Mercury Grand Marquis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mercury Grand Marquis | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1983–present |
| Predecessor | Mercury Marquis |
| Class | Full-size |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Ford Panther platform |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed AOD automatic |
The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size rear-wheel drive sedan sold 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.
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[edit] Overview
The Grand Marquis, Mercury's near-luxury flagship sedan, is essentially the retail market version of the Ford Crown Victoria. Currently, the Grand Marquis is separated into GS (base) and LS (deluxe) trim-level variations. Mercury has always been marketed as a step above the Ford brand and has historically been more luxury-oriented; an appropriate analogy would be Mercury is to Ford as Buick is Chevrolet. However, performance is not overlooked. Mercury has used the Grand Marquis' standard V8 engine as a selling point (as other near-luxury cars with V8 engines standard or even as an option cost thousands of dollars more). Other selling points include the immense cargo space of the trunk and the "traditional" 6-passenger seating (otherwise only available on the Lincoln Town Car).
The Grand Marquis shares the same "Panther" platform as the Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and the former Mercury Marauder. The 2008 Town Car shares the same manufacturing plant with the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria following the idling of Ford's Wixom factory in May 2007. 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 (178 kW) 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 (178 kW). 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).
[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 when Mercury's mid-size offering was renamed Marquis. 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 (1979-1991)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
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| Production | 1983–1991 |
| Assembly | St. Thomas, Ontario St. Louis, Missouri |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 2-door coupe |
| Engine(s) | 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 |
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 to improve aerodynamics. This facelift included a new front clip with a rounded grille and badging shared with the rest of the Mercury lineup. The familiar cross-and-wreath emblems were replaced by Mercury's new "flying M". The 2-door coupe was dropped due to slow sales; Grand Marquis coupes are hard to find today. In 1990, a driver's side airbag was added to compliment the redesigned dashboard and enlarged head restraints. These were the only changes the Grand Marquis received, as Mercury was preparing a new Grand Marquis for 1992.[1]
[edit] Second generation (1992-1997)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
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| Production | 1992–1997 |
| Assembly | St. Thomas, Ontario |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Engine(s) | 4.6 L Modular V8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.4 in. |
| Length | 212.4 in. (1992-94) 211.8 in. (1995-97) |
| Width | 77.8 in. (1992-94) 78 in. (1995-97) |
| Height | 56.8 in. |
| Fuel capacity | 20 US gal. |
| Related | Ford Crown Victoria Lincoln Town Car Chevrolet Caprice |
[edit] 1992 redesign
For the 1992 model year, the Grand Marquis underwent its most extensive change since being downsized onto the Panther platform for 1979. However, the Grand Marquis' reskin stayed away from the radical elements seen in the B-body GM cars or even the Crown Victoria. The Grand Marquis even eschewed the front lightbar seen in the Tracer, Topaz, and Sable in favor of a Mercedes-influenced aerodymanic shape (with no hood ornament, in the style of Lexus) with a Lincoln-style grille. Close attention was paid attention to aerodynamics as buyers considered it a styling factor. With the upcoming Mercury Villager and the popular Ford Aerostar minivans, the Colony Park was shelved after 1991 which left Mercury unable to challenge the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser and the Buick Roadmaster Estate directly.
Mechanically, the Grand Marquis received the 1991 Lincoln Town Car's 4.6L SOHC "Modular" V8 as the replacement for the 4.9L and 5.8L OHV V8 engines that had powered full-sized Fords for 25 years. Although Japanese and European automakers were familiar with overhead-cam V engines, American mass-market cars had all used pushrod V8 engines up to this point (exceptions being the LT5 Corvette and the Cadillac Northstar V8 engines). For 1993, the electronically-controlled AOD-E transmission from the Lincoln Town Car was introduced.[1]
- Response
Although initially hampered by a lack of bodystyles offered by the Roadmaster and Caprice, the Grand Marquis received a positive reponse to its styling. Mercury did not make any changes to the Grand Marquis' styling until 1995 (as opposed to Ford, which added a grille to the Crown Victoria in 1993). The decision to drop the Colony Park panned out when Oldsmobile dropped the Custom Cruiser for 1994, and the Buick Roadmaster was dropped after 1996.
