Mercury Grand Marquis

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Mercury Grand Marquis
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1983–present
Predecessor	Mercury Marquis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Ford Panther platform
Transmission	4-speed AOD automatic

The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size rear-wheel drive sedan branded by the Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company and manufactured at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Canada. It was also built in St. Louis, Missouri until 1985.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Introduction 3 First generation (1983-1991) 4 Second generation (1992-1997) 5 Third generation (1998-present) 5.1 2003 changes 5.2 2005 changes 6 Future 7 Canadian market 8 Middle Eastern market 9 References 10 External links

[edit] Overview

The Grand Marquis, Mercury's flagship sedan, is essentially a slightly more luxurious version of the Ford Crown Victoria. It comes in five main trim levels; GS (base model), GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate and the LSE. The trim level can be identified by the fifth, sixth and seventh digits in the VIN. A Grand Marquis GS is represented by "M74", while a Grand Marquis LS/LSE is represented by "M75".

The Grand Marquis shares the same "Panther" platform as the Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and the former Mercury Marauder. The Town Car will soon share the same manufacturing plant with the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria when Ford's Wixom factory is closed. All current Panther-based cars are powered by Ford's 4.6 L SOHC V8 engine, which produces 190 hp, (210 hp with handling/dual exhaust package), 224 hp or 239 hp with handling/dual exhaust package) (142 to 186 kW) depending on model year and configuration. More recent model years (2001 and later) have the greater power outputs of 224 and 239 hp. The only exception for power output was the Mercury Marauder, the Grand Marquis' high performance cousin which was powered by a DOHC version of the 4.6 L engine and produced 302 hp (224 kW).

Power is carried to the rear end by a four-speed electronically-controlled, wide-ratio automatic transmission. This transmission is known as the 4R70W, and is the successor to Ford's AOD and AODE transmissions of the early 1990s.

Mercury has always been marketed as a step-up from the Ford brand and has historically been more performance and luxury oriented. There are indications of that in the Grand Marquis. Properly equipped, the large sedan can be both a comfortable semi-luxury sedan while still offering adequate performance.

The Grand Marquis remains quite affordable, priced well below similarly well-equipped entry-level luxury sedans. Prices for the Grand Marquis range from US$25,555 for the GS to US$36,060 for the LSE.

[edit] Introduction

The Mercury Marquis was introduced as a trim package on the 1967 Mercury Monterey. The Marquis name gradually replaced Monterey. The Grand Marquis trim line was introduced in 1975 as a step up from the base Marquis and Marquis Brougham. The Grand Marquis became a model in its own right in 1983. Since then, there have been three generations of the Grand Marquis, with a major redesign in 1992 (the Mercury Colony Park wagon was not redesigned but discontinued), a refresh in 1998, and a major revamping of the front suspension and steering system in 2003.

[edit] First generation (1983-1991)

First generation
Production	1983–1991
Assembly	St. Thomas, Ontario St. Louis, Missouri
Engine	5.0 L Windsor V8
Wheelbase	114.3 in.
Length	214.3 in.
Width	77.5 in.
Height	55.5 in.
Fuel capacity	18 US gal.
Related	Ford LTD Crown Victoria Ford Country Squire Mercury Colony Park Lincoln Town Car
Similar	Buick LeSabre Chrysler Fifth Avenue

The first generation Grand Marquis was introduced in 1983, as the base Marquis and Marquis Brougham nameplates were moved to the mid-sized Fox platform. The Grand model remained on the Panther platform and became Mercury's flagship sedan. The only change the Grand Marquis had from the previous models was Central Fuel Injection replacing the two-barrel carburetor and a new grille. The 302 in³ Windsor V8 was the only engine, coupled with the four-speed AOD automatic. The new Grand Marquis sold well, and remained virtually unchanged until 1986, when it received sequential fuel injection.

In 1988, the exterior received a minor overhaul. This facelift included a new front clip with a rounded grille and new badging. The familiar cross-and-wreath emblems were replaced by Mercury's new "flying M." The coupe model was dropped, due to slow sales. Grand Marquis coupes are hard to find today. In 1990, the car received a new dashboard, and got an airbag in 1991, as Ford was making them standard in all their models. These were the only changes the Grand Marquis got, as a new model was ready for launch.

