2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Performance Review

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Mercury Grand Marquis Performance Review

Performance - 6.7 (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.

"On the road, no one would accuse the Grand Marquis of being nimble. Its smallish 16-inch tires squeal when asked to do more than make a simple turn; its soft suspension wallows and, in a panic stop, nose dives. But no one is buying a Grand Marquis to race, and given its mission -- provide a comfy ride under most any circumstance -- it delivers," reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Acceleration and Power

The 2008 Marquis comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a four-speed electronic automatic transmission. Edmunds reports that the standard V8 "provides plenty of acceleration in just about any situation." Kelley Blue Book calls the engine "velvet-smooth," providing "excellent pulling powering in the form of strong low-end torque, making it terrific for easy, effortless driving," claiming that the "big V8 fits this car like a hand-tailored suit."

Consumer Guide calls the engine generally "smooth and strong around town," but the transmission produces "tardy downshifts," which "make for lazy merging and passing response." Auto writers from the Orlando Sentinel say that the V8 engine "works well enough" with the transmission, "and moves the sedan around without straining." In contrast, Kelley Blue Book finds the transmission "smooth" and "quick" during shifts. Estimated fuel economy for the V8 with four-speed automatic transmission is 15 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

Handling and Braking

Edmunds reports that the Grand Marquis provides a "comfy" but "sloppy" ride and notes that "the vehicle's size, pillow-like suspension and low-effort steering," all contribute to "the road feel of a two-mast schooner." Consumer Guide finds the "soft base suspension absorbent, fairly controlled, though undulations induce some float," adding that steering is "accurate, slop-free, but a bit light and numb." "The Grand Marquis is a big car," writes Kelley Blue Book, "with a long hood and a big rear deck, and it can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces." Kelley Blue Book concludes that the "rear-wheel-drive layout is not as desirable as front-wheel drive when it comes to getting around in rain and snow." Consumer Guide adds that the Grand Marquis offers "good isolation from road, mechanical noise," and is "well-muted" from wind rush. Edmunds auto writers sum it up by saying these handling attributes of "may seem like positives to some folks, but quite simply, newer full-size sedans are easier to maneuver and better to drive, while still offering safe structures and comfortable rides."