't go wrong. The only complaint I have is it is a chore parking in the ever shrinking mall lots, but that's it.

Will add a CD player and amp with some tint. What the heck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2002