[edit] 1995-1997
- Exterior
For 1995, Mercury decided to refresh the Grand Marquis' looks mainly by simplifying the exterior trim to make the car look lighter. To make the car look taller in the rear, the license plate mount was moved from the bumper to a redesigned trunklid. In front, the lighting arrangement was simplified on the front bumper to take up less space and use fewer bulbs. The grille was changed from the low-slung boxy shape similar to the Town Car to the shape Mercury would use on the Grand Marquis for the next decade. Mechanically, the major change was the switch to the 4R70W transmission.[1] For 1997, the Mercury logos were removed from the C-pillars to simplify exterior trim.
- Interior
After 1992, the optional passenger-side airbag (an option since 1990) had been made standard. For 1995, the entire interior was replaced, with round gauges replacing 1970s-era strip speedometers (digital instruments remained an option), rotary climate controls, and a new corporate radio/cassette control panel twice the size of the 1994 one for easier use. For ease of use, the power seat controls (when ordered) were now located on the door panels with larger buttons for the power windows and door locks. In 1996, the Grand Marquis dropped the first-generation "brick" airbag steering wheel for the one used in many other Ford and Mercury sedans. Since the 1995 redesign, most of the dashboard is still common with the 2008 model.
[edit] Third generation (1998-present)
| Third generation | |
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| Production | 1998–present |
| Assembly | St. Thomas, Ontario |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Engine(s) | 4.6 L Modular V8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.7 in. |
| Length | 211.9 in. (1998-2005) 212.0 in. (2006-present) |
| Width | 78.2 in. |
| Height | 56.8 in. |
| Fuel capacity | 19 US gal. |
| Related | Ford Crown Victoria Mercury Marauder Lincoln Town Car |
The Grand Marquis was redesigned for 1998, with a new front and rear fascia, grille, hood, bumpers, wheels, lights, and mirrors.[1] 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.[1] 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). On GS models, the B-pillar trim was now painted body-color. 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 and later 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 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.
For 2008, the Grand Marquis lost its Handling and Performance Package as well as its 5-passenger sport option (similar to the Crown Victoria's LX Premium Sport and Handling Package, known as the LSE until 2006) These were the only Grand Marquis produced for North America to be equipped with dual exhaust.
For 2009, the Grand Marquis is available in only 2 trim options; LS Fleet and LS Retail. The GS has been dropped. Also, Mercury/Lincoln dealers in the United States have a "No stock" rule in effect for the Grand Marquis, as incentives as high as $4000 were becoming a requirement to remove them from dealer lots, usually after several months. The LS Fleet is available for fleet purchase only in Canada and the United States, and the LS Retail is available on dealer special orders only in the United States. The Grand Marquis has been replaced in Canada's retail market by the new Ford Taurus.
[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]), the Grand Marquis name could remain.
[edit] Fuel Tank Safety Concerns
see Fuel Tank Safety Concerns.
[edit] Intake Manifold Defect
Model years 1996 to 2001 inclusive, using an all-composite intake manifold, are subject to coolant leaks. Late in 2005 Ford settled a class action lawsuit. See Intake Manifold Defect for details.
[edit] Canadian market
In Canada, after the Mercury brand was phased out in 1999, the car was sold as the Ford Grand Marquis but wore the Mercury grille badge, 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 was the last remaining Mercury vehicle sold in Canada until the 2008 model year, when the Ford Taurus took its place as Ford's full-size sedan. It replaced the civilian version of the Crown Victoria, which was 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, especially in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Vehicles manufactured for this market are known as GCC Spec vehicles, and are available in all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The Mercury Grand Marquis is available in six different trim levels in the GCC including; GS, GS Convenience, GS-L, LS (previously known as LSE until the 2008 model year), LS Premium and LS Ultimate. These models come with slightly different options and features than their North American counterparts. While standard features and options vary from country to country (depending on how authorized dealer/importers order their vehicles), standard specifications on present models include:[2]
- A true dual exhaust system (except GS-L models).
- 16" 16-spoke aluminum wheels with P225/60VR16 all-season Pirelli P6 Four Seasons tires (all models except LS).
- 16" 9-spoke aluminum wheels with P225/60VR16 all-season Pirelli P6 Four Seasons tires (LS models only).
