1996 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6 liter 16v from North America

Summary:

A truly wonderful American automobile

Faults:

Absolutely nothing. I'm waiting to see if the "blister-pack" plastic intake manifold fails. It hasn't yet.

General Comments:

This has been the most reliable car I've ever had. I had the brakes replaced with heavier duty brakes, as the old ones were getting marginal. Also had the radiator and heater hoses replaced.

The ride quality is amazingly good, especially since it has air suspension, which I thought might be firmer than standard coil spring systems. It is very quiet, even at highway speeds. There are no rattles or irritating noises at all.

The leather seats are wonderfully comfortable and show almost no wear. I use Lexol leather conditioner at least once every two weeks, applied heavily and just the excess amount removed. I let it sit overnight, and as a result, there are no cracks in the leather at all, just a little stretching from years of use. The previous owner strongly suggested it.

I purchased it from a retired couple who bought it to travel in full time. They traded it in for a Town Car. They needed more trunk space and wanted the "Town Car" status. They said it is their first truly luxury car.

With over 162,000 miles on it now, I use Castrol GTX motor oil with a quart of DuraLube at every oil change as recommended by the shop that services it for me. It does not lose any oil, and there are no drips on the garage floor under it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2011

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4..6 from North America

Summary:

Outstanding comfort, great reliability, and good mileage for the engine and car size

Faults:

In the winter time the car would die as soon as I let off the gas. Easy fix: Idle Air Control Valve $40 fixed it and had me up and running again. Pretty easy to install as well. If that doesn't fix it try replacing the Throttle Position Sensor $40. Other reviews have stated that is a common issue with the Grand Marquis.

Another common issue with this car is the PLASTIC Intake Manifold developing a crack and causing the car to overheat and lose all the coolant. Previous owner replaced that at about 80,000 miles for about $800 (Get the one with aluminum crossover, won't need to be replaced again-CHECK EBAY FOR PARTS) Expensive but this car is well worth it.

Also, don't slam your doors if you value your window working. It may come off the tracks! LOL Again, easy fix but an annoyance.

General Comments:

The gas mileage is approx. 20 to the gal if you don't drive like a crazy person. Pretty reasonable considering this car weighs 2 tons and has a HUGE engine.

Comfort level is outstanding, if you're looking for a couch-like car, I couldn't recommend one better. LOVE THIS CAR!!! Also, very fast and reliable.

And if you get one in white, everyone is very careful driving around you LOL. Might be a wise decision to invest in a radar detector because you will want to gun it.

The only bad thing I can think of about the interior is where the cup holders and ashtray are (in front of all the dash instruments (a/c and radio) ).

Bought this car at 12 years old for 2 grand and LOVE IT. Money well spent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2008

1996 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6 from North America

Summary:

It is a great family car

Faults:

Transmission needed overhaul at 100,000 miles. Passenger power window needed repair at 100,000 miles. Driver side leather seat cracked and was re-covered at 100,000 miles.

Composite intake manifold failed at 110,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and handles well.

I consider the car to be very reliable and with good maintenance, it will last at least 200,000 miles.

All of the accessories operate properly.

This car has the towing package and I pulled a 21 foot cuddy cabin inboard/outboard many times including over the ridge route in California.

This great car is the best kept secret in the automotive world, although my grandkids call it a grandpa car. Big, large trunk and comfortable to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2008