[edit] Second generation (1992-1997)

Second generation
Production	1992–1997
Assembly	St. Thomas, Ontario
Engine	4.6 L Modular V8
Wheelbase	114.4 in.
Length	212.4 in.
Width	77.8 in.
Height	56.8 in.
Fuel capacity	20 US gal.
Related	Ford Crown Victoria Lincoln Town Car
Similar	Buick Roadmaster

For 1992, the Grand Marquis got a complete redesign, with a new aerodynamic shape, playing off the design of the Ford Taurus and its Mercury sibling, the Sable. This new design produced very low wind resistance, and as a result, fuel economy increased. This model got a brand new interior, which contained more modern materials and an easier to use dashboard. It also had numerous new safety features, such as an optional passenger's side airbag, and four wheel disc brakes. Air suspension and a keyless entry system were optional. A big change was the new 4.6 L SOHC Modular V8, replacing the venerable Windsor. The new car was successful, and only received minor changes for the first few years. 1993 brought the electronically-controlled AOD-E transmission from the Lincoln Town Car.

In 1995 the exterior received a minor refreshing, with a new grille, headlights, and wheels. The interior also got a minor do over, with a new dash, and other minor changes. The transmission was now the 4R70W. Only minor changes ensued from there, and a new model was launched in 1998.

[edit] Third generation (1998-present)

Third generation
Production	1998–present
Assembly	St. Thomas, Ontario
Engine	4.6 L Modular V8
Wheelbase	114.7 in.
Length	212.0 in.
Width	78.2 in.
Height	56.8 in.
Fuel capacity	19 US gal.
Related	Ford Crown Victoria Mercury Marauder Lincoln Town Car
Similar	Chrysler 300 Pontiac G8

The Grand Marquis was redesigned for 1998, with a new front and rear fascia, grille, hood, bumbprs, wheels, lights, and mirrors. Although it bears a resemblance to the older model, every body panel was changed besides the doors and roof. It also got some small interior changes, and more optional features. A number of mechanical changes were also made. A fail-safe cooling system with a dual speed electric fan was put in place, along with a coil-on-plug ignition system. Larger dual piston brake calipers were added to the front, requiring 16 inch wheels to be standard. A Watt's linkage was added to the rear suspension. Fuel lines were moved to the passenger side frame rail. A coded ignition key (known as Passive Anti-Theft System, or "PATS") system was introduced and a 72 amp/hour battery replaced the previous 58. Other minor changes included a redesigned engine cover and the power steering fluid reservoir being moved to the front of the engine.^[1]

[edit] 2003 changes

The Grand Marquis received a facelift and new rear fascia, along with refreshed interior door panels (including door handles and power window/power lock control switches) and an optional overhead console (standard on the LS Series). However the real changes were under the skin, with the second generation of the Panther platform. An all-new hydroformed frame was engineered, rack and pinion steering replaced the old recirculating ball system, and the front and rear suspension, as well as the brakes, were redesigned. An engine knock sensor was made standard along with a six-quart (5.7 L) oil pan (20% larger than the 2002 model). The wheels were redesigned with a high positive offset. A quiet EBD brake booster with a mechanical panic assist system was added. Other changes included an intake manifold with aluminum water crossover and an electronic returnless fuel system. Side airbags were also made available and a dual media (cassette/CD) player made standard. More minor changes included a redesigned engine cover with a chrome V8 logo, the oil fill was moved to the passenger valve cover and the power steering fluid reservoir moved to the radiator surround (previously on the front of the engine). A shoulder belt was put into place for the rear middle passenger and a valet key was made standard.^[1]

[edit] 2005 changes

A number of changes were made for the 2005 model year. An electronic throttle control system was put in place, moving the cruise control function to the main computer. Occupant weight sensors were added, which could disable the passenger airbag. Other changes included two new front crash severity sensors, a new steering column and two-spoke steering wheel and the addition of a mast antenna on the right rear fender. Interior changes included new wood trim, chrome interior door release handles and an Audiophile 6 disc in-dash CD changer (optional on the LS Series), The LSE trim was added mid year. The steering wheel lock feature was eliminated.^[1]

