Used 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Consumer Reviews
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BY A PODES
R PODESTAR, 03/01/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I TRADED IN MY 1996 GRAND MARQUIS,IT HAD A GREAT RIDE AND VERY QUITE. BIG MISTAKE, MY NEW 2003 GRAND MARQUIS ULTIMATE IS VERY NOISY AND THE RIDE IS VERY BAD,EVERY BUMP AND CRACK IN THE ROAD IS FELT. (JIGGLY). THE GAS MILAGE IS NOT WHAT THEY TOLD ME. LUCKY TO GET 21MPG ON HIGHWAY.NO ROOM IN THE FRONT SEATS TO STORE ANYTHING.VERY DISAPOINTED.
leaking air
MrBees, 12/14/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I hate driving this car because of the wind noise around the front windows. Having it checked here and in NC I'm told it's the design of the mirrors. Surely with the number sold, they don't put up with the noise, it's distracting.
Grand Marquis
Ruth Williams, 07/06/2006
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Driving experience very good. Passengers always comment on how nice it rides. Gas mileage very good. Curve at top of front doors is dangerous, people have had bad knocks.
LSE03 Is So-So
Ray66, 04/01/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LSE 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Leased this LSE right before Mercury discontinued the option. Prior leased car was a Crown Vic LS. The Crown Vic got better gas mileage, was quieter and rode much smoother. The LSE supposedly has a slightly more powerfull engine but I see little difference. The LSE has more bells and whistles and a more usable interior but I miss the Crown Vic
3rd Marquis
Roverbear, 04/22/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
after 2 prior Marquis which did not offer service, I really was hesitant to buy this 2003...the updates it afforded allowed me to chance it once again...Gas mileage seems less than the prior 95 which was repurchased by Ford due to many things wrong, and 96 LS with air suspension, that lasted 69000 and blew 2 cylinder heads...2003's rear end whine needs to be explored by the dealer..handling is far superior to prior models and wind noise is still annoying..has only 4000 miles at present.
Wish Me Luck!
Daniel V., 05/08/2018
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just got the 2003 Merc GM LS ! Ol man Harvey around the corner bought it new in 03, pink slip was in it,, $30,000. He kept it in the garage,,,always, and he is a snowbird who never drove in winter. 86k on it, and all bells n whistles working, leather interior is mint. One ding in the trunk. Never saw a 15 year old car so clean. He was 70 now 85 and sad to let it go. For 2 Grand i feel that i freaking scored!!! I did. Never had luck with used cars, but in the 90s i had a Merc Capri 5.0 and i loved that car,,totaled it,fck! So after reading all the reviews, and for that price i had to take a shot. Drives great, its a V8 so i wont cry about the gas, but i am expecting for Good Times to Roll ! I'll keep ya posted. Wish Me Luck! Dan
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Grand Marquis
Brian Nadler, 04/08/2002
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle provides a refined quiet ride. It is powered by a 4.6 liter overhead cam v8. This is the same engine which powered the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar up till 1997. Being a heavier vehicle Grand Marquis does not have the same level of pickup as 8 cylindar Thunderbirds and cougars of the 1990's. Performance may be imporved by added the performance package with dual exhausts. Finally, I would like to see Mercury add a Tachometer to the intrumentation. This is a very practical way to confirm the transmission is in overdrive and visualize low engine rpm at highway spped.
Mercury review
dlpeters, 05/19/2002
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
No problems with this 2002 vehicle. Economy is great at 25 mpg. comfort and styling also great. Dealer went out of business shortly after purchase.
2nd Time Around
Grand Marquis Fan, 11/19/2002
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We had a 1996 Grand Marquis that we just gave to our son so I shopped around for a replacement and found myself back at the Mercury dealer. I was quite pleased with my first one: a safe and reliable car which I can entrust to my teenage driver when I'm willing to share. After 116,000 miles in 6 years, it only needed brakes, tires and minor adjustments. Love the 2003 as well and it has even more convenient features than the '96.
Great car for the money
J. Brenneis, 12/15/2002
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LSE 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fine road car- easy to drive on long trips. Lots of room and protection for the driver and front seat passenger.
2003 Grand Marquis
JD-Iowa, 01/25/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like the appearance and enhanced steering compared to my 1996 Grand Marquis. Only disappointment is noisey trim chirping on back doors on gravel road when car is cold.
Mercury Grand Marquis
Barbara Cook, 08/17/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Convenience 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I really like the feel of the steering in the new Mercury. Much quicker. Also like the adjustable pedals since I am very short.Very pleased overall.
I LOVE IT!!!!
Rick Wood, 08/26/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I owned a Lincoln LS before the GM Ultimate Edition. I absolutely love the ride and handling of the GM. The LS was a little too stiff for me. I have driven the vehicle 3300 miles in less than two months and am still impressed with the way it rides, handles, and provides me with pain free comfort on long trips. A must see! A must buy!
My Mercury
Roy Creekmur, 07/20/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Convenience 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like it because it's a real "American Style" car. It has rear wheel drive and a basic suspension design that's been developed and proven for 70 years. It's what I wanted, and built, like, I like a car built (body on frame).
