Used 2003 Mercury Marauder Consumer Reviews
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Under the Radar
The subdued styling, borrowed from the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria allows the Marauder to be a true sleeper. Considering the weight of the Marauder performance is excellent. Handling is predictable, and can be pushed. Tail slide in hard cornering is likely in hard cornering or slick conditions, but the long wheel base and responsive steering allows a driver to push through it. On the entertaining side, when cruising on or slightly above the legally posted speed limit on the interstate, lines of brake lights will pop up and hearts will skip a beat as police cruiser clone pops out of traffic. Very reliable. I replaced a set of shocks, 18 oil changes, k&n air filter & drove it over 95k.
My Favorite Car
I had always wanted a Marauder after seeing it in 2002 as a concept. Finally over a year I had a chance to pick one up with 11k on it! Its been the best car i've ever owned, never breaks down and ive done oil changes, tires (which are expensive), and add an k/n intake/exhaust and yes it's a little slow outta the gate but she scoots once in motion its like a freight train, and that 4.6 DOHC has the opportunity to be so much more. I can recommend this car to ANYONE, if your even remotely handy with cars this car is a breeze to work on. Thing to keep in mind, the book values on the car are wrong, parts are a little tough and expensive, gas mileage isn't bad, insurance is cheap, and its fun!
- Base SedanMSRP: $38,99514 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $17,900203 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $14,000253 mi away
Handles well at speed
I have about 200 Miles on my Maurader. I have had it up to 110 and it handles pretty well at that speed. I have been babying it a bit since its so new. Car pulls pretty well at upper RPMs and has smooth continuing power but will not burn the tires off the line very well. Ford Tech services claims fuel cut off at 123 but have yet to test this. Seems to handle much better at speed than the Crown Vic Sport pkg Car. Overall the car does very well but won't pass a gas station and it claims that Premium fuel is required. Milage statement on sticker seems to be very pie in the sky optimum operating condition numbers.
Overall great car to play with
This beastly ride is great! It may not have the initial tire-chirping torque that marks a true muscle car, however it does get up to speed quite quickly and keeps up better with traffic than its crown vic, police interceptor, or grand marquis brethren. Not to mention the leather seats are comfortable and make you feel very relaxed, and the car rides smooth down the highway thanks to the self-leveling air suspension in the back. This car is a real head turner also, even bone stock 'cause it's one you don't see everyday unless you personally own one like me :D. This ride is a great keeper for anyone who is lucky enough to have one.
One too many repairs
Cool car, but it's been more than 20 years since I've owned a car that so many things have broken or failed. Most are odd and surprising: lower A arms at 70,000 miles, rear axle seal at 80,000, failure of headlights (needed new Light Control Module at $400 just for the part), rusted lower steering column at 104,000. Also, a number of the interior lights (headlight switch indicator, power window buttons, heated seat buttons) no longer work. Vacuum leak in the vent system disables controls. Now it is in shop, likely needing an $800 fuel pump replacement. I love the car but I've spent $3 or 4 thousand over the last 3 years fixing things that I've never fixed before in any other car I've owned.
2003 Mercury Marauder
I've been wanting one of these for a long time and it is everything I wanted amd more. Lots of power and it looks great.
Wow
I just bought my dream car. I paid too much, I don't care! The question above, that said " Fun to Drive" says it all. You step on the gas, and it pushes you in to the plush leather seats at 60+, and then you look and it says 100. Wow! The sound of the engine is a low "gurgle" unexpected from such a small V-8. Having driven it less than 1000 miles, I can only say that it handles well, but on a wet road surface it could definitely get away from you. The quiet interior is only interrupted by the mellow exhaust tones as you depress the accelerator. A pleasure to drive, I'm thankful that I'm lucky enough to own one of these modern day muscle cars. This is the direction NASCAR should have gone.
I AM NOT MAD ABOUT ANYTHING
I also own a 1996 SS Impala. My SS is a super car, but not equal to the Marauder, in terms of power, quality, comfort, gadgets, etc. However, I do prefer the lower profile of the SS. I fully intend to keep both cars indefinitely, but if I had to choose which to keep, it would be the Marauder.
Almost perfect
As a former police officer, I knew what I was getting into when I bought this car. It's exactly like the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - except it's in all black, has leather seats and upgrade gauges, and has the 01' Cobra 4.6 stuffed under the hood. Half of the people look at it because it's cool, the other half think it's the cops.
A better idea!
