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Mercury Grand Marquis - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis ranks 9 out of 9 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 16 published reviews and test drives of the Mercury Grand Marquis, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

No longer carried on Mercury dealership lots, the Grand Marquis is still available via special order.  Based on a platform that's been in continuous service since 1992, it offers a steady, proven powertrain - but little else in the face of newer competitors at similar prices.

For roughly the same investment, many newer cars outclass its sluggish handling, dated appearance and decade-old ergonomics.

The Grand Marquis does have its virtues.  It offers cavernous space for both people and cargo, and a dependable powertrain that most mechanics can repair cheaply. Taxi services and government agencies have relied on its V8 and simple transmission for heavy-mileage cars for decades. 

Still, reviewers say it's easy to find a car you'll enjoy driving more without spending more.  Edmunds calls the Grand Marquis "outpaced by newer competitors in almost every way," adding, "we urge you to not still want such a throwback rear-drive large sedan."  If you're in the market for a large car, alternatives like the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, and Hyundai Azera offer a more engaging driving experience and more modern amenities.

For 2010, the Grand Marquis is available in just one trim level, the LS. A 4.6-liter V8 engine is standard.

• "Grand Marquis is a nice enough big sedan, but it suffers from a basic design that dates back to the 1980s. We prefer the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger, and Mercury's own Sable as more-modern, more-satisfying choices in this class." -- Consumer Guide
• "If you've been drooling over the Lincoln Town Car, but it's just too expensive, try taking a spin in a Grand Marquis." -- Kelley Blue Book.
• "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." -- Automobile Magazine

Grand-Marquis Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The Grand Marquis is not an easy car to drive.  Its V8 engine provides reliable passing power, but its wide turning circle, uncommunicative steering and floaty ride can make it difficult to maneuver, especially in parking lots.   Read More

Grand-Marquis Exterior - 5.9 (Mediocre)

Driving your Grand Marquis, you might be mistaken for a police officer.  Beyond that, you won't turn in any heads.  With sheetmetal that has changed little since 1992, the Grand Marquis is "a familiar profile to anyone who has traveled by taxi (or, uh, police car) in recent years," says Automobile Magazine. Read More

Grand-Marquis Interior - 7.1 (Good)

The passenger cabin of the 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis is spacious for front- and rear-seat passengers, but reviewers say the ergonomic layout and materials are out of date.  Some also say the seats are too soft to be supportive.  Consumer Guide complains, "Numerous hard-plastic surfaces give the cabin a budget-grade feel. The leather upholstery doesn't do much to improve the overall ambiance." Read More

Grand-Marquis Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Grand Marquis performs extraordinarily well in government crash tests, earning five out of five stars in every test and a five-star rollover rating.  Read More

Grand-Marquis Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 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. Read More