Question: What was the horsepower of the Mercury Grand Marquis?

Mercury Grand Marquis



The Mercury Grand Marquis is an automobile that was sold by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company from 1975 to 2011. From 1975 to 1982, it was the premium model of the Mercury Marquis model line, becoming a standalone model line in 1983. For its entire production run, the Grand Marquis served as the flagship of the Mercury line, with the Ford (LTD) Crown Victoria serving as its Ford counterpart. In addition, from 1979 to 2011, the Grand Marquis shared the rear-wheel drive Panther platform alongside the Lincoln Town Car.
It was produced nearly exclusively as a four-door sedan, from 1975 to 1986, the Grand Marquis was also offered in a two-door body style. From 1979 to 1991, the wood-trimmed Mercury Colony Park station wagon was included as part of the model line.
From 1979 to 1985, the Grand Marquis was manufactured at the St. Louis Assembly Plant in Hazelwood, Missouri. From 1986 to 2011, production was located at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Southwold, Ontario, Canada. With the closure of the Mercury brand following the 2010 model year, a limited run of 2011 models were produced. The last Grand Marquis rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 2011;[1] it was the final Mercury vehicle produced.
No direct replacement for the Grand Marquis was announced, although the closest in size and luxury is the Lincoln Continental.
1975–1978

For the 1967 model year, the Mercury division introduced the Marquis nameplate for the first time.  Largely the divisional equivalent of the Ford LTD, the Mercury Marquis was a two-door hardtop version of the Mercury Monterey.  As the full-size Mercury model line was redesigned for the 1969 model year, the Marquis adopted a full range of body styles as it replaced both the Montclair and the Park Lane in the Mercury product line (adopting the Brougham trim line from the Park Lane and the Colony Park station wagon from the Monterey).    
For 1974, the Grand Marquis nameplate made its first appearance, introduced as an interior trim package of the Marquis Brougham.[2][3]  In addition to a wood-trim steering wheel, the interior was fitted with leather-and-velour split-bench seats.[3]
For 1975, the Grand Marquis was expanded from an interior option package to the highest-trim version of the Marquis model range.[4]  As the Monterey had been withdrawn after 1974, the Marquis served as the sole full-size Mercury product line.  Along with bridging the gap between the Mercury Marquis Brougham and the Lincoln Continental, the Grand Marquis offered Mercury a chance to compete more closely with the  Buick Electra 225, Oldsmobile Ninety Eight, and Chrysler New Yorker Brougham.  As with the Marquis Brougham, the 460 V8 was standard equipment, with 4-wheel disc brakes available as an option.
For 1976, in the interest of fuel economy, a 400 cubic-inch V8 became standard through 1977, with a 351 cubic-inch V8 becoming standard for 1978, when the 460 was deleted from Ford and Mercury vehicles altogether.         
For the 1979 model year, the Grand Marquis returned as part of the downsizing of the full-size Mercury model line.  While given a smaller exterior footprint than the intermediate-segment Mercury Cougar, the Grand Marquis had gained additional interior space over its 1978 predecessor.[5]

As the Mercury Marquis remained the Mercury counterpart of the Ford LTD through the 1970s, in 1980, Ford introduced a counterpart of the Grand Marquis, the Ford LTD Crown Victoria.
1977 Mercury Grand Marquis four-door hardtop
1977 Mercury Grand Marquis four-door hardtop, rear view 
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis two-door hardtop
rear 3/4 view, 1975-1978 Mercury Grand Marquis

First generation (1979–1991)

For the 1983 model year, Ford underwent a major revision of its full-size and mid-size model ranges for both the Ford and Mercury divisions.  Within Mercury, the Marquis was repackaged as its mid-size offering (replacing the Cougar sedan and wagon).  While a redesigned Cougar returned solely as the counterpart of the Thunderbird, the Grand Marquis remained as the Mercury full-size sedan.  For the first time since 1951, Mercury offered a single product line in the full-size segment.   
Retaining the Panther platform, the 1983 Grand Marquis was the counterpart of the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, and the Continental Mark VI (in its final year). As with its Ford counterpart, a padded vinyl half-roof was standard equipment. While the LTD Crown Victoria was distinguished by a "crowning" metal band surrounding the B-pillars, which was first introduced in 1955 on the Crown Victoria, the Grand Marquis had opera lamps similar to the Lincoln Town Car; higher-trim versions also had the option of a "frenched" rear window.  The Grand Marquis was an alternative to the smaller Buick LeSabre and the Oldsmobile 88, which were downsized in 1977.
The Grand Marquis was offered in two-door and four-door sedan body styles in standard and LS trim (the Brougham trim shifted to the mid-size Marquis). As part of the model shift, the woodgrained Colony Park station wagon became a counterpart of the Grand Marquis; for 1983 only, a non-woodgrain Grand Marquis wagon was offered.  Most versions of the Colony Park would wear Grand Marquis LS badging and interior trim.  
Year-by-year changes