For 2006, the front end was refreshed. This included a new, rectangular grille, bearing a likeness to the 1980s models. Fog lights were now an option. Interior changes included a new steering wheel and dash layout, as well as a new instrument cluster, which featured the addition of a tachometer and digital odometer/tripmeter. The mast antenna on the right rear fender was integrated back into the rear window and new wheel designs were made available. This was the first year for the 4R75E transmission.^[1]

New for 2007 is the Palm Beach package which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors with chrome fronts, cashmere leather seats with embroidered "Palm Beach" logos, side impact air bags, unique satin applique on the instrument panel and door panel, "Palm Beach" badging, and 16" 9-spoke chrome wheels. There is also the option for a conventional spare tire and an auto dimming rear view mirror. An Audiophile 6 disc in-dash changer with an 8 speaker configuration is available. The engine is now E85 fuel capable.

[edit] Future

Despite rumors to the contrary, Ford has announced that they will continue to produce the Grand Marquis through at least 2010.

The company does plan on redesigning it along with the Crown Victoria sometime in the future, likely retiring the Panther platform altogether and moving them to the Ford D2C platform (used by the Ford Mustang). While Ford would likely replace the Crown Victoria name with something along the lines of Fairlane (or maybe even Galaxie^{[citation needed]}, to go out of Ford's plans to use names that start with the letter "F"), the Grand Marquis name would most likely be shortened back to "Marquis" to go along with Mercury naming their cars with names that begin with the letter "M".

[edit] Canadian market

In Canada, after the Mercury brand was phased out in 1999, the car was sold as the Ford Grand Marquis but still remains badged as a Mercury, despite being named a Ford in all Canadian sales literature. Since the demise of its short-lived Mercury Marauder twin in 2004, the Grand Marquis is the last remaining Mercury vehicle sold in Canada. It replaces the civilian Crown Victoria, which is now sold exclusively to commercial fleets and law enforcement in Canada (as a Police Interceptor).

[edit] Middle Eastern market

The Grand Marquis and its twin, the Ford Crown Victoria, are popular sedans in the Middle East. This is especially true in countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Vehicles with Middle East specifications (also known as GCC spec) come with slightly different options and features, including the GS-L trim. A true dual exhaust system is standard, as well as aluminum wheels. LS wheels are standard on the GS trim and vehicles manufactured after 1998 come with Lincoln Town Car seats, available in both cloth and leather trim.

The Handling and Performance Package (HPP) was renamed to the "Export Handling Package" (EHP) and differs slightly from the Handling and Performance Package. The dual exhaust system is not part of the EHP (since it already comes standard), and it comes with a 2.73 rear axle ratio over the 3.27 of the HPP. The Export Handling Package usually comes standard on the LS and shares the same 16 inch aluminum wheels with the LSE. A long wheelbase version is also available, called the Grand Marquis GSL. In North America, the long-wheelbase model is only available to fleet customers as a commercial version of the Ford Crown Victoria.

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c d}

[edit] External links

• Mercury Grand Marquis official websites: U.S.A. | Canada
• Jonelle's Crown Vics, etc.

Mercury | Category | Vehicles |  v • d • e

Current models: Grand Marquis | Mariner | Milan | Mountaineer | Sable

Historic models: Bobcat | Brougham | Capri | Colony Park | Comet | Commuter | Custom | Cougar | Cyclone | Eight | LN7 | Lynx | M-Series | Marauder | Marquis | Medalist | Meteor | Monarch | Montclair | Montego | Monterey | Mystique | Park Lane Brougham | S-55 | Topaz | Tracer | Turnpike Cruiser | Villager | Voyager | Zephyr

Concept cars: Messenger | Meta One | My

Mercury road vehicle timeline, 1980s-present  v • d • e
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact	Bobcat	Lynx							Tracer
Compact	Zephyr				Topaz											Mystique
Mid-size	Cougar			Marquis				Sable																			Milan
Full-size	Marquis			Grand Marquis
	Colony Park																							Marauder		Montego			Sable
Sports car	Cougar																			Cougar
Crossover SUV																										Mariner
SUV																		Mountaineer
Minivan														Villager											Monterey