Comments: 1-15, 16-28
Minor trim, such as poor fitting third brake light.
Doors stick due to poorly designed door weatherstrips.
No mechanical issues at all.
This car handles outstanding. It will take off ramps at speeds much higher than one would expect. The rack and pinion steering is very precise.
The styling of the car gets compliments almost daily. I'm asked often, what kind of car is that? Mostly because Mercury gave the car no advertising or publicity.
The total amount of Marauder made are under 8000 for the 2003's and under 3500 for the 2004's. This will make the car uncommon and possibly increase their resale value in the future.
Initial acceleration is not breathtaking. The performance really shines at speeds over 30 MPH. This is because of the small engine size, 281 cubic inches. It's horsepower is in the upper end of the RPM's.
There are several companies selling aftermarket performance upgrades, such as superchargers, which raises rear wheel horsepower to well over 400. There are also exhaust modifications available as well as chips/tuners and under-drive pulleys.
You admit that the acceleration is not breathtaking, but you don't mention the fuel consumption, which probably is. And it requires premium fuel, too.
Any wonder wny they only sold a few thousand of these? Not for lack of advertising!
Car models that get discontinued due to lack of sales go down in value, not up. Most people do not want to drive a "loser".
I bought a 2003 and I am pleased with the car. It's not very fast off the line, but it's faster than the police interceptors and they get the job done. If all you want to do is burn up tires and jump off the line quickly, a Mustang Cobra is in the same price range. However, if you're a family man like me and need to seat more than 2, the Marauder is a good compromise. It's a sharp car and comes fully loaded. It will seat 5 very nicely and you can put a ton of luggage in the trunk. I was also pleasantly surprised that my insurance went down when I traded a 1997 Mustang for this car.
Yes, but the Mustang will still be around in 2005 and beyond.
The Marauder? Sayonara! Mercury has already stopped production.
This car is boss. I don't know why they are stopping production, most likely the high cost that competes with more established competition. I wouldn't be surprised if Merc stripped the car down a bit and kept the styling and lowered the price.
Ford is already selling what the above comment is describing. It's called the Crown Victoria LX Sport. It doesn't have the DOHC engine, but has most of what else the Marauder had.
And it's not selling all that well either!
I have a 2004 Marauder which I bought new. I love
the car, from the styling to the acceleration &
handling which is pretty darn precise for such
a large vehicle.
As for the fuel consumption, I would not have
purchased a Marauder if that were a major concern
to me.
Why so much negative feedback about the car?
Hey, if ya don't like it don't buy it!
I just bought a Marauder and it is an awesome car. Everyone who sees it loves it, from kids to older guys. This car didn't sell that well because kids like small imports now, and they have no clue as to real horsepower from big v-8 cars. They have no knowledge of them. Besides, they can't afford it anyway to have a great car. Older guys didn't want the power, just a Grand Marquis. So these great cars just sat on dealer lots. You can pick one up now, low clicks for half the price of a new one.
Agree with previous comments made here. Why negative comments with no intelligent basis? This site is great for reference prior to purchase. You get what you pay for. If you want German quality engineering/performance/feel, why focus on Mercury?
I've never owned a Mercury or anticipated owning one. However, this sounds like one fun family cruiser and a decent value on used market considering it's lack of popularity - a plus depending on how you view it. To those who actually own one, thanks for the review.
My 96 impala ss blows the doors off this slow thing. I lined up against one at a traffic light where we had a pretty good size straightaway between lights and my stock 5.7 cooked that gaudy 4.6. I used to sell marauders so I know how often they were in service. This would have been a nice car if ford had marketed it better. But then again, it is a ford after all. These cars are all bark and no bite. The engine sounds hollow so to add any bite one would almost have to get aftermarket parts for one of these. Stock 96 super sports are faster, better off the line, and have an overall better resale value. Check any car mag and see how much a 96 costs versus a marauder. That ain't gonna change no time soon. Marauders are cool if you don't want to spend a lot of money and don't mind something different out of the ford line, but for true black 4 dr sedans that embellish American muscle, look for a 1996 Chevrolet impala ss.
With guys like the writer of the previous comment selling Marauders, no wonder that Ford gave up on it after just two years. Think he sold Lincoln Blackwoods too?
I agree with the other guy. I used to sell marauders and blackwoods and he is right. ford never marketed them like they should have. they just kinda put them out there on the lot thinking that they would sell themselves. in a way they did... but for the most part, it flopped. I mean did anyone ever see a marauder commercial? or any advertisement with them? and I too have an impala ss. it is no comparison. Impala's are just head and shoulders above them.
To the gentleman that used to sell Marauders. Your argument doesn't hold up when you state that the Marauder is basically garbage, that you used to see them come into service all the time, and then state that it would have been a pretty nice vehicle had Ford marketed it better. I fail to follow your reasoning. Marketing does not make a vehicle better or of higher quality now does it. Its OK that you want to drive around in an overweight 10 year old has-been that handles terribly and chews up front tires due to the extreme weight pushing it through corners. Just drive it, love it, and be on your way. Don't waste others time bashing newer higher quality vehicles that you probably can't afford anyway.
I bought an 03 marauder new with 3 miles on it. in the two and a half years I've owned it, the only maintenance I have had done on the car has been oil changes every 3000 miles. so I'm curious why a previous commenter (impala ss fan) talked about the marauders coming in for service a lot. my car now has over 130,000 miles (i drive a lot) and runs like brand new. the exhaust has gotten louder and the transmission doesn't get nearly as confused anymore. I own a race shop with a dyno, and tested the maruader recently on the dyno. after 130,000 miles, it puts out 285 rwhp. all stock. my wifes 96 impala ss puts out 190 rwhp and only has 21,000 miles. the marauder kicks the chevys, but on handling and performance I think, definantly a great buy.
There is no way that a stock vehicle with an engine rated at 302 hp is putting down 285 to the rear wheels. Especially not one with 130,000 miles on it. It just is not true.
What forced the doom of the Marauder was the introduction of the HEMI 300C. They couldn't compete. If you want to argue about it- carheadbmc@hotmail.com PS- I do, however, agree that the Marauder has better looks. It would be nice in all white...