2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
Based on analysis of 6 Grand-Marquis reviews and test drives.
Mercury Grand Marquis Ranks #10 in Affordable Large Cars
Overall Score - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 6 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis ranks #10 of 10 in Affordable Large Cars.
The Grand Marquis is a large sedan with a strong V8 engine, roomy and comfy interior, good crash test results, and a long, storied history. If you're in the market for a large car, you should also consider the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, and Hyundai Azera.
As of the 2008 model year, the Ford Crown Victoria is only sold to fleets. This leaves the 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis as the only consumer option if you want a new car that scares everyone else on the road into thinking you're a police officer.
While heavily out-dated, most critics agree that the Grand Marquis succeeds in providing what it always has: a comfortable ride and voluminous interior and cargo space. It does offer attractive pricing for its class, and brings classic American car heritage. "It's perfect for highway cruising, and it's big and comfortable enough for rest-stop snoozing when it's time to take a break," says the Washington Post, adding "if you want to experience America and enjoy at least the illusion of unfettered freedom, you've got to hit the road, and hitting it in a Grand Marquis is about as good as it gets in terms of ride and affordable yet lavish creature comforts." Edmunds notes that "it's easy to dismiss the Grand Marquis as a dated car from an earlier era, but it's actually the best-selling car in Mercury's lineup."
Likewise, "if you've been drooling over the Lincoln Town Car, but it's just too expensive, try taking a spin in a Grand Marquis," says Kelley Blue Book. Automobile Magazine calls it "the archetypical American highway sedan." With its "trademark rear-wheel drive, V-8 engine, cushioned ride, and bench seating," this car "appeals to those who have fond memories of old Detroit and its big, powerful, and affordable vehicles -- an audience that started driving well before the Grand Marquis's 1975 introduction."
IntelliChoice gives the base model 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis a value rating of "Below Average," for its predicted five-year cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its class. Auto reviewers find the Grand Marquis moderately priced, as compared to other large sedans. Edmunds says the Mercury Grand Marquis is "still a lot of car for the money. For about $30,000, you can get a large, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered sedan that's every bit as luxurious as a Lincoln Town Car but costs thousands less." The Orlando Sentinel calls the price "reasonable," and notes "huge discounts offered on top of that."
Grand-Marquis Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
The Grand Marquis has a standard V8 engine that offers plenty of passing power and delivers a smooth, boat-like ride. Unfortunately, many find the car difficult to maneuver with ease due to its large size. continue
Grand-Marquis Exterior - 5.3 (Mediocre)
Little changed over the past decade, exterior styling is "a familiar profile to anyone who has traveled by taxi (or, uh, police car) in recent years," says Automobile Magazine. continue
Grand-Marquis Interior - 7.0 (Good)
The Grand Marquis cabin is roomy with overly soft seating, a simple dash and dated design. The Orlando Sentinel finds that "yes, you can put six in the Grand Marquis, but hopefully it's a short trip to the early-bird buffet." continue
Grand-Marquis Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2008 Grand Marquis comes equipped with many standard safety features. The 2007 model received a rating of 5 stars out of 5 in government crash tests for front-impact crash protection and when equipped with air bags, earns five stars for front and rear side-impact safety. continue
Grand-Marquis Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercury offers warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a three-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty. continue
