1989 Mercury Grand Marquis GS review from North America

When I purchased the car, the passenger side door didn't lock (it still doesn't -- I've yet to get it fixed). Also, the left rear window won't go down.

The interior of my car is starting to fall apart: the backseat isn't bolted down entirely, the paneling underneath the steering column is starting to fall off, the plastic around the driver's side seat belt buckle is cracked and broken, the dashboard is cracked right above where the clock is, and the front arm rests are loose.

I've had a lot of issues with my car stalling. Although once it's been running for awhile it does fine, sometimes when I first start it, it'll stall continuously, to the point where I need to gently rest my foot on the accelerator while the car's in park in order to prevent it from stalling. Also, it tends to stall when I shift into reverse, or when I'm trying to back up.

My power steering seems to be on its way out, too. Most of the time it's fine, but I've had instances lately while trying to park that I'll find myself wrenching the steering wheel in one direction or the other. I've actually pulled muscles in my arms from doing this.

Despite its faults, I love my Grand Marquis. This is my first car, and I only paid $500 for it. It handles incredibly well for a car of its size, and delivers a very comfortable ride.

While it tends to be somewhat "poky" as my boyfriend termed it, this car has a tremendous amount of power. It's very loud (the sound reminds me of a school bus) and the wind resistance just adds to the noise.

One of my main issues with the Grand Marquis is its gas mileage. I find myself needing to fill up once every week, and with gas prices on the rise, it's beginning to take a toll on my wallet. I get about maybe 15 miles to the gallon. Not so great.

For someone living in New England, this isn't the most practical car. Rear-wheel drive combined with a lack of traction control has made for some very...interesting...winter driving expeditions. I slip all over the snow-covered roads, and I find myself peeling out almost constantly.

A few gripes: why is the glove box so tiny? I can hardly fit my registration folder in it, let alone the New Hampshire Drivers Manual and a packet of Kleenex. Also, why no cup holders? And the seat belts in the backseat consist only of lap belts, not shoulder belts too.

All in all, though, this is a great car. Sure, it's given me my share of issues, but what am I supposed to expect from a car that's only a year younger than I am? I definitely received a great bargain on this car, and I love driving it. Despite all its faults, I don't regret purchasing it one bit.