Mercury Grand Marquis

The first-generation Grand Marquis was built on the rear-wheel drive Ford Panther platform. While Ford and Mercury sedans had shared common chassis underpinnings since 1961, the Panther chassis marked the first time the two model lines shared a common wheelbase (114.3 inches, downsized from 124 inches).

Although reduced in size, the Grand Marquis would retain the basic suspension design of its predecessor, with a live rear axle suspension and double wishbone independent front suspension, with coil springs at all four wheels. In 1985, gas-charged shock absorbers were standardized for the model line, with load-leveling rear air suspension introduced as an option.[8] The Grand Marquis was fitted with front vented disc brakes and rear drum brakes.[9]

For 1986, 15-inch wheels made their return as standard equipment (after having been an option since 1979).[8]

As the Grand Marquis became a distinct model line for 1983, its powertrain underwent several revisions. The standard 4.2L V8 was discontinued, with a 130 hp fuel-injected 4.9L V8 (rounded up to 5.0L by Ford) becoming the sole engine offering. Shared with the Lincoln Town Car and LTD Crown Victoria, in 1986, the 5.0L V8 adopted multi-port fuel injection with a cast-aluminum upper intake manifold, increasing output to 150 hp.[8][10] As an option, a 180 hp 5.8L V8 made its return for the Grand Marquis; shared with Ford police/fleet cars, the 5.8L V8 was the final carbureted engine sold in North America by Ford at the time of its 1991 discontinuation.

Both the 5.0L and 5.8L V8 engines were paired with the four-speed AOD overdrive automatic transmission.

The first-generation Grand Marquis was offered by Mercury solely as a sedan, in two-door and four-door configurations. For 1983 only, the Grand Marquis was offered as a station wagon (effectively a Colony Park without woodgrain trim); from 1984 onward, all full-size Mercury wagons were Colony Parks. While styled nearly identical to the LTD Crown Victoria, the first-generation Grand Marquis was three inches longer than its Ford counterpart; alongside the doors and front and rear windows, only the bumpers are externally shared between the two model lines.

After the 1987 model year, the two-door Grand Marquis was discontinued; only 4,904 were produced.[15]

In contrast to the stainless-steel band surrounding the B-pillars of the LTD Crown Victoria, the Grand Marquis was offered with multiple vinyl roof configurations, sharing the B-pillar "coach lamps" of the Lincoln Town Car.[16] Alongside the standard half-length vinyl roof, a full-length roof was offered; the LS offered an additional option of a "formal roof", configured with a "frenched" rear window. The Grand Marquis was styled with a different rear fascia, using full-width taillamps (separated by the license plate).

During its production, the first-generation Grand Marquis underwent minor changes. For 1982, simulated vents were removed from the front fenders. For 1983, as the Grand Marquis became a distinct model line, the grille and taillamps were redesigned.[8] For 1985, to lower production costs, the external "Electronic Fuel Injection" and "Automatic Overdrive" emblems were deleted (both had become standard features); for 1986, a CHMSL (center brake light) was introduced.[8]

For 1988, the Grand Marquis underwent a mid-cycle revision, with restyled front and rear fascias, better integrating the bumpers into the bodywork. To save weight, steel bumpers were replaced by aluminum.[8]

• 
  1983-1987 Grand Marquis LS
• 
  1983-1987 Grand Marquis, showing formal roof configuration
• 
  1988-1989 Grand Marquis GS
• 
  1989 Grand Marquis LS, showing the full-length roof
• 
  1988-1989 Grand Marquis LS

From 1979 to 1991, the Grand Marquis sedan was offered solely as a six-passenger sedan with a front bench seat. While largely similar to its Ford counterpart, the dashboard of the Grand Marquis was trimmed with brushed stainless steel; in place of the horizontal speedometer, the Grand Marquis was fitted with two square pods for the fuel gauge, warning lights, and speedometer.

In 1985, the dashboard underwent several revisions. Alongside the adoption of a single-DIN radio unit (phased in across all Ford vehicles), the 8-track cassette player and CB radio options were discontinued; control of the horn shifted from the turn signal stalk to the steering wheel.[8]

As part of the 1988 revision, the interior was updated with all-new seats (distinguished by taller head restraints), an updated dashboard (with more wood trim and revised gauges). The Grand Marquis LS received options including a JBL Audio 6-speaker AM/FM/Cassette stereo system (with a power antenna) and a heated windshield called "Instaclear".

