2001 Mercury Grand Marquis

I didn’t want to write this review. My deadlines being what they are, it is only two days after the terrorist attacks that I sit down at my computer to stare at a blank screen. Horsepower and handling don’t stack up very high on the priority list right now. But in an effort to move beyond in some measure, I decided to at least position myself at my desk and sift through my notes. To my amazement, I found the car in line for review this week is a Mercury Grand Marquis, one of the last big rear-wheel-drive American sedans and, second only to the pickup truck and sport utility now, a rolling symbol of our country. Not only is it the choice of many of our nations’ older drivers for its size, familiarity and American roots, it is the vehicle of choice for New York City cab drivers. I felt moved to continue. Although I may not come to this review with the same critical spirit I usually maintain, I decided writing it was something I should do. God bless America. The Good News
The Grand Marquis I drove was a 2001 model, but changes are few for 2002. Most notably, the leather seats, anti-lock braking and traction control that were extra-cost options on mine are standard on the newer models.

As mentioned, what makes the Grand Marquis so beloved among certain demographics is the fact it maintains the character that used to define all American sedans. Specifically, its 4.6-liter V8 power, comfortable seating for six adults, a trunk that holds a cross-country family vacation’s worth of stuff, a cushy ride, rear-wheel drive and plenty of power steering: These are its trademarks.

But in addition to its 109.3 cubic inches of passenger room, the largest trunk in its class with a low liftover height for easy loading and those 220 horses, this Grand Marquis also earns a double five-star crash-survivability rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A new “Personal Safety System” has sensors that read the severity of a crash and decide whether or not to deploy airbags and with what force.

There are also lots of luxuries, many of them standard, like well-placed fingertip audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, 8-way power seats for driver and passenger, climate control, (mine had optional bucket seating) and power-adjustable pedals so smaller drivers don’t have to sit up next to the steering wheel.

The best news of all, however, is the price remains under $30,000, even with options added.

The Bad News
Those raised on imports and accustomed to smaller, tighter sedans would likely find the Grand Marquis uninspiring, cumbersome and aesthetically antique.

But having driven it for more than a week, I have to say it was more responsive on all fronts than I would have thought. It is large, but it is neither sluggish nor aimless. A new handling package with a rear air suspension addresses keeping the load more level. Parking takes a touch of practice, however.

As for its looks, function drives form here, but not without some regard for elegance and taste. It looks like yesteryear, and that suits some people just fine.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/25 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $24,905;
Price as tested, $29,880

Is it worth it?
A friend and fellow automotive journalist remarked that this Mercury Grand Marquis was a Lincoln for a fraction of the price. I took note because (a) he’s not especially the luxury sedan type, and (b) he doesn’t impress easily when it comes to cars.

I have to agree with him. For those in search of big sedan comfort and convenience, what this Grand Marquis lacks in style and pizzazz it more than makes up for in safety and value.

Certainly, the market is full of ultra-sophisticated luxury sedans. But when I compare their bloated prices, I suddenly understand why the Grand Marquis continues to have devoted fans.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.