2005 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Convenience 4.6 Litre Gasoline V8

Summary:

Last of the dinosaurs

Faults:

None

General Comments:

The Grand Marquis is one of the last three full size body-on-frame rear wheel drive sedans sold in America, an automotive genre which was once the meat and potatoes of the American auto market.

The car's generously sized dimensions have not changed since it's 1978 introduction as the downsized Mercury Marquis. Step inside, shut the reassuringly heavy door, and you are welcomed by two thickly padded velour covered bench seats, large enough to comfortably accommodate you and four of your XXL friends (five in a pinch, by folding up the front armrests).

Aesthetically, the Grand Marquis is a mix of mid '90s and early 2000s styling. With the exception of the grille, the car could be mistaken for a well preserved 1998 model. On the interior, scarcely more than the addition of analog gauges and a new steering wheel distinguish the '05 Marquis from the '98 Marquis. The interior is curvy and contains a mix of decent quality plastics, garnished with some unconvincing fake burled wood trim.

The Marquis' long hood houses Ford's 4.6 litre SOHC Modular V8, which serves up 224 horsepower, and 275 lb-ft of torque, bolted to a four speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Performance is good, considering the car's engine is tasked with motivating 4600 lbs. 0-60 is around 8 seconds.

While you won't win any drag races, highway cruising is effortless at 70 mph, and there is always plenty of power in reserve. The car is quiet at speed and it's 6.5 feet of width render it stable in crosswinds and emergency manoeuvres; you would need to do something very stupid to flip this car over. As you might expect, the car is a bit difficult to park.

For fuel economy, I have seen no higher than 19 mpg in daily mixed driving and I have seen no lower than 15, quite outside the window sticker's optimistic 18/23 mpg estimates, which is to be expected with such a massive car. The owner's manual recommends 87 or higher Octane unleaded regular gasoline.

The suspension is double wishbone in front, with a live axle in the rear, with gas charged shock absorbers and coil springs all round. The car rides as if it is floating down a river of whipped cream, thanks to the isolation provided by body-on-frame construction. Despite the smooth ride, it corners remarkably level. The solid rear axle (such as you would find on a truck) makes for some interesting handling over broken pavement, but is vastly more durable than an independent rear suspension.

Overall, this car and its twins, the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town car, are the last of the land yachts, and are rumoured to be discontinued in 2011. It remains a mystery to me why the masses gravitate to smaller, more expensive uncomfortable Accord and Camry or piggish unsafe SUVs, when for only $20k they could have a safe, fast, supremely comfortable battlecruiser.

While I have not owned the Marquis long enough to comment on reliability, one would expect all the bugs to have been worked out long ago, and replacement parts are ubiquitous and cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2008

13th Nov 2008, 12:28

My 2000 Grand Marquis LS weight is 4216, the 2005 has a whip antenna, that's how I can tell what year it is in public. The most miles I have ever seen on one is 464,000 on a 2003 Grand Marquis taxi cab. Your 2005 model was the first year to have fly by wire throttle body.

16th Nov 2008, 20:58

That car doesn't weigh 4600lbs... roughly 4200lbs at the most! My '79 Town Car weighs in at 4669lbs.

23rd Apr 2009, 13:33

I totally disagree with your gas mileage, I don't know how it could be that low. I have had mine for about three months now. In mixed driving I get 23 MPG and on the highway I get 27. My sister has an 01 Grand Marquis, and she gets the same gas mileage as me.

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4.6 Liter

Summary:

Outstanding

Faults:

None

General Comments:

Best car I ever owned. Never had anything go wrong.

Gas mileage is great for such a large car. 20 city,28 on the highway. This is the best built car on the market today.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2008

20th Mar 2008, 11:42

You are absolutely right! The Grand Marquis, Town Car, and Crown Victoria are better built than any other new cars. Especially the Japanese trash!

22nd Mar 2008, 14:17

Well considering they have more or less been in production since 1979, you would think Ford would have them perfected by now.

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Convenience 4.6 V8

Summary:

Fantastic car for a very fair price; best deal on the road

Faults:

Horn was difficult to push, but corrected by the dealer.

General Comments:

A fantastic American classical auto. Zero maintenance required other than oil changes.

My third GM (1995 & 2001) bought all new, and maintenance for all three was minimal.

Replaced tires, one window motor and one engine sensor during 12 years and almost 200,000 miles total driving.

Great highway mileage - ranging from 27 on my current car to over 30 on the 1995.

Do miss the lockable gas cap, and front seat pockets on the 2005.

Just great, comfortable and classy cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th August, 2007

31st Aug 2007, 14:34

The Grand Marquis is not a product of General Motors, but of FoMoCo.

31st Aug 2007, 14:36

Sorry, now I realize you meant Grand Marquis, not General Motors by "GM". I guess I am the dumb one.