1983: Grand Marquis becomes a stand-alone model and sole full-size Mercury sedan. The 5.0L V8 gains throttle body fuel injection. Minor revisions include a new grille, taillights, steering wheel, and interior trim changes.[6]
1984: The non-woodgrain Grand Marquis wagon was discontinued, leaving the Colony Park as the only full-size Mercury wagon. Ford breaks even on its investment on the Panther redesign during the model year; each Grand Marquis is now sold at a profit.[6]
1985: To make room for the Ford Aerostar, production shifted from St. Louis to St. Thomas Assembly in Canada. Gas-charged shocks become standard, with rear air suspension as a newly available option. As part of the change in production, several revisions were made. The horn is moved to the steering wheel, the dash is refitted for a single-DIN radio, precipitating the removal of the 8-track player and CB radio from the option list), and as they were standard features, the "Electronic Fuel Injection" and "Automatic Overdrive" emblems were deleted.[6]
1986: Introduced as a running change late in the 1985 model year, a CHMSL/third brake light was added to all versions of the Grand Marquis (and all American-market cars). Multi-port fuel injection is introduced on the 5.0L engine to replace the older throttle body injection system.
1987: The dash received updated trim; on the instrument panel, the "Check Oil" warning light is replaced by a "Check Engine" light.[6] This is the final year for Grand Marquis two-doors, with 4,904 produced.[7]
1988: Mid-cycle redesign for the Grand Marquis. All sheetmetal forward of the windshield and from the rear window to the back bumper is revised, with softer lines for (slightly) improved aerodynamics. New badging brought the Grand Marquis closer in line with the rest of the Mercury lineup. In place of serif-style script, block lettering (in the style of the Sable and Topaz) made its appearance on the trunklid. The Mercury "flying M" badge made its appearance for the first time on the Grand Marquis. The interior received enlarged head restraints with a tilt feature, and a refresh of the dash, as one wood trim piece, along with the instrument cluster itself being revised. In line with the rest of the Mercury lineup, the base-trim model was rebadged GS alongside the top-trim LS. LS versions received options such as a JBL Audio 6-speaker AM/FM/Cassette stereo system with a power antenna. Other LS options included rear air suspension, vinyl top with a "frenched" rear window, taller front headrests, and a heated windshield called "Instaclear".
1989: 1989 was largely a carryover, with the instrument panel receiving a "Check Engine" light on all models.[6]  A special edition Grand Marquis with unique exterior and interior features arrived mid-year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mercury brand.
1990: Several revisions were made to improve safety features.[8] On all models, a driver's side airbag was added, necessitating a redesign of the dashboard (and the deletion of the dashboard-mounted stereo speakers). Now shared with the LTD Crown Victoria, the instrument panel of the Grand Marquis traded its Lincoln-style square dials for a horizontal strip-style speedometer. Redesigned front seats were given downsized head restraints, while outboard passengers on the rear seat were given three-point seatbelts. Taller Head Rests were discontinued for smaller ones across both the LS and GS models.
1991: Last year for the first-generation Grand Marquis; redesigned 1992 model arrived in early 1991.  Final Grand Marquis produced with the 5.0L and 5.8L engines, and the final Colony Park wagons (3,104 produced).[7]


Powertrain

The 302cuin (4.9L) 5.0 Windsor V8 was the sole engine available from model years 1983–1985. In 1986, the engine was converted from throttle-body to sequential multi-port fuel injection. These engines are easily distinguished by their cast aluminum upper intake manifolds with horizontal throttle body (vertical throttle plate); this replaced the traditional throttle body with a carburetor-style top-mounted air cleaner previously used. Additionally in 1986, the 5.8L Windsor V8 was returned to the Grand Marquis/Colony Park engine lineup. By the end of production in 1991, versions ordered with the 5.8L would be the final carbureted vehicles sold in North America by Ford. Both engines were coupled to the four-speed AOD overdrive automatic transmission.

Livery use
Limousine manufacturers used the Mercury Grand Marquis as a cheaper alternative to the mechanically similar Lincoln Town Car. They were marketed in Latin America. In the 1989 James Bond movie Licence to Kill, the villain Franz Sanchez drives a black 1985 Grand Marquis Limousine with a red interior.