For 1990, the interior underwent a second major revision. To comply with passive-restraint regulations, the Grand Marquis was given a driver-side airbag; the rear outboard seats received 3-point seatbelts.[17] Coinciding with the addition of the airbag, a new steering column consolidated the turn signal and windshield wiper controls onto a single stalk; tilt steering became standard.[8][17] The dashboard was completely redesigned, adopted the horizontal speedometer used by Ford (using a silver background); for the first time, a temperature gauge was included alongside the fuel gauge.[17]

From 1979 to 1982, the Grand Marquis returned as a sub-model of the Mercury Marquis model line. Marketed as the flagship Mercury nameplate, the Grand Marquis competed against the Buick Electra, Oldsmobile 98, and Chrysler New Yorker (and New Yorker Fifth Avenue). For 1983, the Grand Marquis was expanded to an unnamed standard trim and the top-trim LS. The former effectively replaced the Marquis Brougham (the Brougham nameplate was adopted by the mid-size Marquis) and the latter was a trim designation adopted across the Mercury model line during the 1980s.

As part of the 1988 model update, the standard-trim Grand Marquis became the GS (in line with the Topaz and Sable). The badging of the model line underwent a revision, as the script lettering used since its 1975 introduction was replaced by block-style lettering (in the style of the Sable, Topaz, and Tracer); the Lincoln-style hood ornament was replaced by a version with the Mercury "flying M" badge", which were added to the trunk lid and wheels.

1995–97 Mercury Grand Marquis (with dealer-installed vinyl roof)

While the Panther platform was carried over from 1991, an all-new engine would be used for the 1992 Grand Marquis. The replacement for the OHV 5.0 L and 5.8 L Windsor V8s, the 4.6 L SOHC Modular V8 engine was the first (and as of 2014, the only) overhead-cam V8 to appear in an American-market full-size sedan. Producing 190 hp, it was more powerful and more fuel-efficient than either of its predecessors. An optional handling package, including a heavy-duty suspension, 3.27 rear-axle (instead of 2.73), and a dual-exhaust system that raised engine output to 210 hp was an option. It was largely the counterpart to the Ford Crown Victoria Touring Sedan.

All models of the Grand Marquis were coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1993, the hydraulically controlled AOD transmission was replaced by the electronically controlled AOD-E transmission.[17] In 1995, the AOD-E was replaced the heavier-duty 4R70W transmission;[17] it was shared with the Lincoln Mark VIII and Town Car.

While the redesigned 1992 Grand Marquis/Crown Victoria would prove more fuel-efficient than their predecessors, a loophole in CAFE regulations allowed Ford Motor Company to sell both full-size cars and improve the average economy of all of its cars. CAFE regulations require vehicles with fewer than 75% domestic parts content to be counted as part of an automaker's imported fleet rather than a domestic one. During the 1991 retooling for production of 1992 models at its St. Thomas, Ontario facility, Ford switched a number of its parts suppliers from Canada and the United States to suppliers outside North America, bringing the domestic parts content of the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria below 75%.[23] As such, the Grand Marquis was now part of a fleet consisting primarily of the far more fuel-efficient Ford Festiva rather than other V8-engined cars such as the Cougar and Ford Mustang.

After 1996, General Motors ended production of its B-platform sedans, discontinuing the Buick Roadmaster and Chevrolet Caprice; without its closest direct competitors, Ford and Lincoln-Mercury were left with a highly profitable market niche essentially to themselves;[24] however, several competitors began to introduce competitive vehicles in the segment. Replacing the outdated Imperial and Fifth Avenue, the 1994 Chrysler New Yorker (bench seat) and LHS (bucket seats) were the first Chrysler sedans to match the interior dimensions of the Grand Marquis since the 1970s. For 1995, the Toyota Avalon was the first Japanese-brand sedan sold with six-passenger seating (although assembled in the United States); an extended-wheelbase version of the Camry, the Avalon was considered a full-size sedan on the basis of its interior space.

The third-generation Grand Marquis retained the Panther chassis from its predecessors, lengthened in wheelbase to 114.7 inches. To upgrade handling stability, the three-link rear axle (in use on large Fords since 1965) was replaced by a four-link rear axle with a Watt's linkage, though a solid rear axle was retained.[17] To improve braking, the four-wheel disc brakes were given dual-piston calipers for the front rotors, requiring the use of 16-inch wheels.[17] For 2002, ABS became standard.[17] The traction control (which remained an option) was revised to work at any speed (rather than only low speeds).