Best Car Ever!
Pat Malarkey, 09/28/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Who likes going to work? But I love driving to work in my Grand Marquis. This is my third Grand Marquis in 10 years and I am 100% satisfied. The car is fast, comfortable, and runs strong. I set the temperature and the car heats or cools the cabin automatically. I hope my next Grand Marquis is just as good! Rear wheel drive cars are great!
A Great Car
Harlan M, 11/01/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the electronics on the car, it is equal to a much higher priced car. Auto temp control is great.
Good, but not great.
Brian, 05/28/2007
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased a brand new black '03 Crown Victoria based on reviews by Edmunds, Consumer Reports and J D Power. About everything they reported has panned out as accurate. The front bucket seats are extremely comfortable, great for long trips. The rear bench seats lack lateral support. Steering response and tracking are vague which requires more minute corrections to stay on course than in other vehicles I've driven. The interior is quiet. The gray monochrome leather contrasts nicely with the black paint scheme and the car does not heat-up as much as you would expect in our hot Southern summers. The car will cruise at highway speeds (75-95 mph) with aplomb. Hope to drive her 7-10 years.
Best for occassional or "Sunday driving"
Whitney S, 04/09/2017
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this off of my Great Uncle (what a stereotype, but seriously) and it served me well for about 6 years, but after 120k miles the car just went to pieces. Heat went, $500 fix. AC went, I didn't bother because they quoted me $500-ish again. Ignition coils failed on me twice in the first 3 years, another few hundred dollars to fix each time. Now the intake manifold gasket is wrecked due to leaking antifreeze and made worse with rain (which my mechanic couldn't suss out for months because it wasn't throwing error messages through the machine), which fried one of the cylinders - parts are about $400 alone. Only 145k miles on it and it is just falling to pieces. Not to mention since the car is rear-wheel drive, even the barest hint of snow or mud made it slide like crazy. Even with the best studded tires and weight in the trunk, this car could NOT keep a hold on the road in anything but sunny conditions. Gas mileage, even mostly highway, wasn't all that great. Not the worst, but certainly not cheap to keep filled. It wasn't all bad, though - very smooth drive, lots of punch and power (especially uphill - nobody cut me off!), incredibly, deliciously comfortable seats up front and in back, tons of storage space, and very classy-looking. It may have an image as a casual, classy "Grandpa car," but it should be a compliment. The car is comfortable and lively, but has frequent nickel-and-dime repairs and should be kept off the road in bad conditions.
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Who says a large sedan can't be enjoyable
Lubener, 04/10/2019
updated 04/16/2025
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Convenience 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall, this is a fine vehicle. The ride has been stiffened up for 2003 but the handling and steering has been improved. My Grand Marquis has been very reliable for me.Some weak points are very cramped rear seating which has taken a toll to give you all that trunk space. The lighting control module has been troublesome for many, resulting in operational issues with the headlights and there was a recall for this. The stereo system is not a great sounding system and could use some upgrading. Gas mileage is decent for a big car. I average around 20 mpg in the city and 25-27 on the highway. These cars sell used at a very low price and are a good value as a used vehicle too. Update 2022- my G.M. recently let me down with only 42k miles accrued. Fuel pump went dead. I know it's old but never expected the fuel pump to fail with so little mileage. Presently, at 48k miles, the transmission is having a harsh 1-2 shift on light throttle after the car has been driven atleast 10 miles.
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GRAND Marquis
James N., 10/14/2021
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A full size American built sedan. You can cram up to eight people inside (adults and children) with butt room for all. With the V8 engine the car can go regardless of passenger weight. I am a Marquis fan and happy owner. The gas mileage is poor to average. It's like driving a sofa.
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1st time
Greg Saxon, 11/28/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had a 1997 Crown Vic. which I enjoyed very much. The GM is a much quieter car and has better acceleration. Leather seats are much better than fabric ones.
merc. 2003
herman, 07/28/2006
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is great on the highway. Gas mileage is just OK. Mercury gets about 22 MPG around town and 26 on the highway. Only had one major problem with car. Air flow senser went bad just out of the guarantee. Autoway was great with getting in touch with Ford/Mercury in getting most of the repair bill paid for me. I wonder how the car would run with a large six? Would it get better mpg? Buicks all have 6 cyl. engines.
"BY BY BENTLEY"
Linda D. Smith, 08/16/2021
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my car, but must sell due to health. I got it used & older lady that had it before me treated it better than some people treat their kids. Everything done was done at dealer Davis Moore. She had all the black molding from factory taken off & replaced it all with chrome, and it really sets car off. She had injectors, oil,etc changed every few weeks & I have copies of everything she ever had done to it at Davis Moore. It has new tires all around & interior is greyish blue & exterior is bright white. I haven't been able to drive it several months. Currently it will start but dies right after. Some say it's the kill switch, fuse, fuel pump or whatever but not a big very expensive fix. It is the best car I've ever owner & I love to drive it, with 8 cylinders it gets up & goes. There is a small spot by back window on driver's side paint came off. Had estimate to repair it & it was only between $200 -$300. This is an awesome car & anyone who gets it will fall in love with it too.
