2007 Mercury Grand Marquis

[page2171]

I will be driving a 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis for the next two weeks. It is a rental with 2000 miles on it. It wasn't my first choice for a car, but it was a free upgrade from a mid-size so I won't complain. For a highway cruiser, this is one of the most comfortable cars I have driven in a long time. A nice comfortable bench seat and plenty of room to stretch out. Now, the handling is another matter. This thing is a boat...it doesn't handle all that much better than my 62 Buick Electra. If I were to rebuild the suspension in my 62 (I'm pretty sure it is all original) I am confident the Buick would handle better. The engine feels weak, the 4.6 V8 just isn't enough engine for a car this size. This definitely isn't my type of car, although maybe a Crown Vic with the police engine and suspension could be something I could enjoy. What else can I say, the car isn't fun to drive, but it is a nice ride on the open road.

[2b2]

Page2171, hope you enjoy your ride just stick to PCH

& I'll get this in here before the KillMercTrolls show up...

Yeah, the Grand Marquis needs significant changes - ones that could come largely out of the parts bin:
Mustang's 300hp version of the 4.6
6 speed transmission
interior designed the same decade? millenium? as the Milan's
throw in suspension upgrades and less overhang
...ok, they don't have suitable diesels in the partsbin (yet) but how about taking the new/nextgen hybrid system and coupling it with the 3.5-3.7 v6?

We've read the CV-Police version (at least) is up for getting a real re-do for the 2009MY -
sure hope the "GM" (no offense) is getting an honest makeover too!

As a Mercury advocate, I believe enough could be done to make it creditable until that new med-large RWD platform arrives... which it better, because that could support a dozen variations!!

[T-Type]

page2171 - you pretty much nailed it. Nice driving car, but underpowered. And the interior is way outdated. BTW there is no police motor, just dual exhaust and a 3.55 ring gear. (Whopeee! )

[page2171]

Originally Posted by 2b2

Page2171, hope you enjoy your ride just stick to PCH
...
As a Mercury advocate, I believe enough could be done to make it creditable until that new med-large RWD platform arrives... which it better, because that could support a dozen variations!!

2b2, unfortunately I am not in SoCal. I am in Aberdeen, MD for training. I am also a bit of a closet Mercury fan. I was brought into the fold (so to speak) by a 94 Sable. I still miss that car.

One of the funniest things about this car is how quickly people slow down when I come up behind them.

[GMFreak8]

Yup, the Grand Marquis is the exact vehicle that I love to drive. One that puts comfort ahead of being able to go 0-60 in 3 seconds or being able to make a turn at 90MPH. I love the older American luxury boats that are actually luxury, they aren't these "european luxury" vehicles. I love Buicks for exactly that reason. They aren't sports cars, they aren't trying to be European, they're just true American luxury that's comfortable.

Long live giant luxury boats with bench seats, and a floaty ride!!

oh and btw, the interior is just fine. The body on frame design is more than just fine too, I wish more sedans were built using body on frame designs still.

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by GMFreak8

...

Long live giant luxury boats with bench seats, and a floaty ride!!

oh and btw, the interior is just fine. The body on frame design is more than just fine too, I wish more sedans were built using body on frame designs still.

Why on earth would you prefer body on frame designs? What's the benefit?

[GMFreak8]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Why on earth would you prefer body on frame designs? What's the benefit?

Because I hate unibody. :P

[2b2]

Originally Posted by page2171

2b2, unfortunately I am not in SoCal. I am in Aberdeen, MD for training. I am also a bit of a closet Mercury fan. I was brought into the fold (so to speak) by a 94 Sable. I still miss that car.
One of the funniest things about this car is how quickly people slow down when I come up behind them.

Well, enjoy the change of scene & try to stay off the Beltway
Do the long black limos slow down too???

Originally Posted by GMFreak8

...oh and btw, the interior is just fine. The body on frame design is more than just fine too...