The third-generation Grand Marquis retained the same powertrain as the 1995-1997 Grand Marquis, with a 4.6L Modular V8 and a 4-speed 4R70W automatic transmission. In a minor revision, several underhood components were relocated, with the power steering reservoir was attached to the engine and the coolant overflow reservoir was relocated onto the radiator (both were located on a fender).[17] In another change, the engine was converted to coil-on-plug ignition along with fail-safe cooling using a dual-speed electric fan.[17]

For 1998, the standard-equipment V8 (with single exhaust) was increased in output to 200 hp (from 190). The handling suspension package continued in production, paired with the dual-exhaust version of the 4.6L V8, producing 215 hp. For 2001, the engines were re-tuned to 220 and 235 hp, respectively.

A 2.73 rear-axle ratio was paired with single-exhaust engines; as part of the handling package, a numerically higher rear-axle ratio was used. For 2000 and early 2001, a 3.55 rear axle was used; other versions used a 3.27 rear axle.

While bearing a strong resemblance to the previous generation, the 1998 Grand Marquis shared only the roof stamping and doors from its 1997 predecessor. Designers revised the front and rear bumpers, squaring off their design. The exterior trim was largely simplified, deleting the chrome trim above the headlamps. The rear fascia is similar to the Crown Victoria but instead uses a red lens panel between the taillights. The grille was restyled slightly as a larger version of the 1995-1997 design.

The interior was carried over from the 1995 update, with a two-spoke steering wheel replacing the previous four-spoke design. The chrome trim was deleted from the column-mounted gear shifter and the turn signal lever.[17] For 2001, the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis adopted radios with an integrated clock function (used by other Ford vehicles since the early 1980s), with the separate digital clock deleted.[17]

• 
  1998-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis GS
• 
  1998 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Brougham (dealer-installed option package)
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  2001 Ford Grand Marquis (export)
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  Rear view, 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis LS
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  Front seat, 1998-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
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  Rear seat, 1998-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis

While styling changes to the 2003 Grand Marquis were evolutionary, the changes to the Panther platform were far more extensive. To improve chassis rigidity, an all-new frame was introduced with fully boxed and hydroformed frame rails. In an effort to improve handling, the front and rear suspension were redesigned along with the brakes. A quiet EBD brake booster with a mechanical panic assist system was added. The new suspension changes required changing wheel designs to those with a high positive offset. Rack and pinion steering replaced the old recirculating ball system in an effort to increase steering precision and reduce costs. In standard versions of the Grand Marquis, the rear-axle ratio was 2.73:1; in LSE and versions with the handling suspension, a 3.27:1 rear-axle ratio was used. The handling package was standard equipment on LS-trim export models.

For 2008, the Handling and Performance Package, as well as the 5-passenger front bucket-seat option, were both discontinued; both were similar to the Crown Victoria's LX Premium Sport and Handling Package. These were the only post-1992 Grand Marquis variants produced for North America to be equipped with dual exhaust.

For the 2003 model year, the Grand Marquis retained the version of the Modular V8 introduced in 2001. Single-exhaust versions produced 220 hp, while the dual-exhaust version raised output to 235 hp. During the redesign, a number of changes were made to the engine. The oil pan was enlarged 20% to six quarts and an engine knock sensor was made standard. Other changes included an intake manifold with an aluminum water crossover and an electronic returnless fuel system. The new engine was distinguished by a redesigned engine cover, featuring a chrome "V8" emblem; the oil filler cap was moved to the passenger-side valve cover and the power steering fluid reservoir was moved off of the engine block onto the radiator shroud.

For 2006, revisions to engine tuning added 4 hp to both versions of the Modular V8, for a total of 224 and 239 hp, respectively. In 2007, the engine was given flex-fuel capability (E85). After the 2007 model year, the 239 hp version of the Grand Marquis was sold exclusively for GCC export.

All versions of the Grand Marquis were sold with variants of the AOD 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. From 2003 to 2005, the 4R70W was used. In 2006, it was replaced by the 4R75E shared with the Ford truck lineup.[17]

As part of the redesign, Lincoln-Mercury stylists were tasked with giving the Grand Marquis a more contemporary look, bringing it in line with other Mercury-division vehicles. While largely evolutionary, a number of changes modernized the exterior. In a change similar to the 2003 Town Car redesign, the heavily rounded bumpers seen on the Grand Marquis since 1992 gave way to a squared-off lower look. The trunk and taillight trim was simplified with more contemporary badging. In the front, to improve cooling, a larger grille introduced the Grand Marquis to the Mercury waterfall-style grille trim. Grand Marquis LS Limited Editions were equipped with a hood ornament, seen for the first time since 1991; the option also marked the return of factory-produced two-tone paint. To ease production, the Grand Marquis adopted body-color trim for the B-pillars, similar to the Crown Victoria.