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MercLS
sobogo, 09/03/2002
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving is enjoyable, you sit in the seats, not on them. Seat controls and driving controls are all at your fingertips. The ride is very good and cargo space is both accessable and plentiful. Air bag rear suspension seems to give better stability, especially when you are hauling a load.
NEW CAR IMPRESSIONS
RAY, 11/24/2002
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
DOWSHIFTS ARE FAR TOO AGRESSIVE, AS COMPARED TO A 93 CHEVROLET LTZ
Quality in a American make Vehicle
DanDudley Jr., 11/29/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Convenience 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a solid,reliable car, a best buy by anyone's standard.
great value
reeac, 01/09/2004
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You can't go wrong for the money.
Old Folks Car
Merleal2, 04/27/2004
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great for trips, poor man luxery car.
Lots of car for the money!
Jay Taylor, 06/17/2004
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 1st Mercury I've bought in 33 years. The last one was a 1964 Park Lane and that was a powerful car. I am very pleased thus far after trading in my 1995 Park Ave. Though the ride on the Park Ave was a bit smoother,this Mercury is much more responsive and a lot more fun to drive. Gas milage overall about 22.5 MPG-Not bad for a 235 horse power V8-It's the LSE model-- very close to the Maurader-very sporty!
My G.Marquis
Snowmonster, 07/12/2004
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought mine as a program with 16,000 miles I love this Car.It turns heads even to this day.I have a black '03 Ls and alot of people confuse it with the Maurauder.It is the premium model.I wouldn't change a thing except maybe 4 wheel drive for the Mountainous areas.Thank Goodness I live in the South and just visited Colorado for vacation.Hope to eventualy buy another.
My 03 GM LS Ultimate
DRC, 08/29/2004
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great car that I do recommend! It's a joy to own. The only (2) problems encountered were: a wiring harness replacement that took the Dealer three... weeks to fix, and seperate problem(s) with a FORD after market "remote starter" unit. Needed (4) snows, as I reside in the snow belt.
2003 ultimate edition
phil b., 10/23/2004
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
took it back to dealer one time for electrical prob. fixed.
Grand Marquis is SAFE !
saftey1st, 03/13/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Grand Marquis has kept my family safe, comfortable, and the reliability for this tried and true vehicle is incredible. A great purchase for those that buy their car with sound logic versus getting on the fad band-SUV-wagon.
My 5th GR MARQUIS
dadof9, 03/14/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My only real complaints have to do with the road/air noise on the highways. To the point where the radio/ CD are not enjoyable. Disturbing enough to make me think of another vehicle.
Great Car!
Steve Whetstine, 12/01/2005
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. It's got plenty of power and can peel rubber even when you have a full load of people-which is six. Very comfortable and has great visibility. Just a great "big boat car" from the seventies.
best car made in america
Murph, 01/17/2006
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great in every category, room, comfort and great road mileage (over 425 miles per tank full) but a bit poor in local driving.
Ultimate Grand Marquis
Mike Elliott, 05/10/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent automobile for the consumer looking for confort at an affordable price. The gas mileage is acceptable as it averages about 20 mpg on regular fuel and around 28 mpg on the highway. It has plenty of power for passing and driving in mountains. I personally prefer the rear wheel drive over frontwheel drive as it handles much better. The rear air suspension really smooths the ride. It is so quiet that the driver hears hardly any wind or road noise. The only thing I would change are the inside door handles. They should be chromed metal and not the hard plastic, after all this is the ultimate Grand Marquis. .
WOW!!
JR1949, 06/28/2003
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Convenience 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went from an '85 Crown Vickie to this 2003 Grand Marquis LS Convenience. What a difference! The '03 handles like a car 1000 pounds lighter. The non-air suspension offered in this model offers just enough "road-feel" to make it fun to drive. Considering its' size, frontal area & mass, the fuel economy isn't bad!(22 MPG avg-mixed city/hiway, ~26 pure hiway) My heart sunk when I realized I had left the windows open one evening during a moderate rain, yet the leather wiped off perfectly. So far, it's about the BEST car overall, I've ever owned; I consider it a mini- Lincoln! Ford-this one's a keeper!
Lovin it
Michael, 12/19/2017
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from a local dealer and it had belonged to a "lil ole lady". had 93K miles on it and looked like new inside and out. Paid $3900 for it and feel for the car it is I made a good buy. Rides very well even with installing 18inch GT Mustang wheels with 235/50/18 tires. Looks really sweet and rides like a cloud. I wonder why they stopped producing this car.
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Best first car!
Auggie, 08/13/2023
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I inherited a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis from my grandparents this summer, and it has been an honor to drive it so far! The ride is comfortable, the engine responsive and fun, the seats spacious, and with a new stereo system put in I couldn't ask for a better cruising car with plenty of storage for when I move up to Kentucky.
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