Just turned over 10K mi. Low end power much improved after first 2K to 3K mi. Rear wheels break away nicely from standing start now - still not a big smoke show - but 0 to 60 time in line with factory claim. Handling at speed is unbelievable! Clover leaf corkscrews at 60+ mph (if you don't mind sitting on the door panel)! Highest speed to date is 115 mph - still has a lot of pedal to go to the floor and handles like it's on rails! Interesting to hear about the fuel cut- off at 123 mph - that will have to go! Nothing wrong with stereo sound or controls unless you're already deaf and you're thumb is broken rendering the stearing wheel remote usless.
there were only 11 of these cars made in 2003
I love this car. It has been great. If you know how to drive, you can shift an automatic. Can be alittle harder to drive on ice unless you know how. I get 23 miles in town and 26 miles on the Hwy. Has great pickup when passing. Runs well on interstate. It is black on black. One owner,no accidents,housed in garage unless out of town. Very clean,excellent care. I take it to a touch less car wash then bring it home rewash and wax it. It is a 2003. The rear seats could use alittle leg room. Huge trunk. Extra alloy wheel. Dual exhausts. I get a lot of compliments on this car yet today. $30,000. 80,000 miles.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Awakening
great car most impressive style stand out features turn heads
Stealth Car
So far everything is fine. Runs great handles great. The suspension is a little stiff for around town driving but out on the road it is just fine. People just don't know what it is when they see it, when I tell them a Marauder most have never heard of it. That is part of the fun
The Memphis Marauder.
The Marauder is everything you would want in a full-sized sedan. With Five passengers in the car riding comfortably they begged me to quit stomping on the gas pedal. Truth is that I was not putting it all the way to the floor only about 3/4 the way!!! Not as strong from a start as my Allen Supercharged 96' Thunderbird but I could not comfortably seat five adults in it. Dual-piston front Brakes are fantastic. Marauder stops very quick with no skidding and it's hard to get the ABS system to kick in.
Just Missed
The Marauder is almost complete, but has a few flaws. The exhaust system should have been made from the same high-grade stainless steel used on the Buick Grand National. The engine power comes in at high rpm suggesting the Boss 5.4 from the 2002 F-150 would have been a better choice. Opening the trunk in the rain, or just after, is guaranteed to get water in the trunk. The sound system is choked by small speakers, and the rear window antenna is a poor choice. A trunk-mounted power antenna would provide better reception. Fuel milage has been excellent; handling and comfort are what I expected.
Everything I expected and MUCH more.
Tremendous automobile . Successfully blends a Mustang SVT Cobra with the full size luxury of a Lincoln Town Car It is fast, fun , comfortable, luxurious, AND gets LOADS more " street comments " than I expected. Plus it is an absolute stealth fighter for anyone who does not have a clue how fast it is , or is just trying to find out.
great car
make no mistake about it, this car IS comfortable(very in my opinion for a performance sedan). The ride is great, and i can't wait to open it up on the highway. The car is also loaded with features too. Inside and out, this car is simply awesome. My only gripe with it is the bottom end grunt. It just isn't enough for this type of vehicle. But once it gets going, it moves! Other than that, this is an awesome vehicle that is a great replacement(and better) for the 1994-6 impala ss. One test drive and i believe that you will agree.
Grampa's car
This is my 5th Grand Marquis. This is the Grand of Marquis's. Turns heads, extremely fun to drive. But loves gas, and lots of it. Rides a little rougher than other Grand Marquis's, but to be expected with the low slung tires. Could be more aggressive under 3000 RPM, but makes up for it over that. Wish it held it's value a little better. Since I;ve owned it, less than 4 months, it's gone down in value almost $6,000....wow.......and I bought it at 9500 miles for $25,500
Excellent- The Best
This is a great car for room, comfort, subtle, and just like driving my many 50's & 60's muscle cars. (GTO,Corvettes,390 Mustang, 401 Ford, etc.) Just a great car for a mid-life attack.
Great buy and won't sell it!
Found my 03 Marauder unsold in dealer's lot September 07 with 170 KM on it. Bought it $20K less than sticker price. Regretted buying but found I never will sell it. Even my wife loves to drive it! Gas mileage is not good, but in third year of ownership, all I worry about is regular maintenance - no problems. I stupidly installed new snow tires on 17" rims -- my Marauder is running at higher RPMs to run the smaller tirees and the traction control must be turned to off after 40 MPG with the smaller 17" tires, but with snows, I go EVERYWHERE in our Minnesota winter -- I love the my Marauder's power, flexibility, and snow travel ability!