In 2005, for a single year, the radio antenna became externally mounted, to the rear fender. After years of declining sales, chrome wire wheel covers were optional from the factory for the last time. For 2006, the Grand Marquis was given a mid-cycle exterior update, in what would be the last styling update for the Panther vehicles. The trapezoidal grille seen since 1995 was replaced by a rectangular one with a waterfall pattern similar to the Montego; the headlight clusters no longer extended to the sides of the grille, in a fashion similar to the 1988-1991 Grand Marquis. A redesign of the lower bumper allowed the addition of foglights as an option for the first time. In the rear, the trunk trim was changed from red to gray.

While not as extensive as changes to the exterior or chassis, Mercury made a number of changes to update the interior of the Grand Marquis in its 2003 redesign. Updated door panels and redesigned switchgear improved interior ergonomics, while the dashboard from 1995 remained in place. A dual media (cassette/CD) player made standard along with a valet key.[17] In the interest of safety, and to keep up with other Ford Motor Company vehicles, a shoulder belt was added for the rear middle passenger and side airbags were introduced as an option.[17]

In 2005, due to several mechanical modifications, several changes are made.[17] The steering column is replaced with a non-locking design; a flat-top steering wheel replaces the round-top version used since 1998. A fully electronic throttle moves the cruise control function into the main engine computer. For the front seats, occupant weight sensors were added, which allowed the front passenger airbag to be disabled. An Audiophile 6-disc in-dash CD changer became available as an option on LS-trim models.

For 2006, another major change was made as the instrument panel on all Panther-platform cars was redesigned; the optional digital instrument panel was discontinued, as was the use of an analog odometer. While the oil pressure and voltage gauges were removed, a notable addition was a tachometer; the Grand Marquis was one of the last Ford vehicles sold without one. Similar to other Ford vehicles, the new instrument panel features a Driver Information Center (trip computer), consolidating many functions previously seen in the overhead console in between the speedometer and tachometer. In 2007, an auto-dimming rearview mirror was added as an option, along with a full-size spare tire (making its return). In 2009, due to federal regulations, side airbags became standard equipment along with recessed window switches.

As part of the redesign, Mercury would change the Grand Marquis trim lineup for 2003. In place of the traditional two-model line, the Grand Marquis was expanded to five. In addition to the base-trim GS, there was now GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, and LSE. Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2001, and in showrooms by May, the LSE was designated as the LS Premium with a heavy-duty rear suspension, shorter rear-axle ratio, and a 239-hp dual-exhaust engine; it offered 5-passenger seating with leather, dual power bucket seats, with a center console and floor shifter. The 2003 LSE was short-lived, as its production ended in December 2002; it made a brief return for 2005.

From 2003 to 2005 a Limited Edition version of the LS model was sold. This included an appearance package with chromed mirrors, body-colored door handles, and a two-tone leather interior. Limited Edition models also came with side airbags standard. They included a Mercury badge hood ornament, making its return for the first time since 1991.

For 2007 LS models, a Palm Beach trim option was available; it consisted primarily of special upholstery and badging. For 2009, following the introduction of a "No-Stock" marketing guideline by Lincoln-Mercury, the Grand Marquis trim line underwent a revision. Aside from long-wheelbase GCC export models, the GS was dropped, while the LS was split into two series: LS Fleet and LS Retail. The former was available exclusively for fleet purchase in the United States while the latter was available only by dealer special order to minimize unsold inventory of cars. Moreover, incentives as high as $4000 per vehicle were added to remove previous stock from dealer lots. As Ford had announced the discontinuation of the Mercury brand in the summer of 2010, all 2011 examples are Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate Editions.

After 1999, Ford of Canada discontinued sales of the Ford Crown Victoria outside of commercial fleets and law enforcement, concentrating civilian sales in Canada on the Mercury Grand Marquis. Following the 2004 model year, the Mercury brand was phased out in Canada, though Ford of Canada would market the Grand Marquis through its Ford dealerships. Sales continued through the end of production in 2011, as it was replaced by the redesigned Ford Taurus introduced for 2010.