I think the dash shapes are actually quite a bit like Jaguar designs (comparo at "the Mercury files")
but the GM will need a Full makeover to stifle the nay-sayers

[GMFreak8]

Originally Posted by 2b2

I think the dash shapes are actually quite a bit like Jaguar designs

Actually they do look pretty similar. I don't see anything wrong with that dash, quite honestly. It's large, it's clean and uncluttered, and ergonomic. Just update the materials, and add maybe a few pieces of light wood or chrome, and it'd be perfect. You just don't see dashes like that anymore. They all seem to be going for that high tech cockpit look with three million buttons, and digital displays spread out all over the place. It's another reason why I love my older Buick. It doesn't rely on high tech features to be luxurious. It has the nice crushed velvet seats, soft touch dash, nice wood trim, large cockpit, and just these little things that add that touch of luxury, like the headlight and turn signal indicators that show if you have a light burnt out. It sounds like a small feature and something nobody would miss, but I do, I wish the newer vehicles had something to tell you rather or not a bulb is burnt out.

[Ach]

Originally Posted by T-Type

page2171 - you pretty much nailed it. Nice driving car, but underpowered. And the interior is way outdated. BTW there is no police motor, just dual exhaust and a 3.55 ring gear. (Whopeee! )

And the one he's driving, being a rental, probably has the base 224-bhp version of the V8 (as opposed to the 239-bhp with dual exhausts) with the standard axle, making it feel even slower.

[GMCSonoma]

I wouldn't mind finding a program Grand Marquis to replace the Bonneville when the time comes! The 2006 & newer are also e85 capable...that's a big plus for me!

[HashiriyaS14]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Why on earth would you prefer body on frame designs? What's the benefit?

Doesn't it generally translate to increased towing capacity due to the strength of the frame?

If I'm buying a big full-size V8 rear-drive sedan, I'd like to be able to tow with it (i.e. small boat, or a trailer/track car). The all-conquering D-body Fleetwood and it's LT1 could tow 4500lbs.


The MY2008 CVPI is rated at 250hp, what is rating for the "civilian" Grand Marquis? I agree that regardless, the 300hp Mustang GT mill should be available in both versions.

I have been toying with the idea of buying a CVPI or "civie" CV/GM for my soon-to-be-heinous daily commute, just because they can pile on the miles and last forever, and because they're great in bad traffic and bad roads. All my mileage will be company-paid, so the less-than-stellar fuel economy isn't a huge concern.

I'd rather have an LT1-powered Caprice/Roadmaster/Fleetwood, but those cars are so much older it's hard to find them in really nice shape. Mint Fleets sell for big bucks, and I wouldn't have the heart to expose a mint LT1 Fleet to such awful driving conditions anyway.

[page2171]

I don't have any problem with the dash layout. All the dash could use is some better materials.

Like I have said before I like the nice ride, but it could use a little work to give it a more controlled ride...it is a little too floaty for me and that affects the handling adversely.

If it had the Mustang motor, I would probably be sold. I have been driving it pretty hard (it is a rental after all) and the computer is telling me I am getting around 21 mpg. Not too bad.

[Ach]

Originally Posted by page2171

I don't have any problem with the dash layout. All the dash could use is some better materials.

Like I have said before I like the nice ride, but it could use a little work to give it a more controlled ride...it is a little too floaty for me and that affects the handling adversely.

If it had the Mustang motor, I would probably be sold. I have been driving it pretty hard (it is a rental after all) and the computer is telling me I am getting around 21 mpg. Not too bad.

You should try a Marauder. It's not as fast as it should have been (only cut about half a second off the 0-60 run with a 302 bhp DOHC 4.6) but the way they tightened up the steering and chassis is remarkable. It is a great drive.

[GMFreak8]

Originally Posted by Ach

You should try a Marauder. It's not as fast as it should have been (only cut about half a second off the 0-60 run with a 302 bhp DOHC 4.6) but the way they tightened up the steering and chassis is remarkable. It is a great drive.

It's a great looking car too. Under appreciated.