No good
The car is slow, Handles bad, and it a HUGE copy off the lengendary 1994,1995,1996 Impala SS. Oh and what color is the Marauder only avaible in?? Black. Same as the 1994 Impala. Whos coping who??? I really dislike this car and im gonna sell it.
THIS CAR IS AWESOME
when i first got in this car i didnt think it was going to be what it really is. This car is a great combination of a large car... with a lot of power and speed. This car is great on the freeway, great high end torque. it really gets you moving. Everyone that is writing bad reviews has a problem with either ford, or they are gealous that this car is so good
nice car
this is a fun car. gets a lot of looks. needs more power at low end. i plan to add a supercharger when available.
MARAUDER A JOY TO DRIVE
I have driven my Marauder approx. 3500 miles and think it is really great. This car is fun to drive, very solid and built good. I like the car better every time I drive it.
Awesome Car for the Price
Don't let the sticker shock you. These cars can be bought for a little less than $30,000. And you get a ton (really 2 tons) of car for your money. The 302 HP rating must be conservative. The car is FAST. And comfortable. And it handles like a Mustang GT. 17 MPG around town. Room for the whole family. Comfort. Pwer. Performance. Take that Caprice (ahem IMPALA) lovers!
Roomy and Powerful
The Marauder is truly a one-of-a-kind car on the market right now. It has great room, a nice sounding stereo, great performance and handling and a very nice interior. It has a great exhaust sound and throws you back in the seat when you step on it to get around that slow car on a two lane highway.
Coping...
The combination of looks, sound, and performance are only surpassed by the frequent looks and comments my Marauder has received. Originally I felt the car could use additional starting-out-ooomph but as it (and you) get some miles you realize the unnecessar-iness of that. I have had a 96GSvette, 2-Z28s, and a 2000CamaroSS and, yes, during all that time my 96TownCar (a teen once commented "my GranDaddy has a towncar like that !"). This Marauder exceeds my appreciation for them all when considering good looks, awesome variable sound, superb handling - with the Marauder though, I get in it each time and do not ponder my "next car".
Muscle at its Best !
A great car that seats 5 and has the performance of a sport coupe. Nothing beats the sound of an American V-8. Amazing amount of engine performance increase after the first 5000 miles.
Favorable
The only real complaint I have is about the radio. The subwoofer vibrates the parcel shelf and the overall sound quality is not near as good as in my F- 150 pick-up. I am very happy with the vhecile as a whole. I an also the previous owner of a Taurus SHO ans a couple of Miatas.
Awsome
This car is an absolute delight to drive. It is the perfect combination of luxury and good old American muscle car fun. The more I drive it, the more I like it!
marauder
just got last week, looked at many other brands and models, just fell in love with this. always have had nice cars, but this is a head-turner.i live in a small town, so i will not be able to get away with much. this is an auto that makes you look forward to the morning drive to work!
Big Merc
Overall a great car to drive, will tinker with it a bit just for some more low end horses, but a satisfying car overall, those who don't like it are chevy guys just crying in their beer (because they are unemployed too)
Exactly What the Doctor Ordered!
I've been in law enforcement for 28 years, attended all the high-speed police driving courses -- I'm even a certified anti-terrorist driving instructor. I wanted exactly what the Marauder is: understated, beautiful, powerful, and comfortable. This one is a real head-turner! I simply added tint and a CD changer. It rides like a Lincoln on steroids with a real suspension; corners like it means business. But please don't buy one! I like being the sole owner in my area of such a fine piece of American automotive engineering!
Marauder fills a niche
What a great car! There are not any like this with the size and performance of this car. Turns heads everwhere I go. Everybody loves this car and so do I. Mine is getting better the more miles I put on it.
2003 Mercury Marauder
Black, Black, Black, Fast & Fun. Great Audio system, handles great, excellent pull from 25 mph & up. Weak off the line then gets stronger. Nice exhaust tone. Well built tight & smooth handeling.
My Next Car....... The Marauder!
You have to go and find one first, good luck, not many dealers have them yet. But once you do, and you first come upon it, you are awestruck with it`s look, then, it`s overall appearance is fascinating! She rumbles like a Mountain Lion, pure Power yet Luxury as well. This is DEFINITELY MY NEXT CAR, NO QUESTION! WAY TO GO MERCURY! M.S.
WHOOP
I like this car, i bought it for money, and it is fast, whoo!!I like this car, i bought it for money, and it is fast, whoo!!
Everyone needs one!
Traded in my very reliable Toyota 4Runner on this beast. It is so comfortable and the ride and power are excellent! Don't bad mouth this car unless you have not driven it.