Ford de Mexico would market the Mercury Grand Marquis under the Ford brand twice. In 1982, the Grand Marquis was introduced as the replacement for the Ford LTD Crown Victoria and wagons, but it was always sold in Mexico as a Ford model. The Grand Marquis wagon was produced and sold for the Mexican market as the Ford Grand Marquis Country Squire; it was sold through the 1984 model year. From 1992 to 1994 it was manufactured in Mexico., after which it was imported from St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Wearing both Ford and Mercury badging, the Grand Marquis adapted a Ford Blue Oval on the trunk lid after 1998.

Although the Ford Grand Marquis was considered a sales success in Mexico and developed a reputation for luxury and prestige as the most expensive domestic nameplate available for sale, as in the United States, sales began to decline as the model aged. For the 2005 model year, Ford de Mexico replaced the Grand Marquis with the Ford Five Hundred, sold through 2007.

GCC-spec 2003 Grand Marquis LS

The Grand Marquis and its Ford Crown Victoria counterpart were marketed in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, two members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC-Spec vehicles initially offered a lower price, reliability, and relative simplicity (compared to German and Japanese luxury sedans), but the GCC-spec Mercury Grand Marquis began to lose market share in the 2000s towards updated competitors (such as the Holden-produced Chevrolet Caprice and Dodge Charger).

Rear interior, showing 40/20/40 Lincoln Town Car front seats

Arabic-language "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" warning

Produced alongside North American examples in St. Thomas, Ontario, GCC-Spec versions of the Mercury Grand Marquis included several mechanical and trim modifications.

All were fitted with the High Ambient Temperature and Speed Package, heavy-duty battery, and an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler. Prior to 2002, export vehicles included a catalytic converter delete option. All standard-wheelbase examples were fitted with true dual exhaust.

To upgrade handling, the Grand Marquis was available with an Export Handling Package as an option. The counterpart to the Handling and Performance Package sold in the United States, the Export Handling Package consisted of rear air suspension (with stiffer springs), a larger front stabilizer bar, and a heavy-duty rear stabilizer bar. In contrast to the U.S., the GCC-spec option retained the stock rear axle ratio. Standard on the LS trim level, the package was available for any standard-wheelbase GCC-spec Grand Marquis. Following 2003, the model was identified by a trunk lid spoiler (shared with the Mercury Marauder).

From 1998, the GCC-spec Mercury Grand Marquis was fitted with the 40/20/40 split front seats of the Lincoln Town Car (in place of a 50/50 split-bench). To accommodate for the Middle Eastern climate, cloth seats are standard equipment, with leather upholstery as an option. In addition, the language of warning labels are in Arabic.

C-pillar badging on a 2009 Grand Marquis GSL

Middle Eastern versions of the Grand Marquis are equipped with slightly different options and features than their North American counterparts. Prior to 2009, six different trim levels were available:

• GS
• GS Convenience
• GSL
• LS (LSE limited to mid-2001 to mid-2003 and 2005 model year)
• LS Premium
• LS Ultimate

In 2009, the LS models were only available with a column shifter and 40/20/40 Lincoln Town Car seats, available in luxury cloth or leather trim. The GSL is a long-wheelbase model offering 152 millimetres (6.0 in) of extra legroom for rear passengers. It is equipped like an LS model, with standard features such as an 8-way power driver's seat (2-way manual passenger seat), side airbags, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatically dimming rearview mirror, electronic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, premium sound system with CD and cassette, 17-inch wheels with 235/55WR17 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, heated door mirrors, fog lights and special "GSL" badging. The once-optional gauge cluster is standard, with controls located on the center of the dashboard, between the headunit and climate controls. In North America, this model was only available to fleet customers as a commercial (taxi) version of the Ford Crown Victoria.

For 2009, the Grand Marquis was only available in two different trim levels: GSL and LS, both of which were near-identical in terms of features and options. The LS was a Fleet model, which was heavily de-contented, losing once-standard features such as an overhead console with a compass and a power passenger seat. The Export Handling Package was dropped, eliminating features such as the Mercury Marauder spoiler and rear air suspension.

For 2010, the GS model reappeared in the lineup, and several features (such as the Mercury Marauder spoiler) became available as standalone options. The Export Handling Package was made standard along with a power passenger seat. In Kuwait, the LS model (M7F) was not available to the general public in 2010, as they are heavily sold to fleet buyers, such as the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health and state-owned Kuwait Oil Company, where they are given to employees as fringe benefits.

For 2011, the long-wheelbase GSL was replaced by the GS, and the LS model was made available again to the general public in Kuwait. The LS Ultimate Edition remains a Fleet model and differed slightly from the GS, equipped with leather seats, electronic automatic temperature control (EATC), and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror. Lumbar support was no longer available.