- Export Handling Package (standard on LS, optional on all other models).
- Remote keyless entry system with driver’s door mounted keypad.
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed control.
- 40/20/40 split bench luxury cloth Lincoln Town Car seats (8-way power driver and 4-way manual front passenger) with rear air vents.
- 40/20/40 bucket seats with a 5-passenger seating configuration, power lumbar support, floor shifter and center console with storage bin and padded armrest (only on LSE models manufactured up to the 2007 model year and LS models manufactured after and including the 2008 model year).
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror (except GS, GS Convenience and GS-L models).
- Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) (LS, LS Premium and LS Ultimate models only).
- Secondary steering wheel-mounted audio and climate controls (LS and LS Ultimate models only).
- Overhead console with compass and map lights (except GS, GS Convenience and GS-L models).
- Rear seat reading lights (except GS and GSL models).
- Side airbags (optional on GS, GS Convenience and GS-L. Standard on LS, LS Premium and LS Ultimate models).
- Dual-Media AM/FM stereo/cassette with a single-CD player.
- Power-adjustable brake and gas pedals.
In addition, all vehicles destined for the Middle East feature the High Ambient Temperature and Speed Package, a heavy-duty battery, an engine oil cooler, an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler and Arabic language labels. The LS model (previously known as LSE) features 5-passenger seating, with a floor shifter and center console. The GS-L is a long-wheelbase model, offering six inches (152 mm) of extra leg room for rear passengers. In North America, this model is only available to fleet customers as a commercial version of the Ford Crown Victoria. Lincoln Town Car seats have also been standard equipment on vehicles manufactured after 1998.
The American Handling and Performance Package (HPP) has been changed to "Export Handling Package" for the Middle East. The only differences between the two is that GCC models have a 2.73 rear axle ratio (as opposed to 3.27) and as a true dual exhaust system is standard equipment, it does not come as part of the package. Rear air suspension, unique springs, an upsized front stabilizer bar and heavy-duty rear stabilizer bar are part of the Package. Vehicles equipped with this package also feature a Mercury Marauder rear spoiler (not available on GS-L models). EHP is a standard feature on the LS, whilst LS Premium and LS Ultimate models with this option share the same 16" 9-spoke wheels as their LS counterparts. For 2006 and newer models, the new 9-spoke Crown Victoria LX wheel with a Mercury center cap has replaced the '03-'05 LSE wheels with darker inserts.
The following is a list of presently available options for GCC Export models:[2]
- 16" 9-spoke chrome-plated wheels with P225/60VR16 all-season Pirelli P6 Four Seasons tires (LS Premium and LS Ultimate models only).
- 16" 9-spoke aluminum wheels with P225/60VR16 all-season Pirelli P6 Four Seasons tires (optional on all models except LS).
- All-Speed Traction Control (except GS and GS-L models).
- Export Handling Package (all models except LS and GS-L).
- 40/20/40 split bench leather Town Car seats with power lumbar support and rear air vents.(8-way power driver and front passenger).
- Power moonroof (LS, LS Premium and LS Ultimate models only).
- Premium Plus AM/FM stereo/cassette/single-CD player with subwoofer and 100-watt amplifier (LS, LS Premium and LS Ultimate models only).
- Side airbags (GS, GS Convenience and GS-L models only).
- Trunk organizer
- Mercury Marauder spoiler (LS models only).
- Two tone paint job.
2007 and newer models now come with an available DVD entertainment system (marketed as “Export DVD Entertainment System”). This has been made optional across the model range.[2]
[edit] Awards
- Roomiest Interior in its class.
- Largest trunk in its class.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Liquid's Model Year Changes. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.
- ^ a b c Ford Middle East, 2008 GCC Mercury Grand Marquis Brochure and Options List (printed)
[edit] External links
- Mercury Grand Marquis official websites: U.S.A. | Canada
- Jonelle's Crown Vics, etc.
- Crownvic.net: Tech and forums on the Panther platform cars: Crownvic.net
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| Monarch | Sable | Sable | Sable | Sable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Marquis | Grand Marquis | Grand Marquis | Grand Marquis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colony Park | Marauder | Montego | Sable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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