Super Street Cruizer
i own 1 of 2 blue marauder's in cali, it's the perfect sleeper! cant wait to drop in a new cat-back exhaust system, headers, intake, tb, and kenne bell s/c!
Love it
I just got my new marauder. If you are a boomer who couldn't afford a muscle car in high school...now you can. The first night I got the Marauder, I was at a resturant and noted outside that an Impala SS owner had parked beside me and was walking slow circles around the beauty. That alone was worth half the purchase price.
BEST FORD YET
The car just arrived today so ive only owned it for a few hours now but IT IS AWSOME! its like a cool cop car! its so fun to drive, everyone double takes a look (not sure if its a cop or kid) its just a whole lot of fun. (almost as fun as my DeLorean) Its beefy and sounds it too (although i wish it had deeper exhaust)
Have fun with this one
OK, so I don't have $35K but I got to test drive one for about an hour yesterday. VERY fun car to drive. Looks like a sedan a businessman would own, but handles and performs like a much smaller, faster car. Very tight handling due to the 50/50 weight distribution. One thing I heard is driving this car will attract attention from Officer Friendly - and it makes sense given how powerful this car is.
Love my car!
I have driven Marquis for 10 years. My last had all the bells and whistles Bigger engine, Alum. wheels, etc.) When I saw the Marauder, I knew I had to have one. I purchased it in April, and I love it! Lots of luxury, and alot of power!
POLICE SLEEPER
THE 03 MARAUDER IS A HARD CORE RIDE WITH A VERY RESPONSIVE THROTTLE THE CAR LAUNCHES BUT AT THE SAME TIME IT STICKS TO THE ASPHAULT THANKS TO THE MEAT ON ITS 18 INCH WHEELS. BRAKEING IS GREAT THANKS TO THE FOUR WHEEL DISC WITH DAUL PISTON DISC UP FRONT. 302 HP THERE NOT KIDDING IT BUILDS POWER THREW OUT ITS POWER BAN. OUTSTANDING RIDE THE BIG POWERFUL AMERICAN CRIUSER IS BACK!!!
2003 MERC
AS A FAMILY MAN AND MUSCLE CAR BUFF, THE MERCURY MARAUDER IS DEFINETELY MY KIND OF CAR. IT CAN TRANSPORT MY FAMILY IN A SECURE COMFORTABLE WAY TO GRANNY'S AND STILL BE AN EYE CATCHER ON A NIGHTLY CRUISE ON THE BLVD...TOO BAD IT'S ONLY HAS 302 PONIES!
Save your dough
Save yourself 10 grand and buy the Crown Victoria Sport. You only get a few less lb./ft. of torque, and Mercury should be embarrassed for pulling the engine from the demised Lincoln Mark VIII instead of running a supercharged version of the 4.6.
All smiles
I test drove a bunch of cars, including alot of Europians like Mercedes and BMW,and although the models I drove undoubtedly out performed this car, They lacked the inside room and comfort. But for the money, there is no competition for the Marauder. Some other American sedans are slightly better off the line, but once she gets moving, the handling and road feel are beyond anything GM or Chrysler has to offer. And yes, even including that utterly disappointing, uncomfortable, tub of goo Monte Carlo SS.
Get a Clue
Anyone who dislikes this vehicle, probably works for another manufacturer, or is afraid that their precious Impala is going to lose a ton of value (which it will). Why would someone sell this vehicle, after finding out it only comes in black? Low ratings on this board equal that persons PANIC. Gorgeous looks and super comfortable. Whats not to like.
Power and Style
I purchased four days ago, 14.5 mpg. on first refill, engine seems tight, with less low end torque than I expected, however after about 200 miles I noticed a continuing improvement in take off speed and also in torque when down shifting. The car responds much quicker and with less gas pedal the more I drive it. I love the way it sounds and the handling is excellent for it's size. I have not floored it yet and I don't believe I will until about 1000 miles. The car has not disappointed me yet; it is exactly what I want it. Luxury, Power, Good looks.
Middle Age
Middle aged means you have been around long enough to drive cool cars. Could this be all that Mercury says? Answer YES! The first time my fat middle aged butt hit the seat I knew. Hit the key and the beast comes to life. Get salesman in car and advise to stay calm. This is not grandma going to bingo. The urge hits. Mash the peddle and the Maurader roars to life. At a buck 20 the salesmans pacemaker starts to fail, back to the showroom to sign some paper. Turn heads you bet. Fun car yep. Great job Mercury. Adding an addtional 60 HP with the new chip it even gets better. If you got one enjoy it. If you want one get it. If you don't like em tough #!%&.