Production figures[7]Year198319841985198619871988198919901991Total productionUnits95,718131,396147,13998,929120,503111,611130,24872,94579,329987,818

Second generation (1992–1997)


For the 1992 model year, both Ford and Mercury Panther-platform cars underwent their most extensive changes since their 1979 introduction. While the chassis was retained, the body was all-new from the ground up. After thirteen years on the market, the full-size sedans from Mercury and Ford were struggling against far more modern competition. Additionally, as unintentional consequence of over 30 years of badge engineering, the Grand Marquis and its LTD Crown Victoria counterpart were left as virtual identical twins. In a significant break from precedent, the Grand Marquis and Ford Crown Victoria (no longer an LTD model) were allowed completely different bodies; the only visually shared body parts were the front doors and the windshield.
In line with the rest of Ford Motor Company vehicles sold in North America, aerodynamics and fuel economy played a large role in the design of the new Grand Marquis. Unlike the Crown Victoria, which followed the design themes of the Ford Taurus, the Grand Marquis would combine contemporary design with traditional styling features seen in full-size sedans such as full-width taillights, a formal roofline, and a chrome waterfall grille. In various forms, the latter would become a signature styling feature across the Mercury product line from the late 1990s onward.
As part of the redesign, Ford sought a new type of buyer for its full-size Mercury sedan; instead of the older buyers who traditionally bought them, the 1992 Grand Marquis was marketed to younger buyers in need of a larger car than a Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable.[14] As such, the opera lamps and padded vinyl top were discontinued (the latter becoming a dealer-installed option); the imitation wire wheel covers were replaced by aluminum alloy wheels. Revisions to the suspension and steering were made to improve both ride and handling.[14] To improve stopping, four-wheel disc brakes replaced the rear drum brakes, with optional ABS; traction control was available as an option.
As with the 1988-1991 models, the Grand Marquis was available in base-trim GS and deluxe-trim LS models; LS models are distinguished by front cornering lamps. From 1992 onward, the Grand Marquis was produced solely as a four-door sedan, as the Colony Park station wagon was discontinued. Ford's Keyless Entry System became optional on lower trim packages, and standard on upper trim packages.
Year-to-year changes



1992: Second-generation Grand Marquis introduced in the spring of 1991 as an early 1992 model.[14] All models come with driver's-side airbag standard with an optional airbag.
1993: Dual airbags become standard equipment on all models. Radios are redesigned with a new control layout.
1994: Increased side door impact protection. A/C refrigerant changed from R-12 to R-134a.
1995: Mid-cycle redesign. Exterior trim features increased use of body-color trim and less chrome. On the front, a larger, rounder grille is better integrated to the body, while all lights on the front are changed to clear lenses. The license plate is now centered in between the taillamps. On the trunklid, the Mercury and Grand Marquis lettering is italicized and reduced in size. Inside, much of the interior receives an update, with new seats, door panels, and the entire dashboard is redesigned with attention paid to ergonomics. Switching locations with the climate controls, a Double-DIN radio featured large buttons and knobs; on models without automatic climate controls, rotary knobs replaced sliding controls. The power seat controls, if specified, were now located on the door panels along with enlarged buttons for the power windows and door locks. The outdated horizontal speedometer was replaced by instrument cluster used in the Crown Victoria (adding a voltmeter and oil-pressure gauge); a digital instrument panel with trip computer was still an option.
1996: No major changes. Inside, the Ford "brick" airbag wheel in use since 1990 was replaced with a new design shared with many Ford and Lincoln-Mercury cars, integrating the horn into a smaller steering wheel hub.
1997: Last year for the second-generation Grand Marquis. The Mercury emblems are removed from the C-pillars. Following the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Caprice and Buick Roadmaster by General Motors, 1997 Grand Marquis sales would rise over 20% in comparison to 1996.

Powertrain

While the Panther platform was carried over from 1991, an all-new engine would be used for the 1992 Grand Marquis. The replacement for the OHV 5.0L and 5.8L Windsor V8s, the 4.6L SOHC Modular V8 engine was the first (and as of 2014, the only) overhead-cam V8 to appear in an American-market full-size sedan. Producing 190hp, it was more powerful and more fuel-efficient than either of its predecessors. An optional handling package, including a heavy-duty suspension, 3.27 rear-axle (instead of 2.73), and a dual-exhaust system that raised engine output to 210hp was an option; it was largely the counterpart to the Ford Crown Victoria Touring Sedan.
All models of the Grand Marquis were coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1993, the hydraulically controlled AOD transmission was replaced by the electronically controlled AOD-E transmission.[8] In 1995, the AOD-E was replaced the heavier-duty 4R70W transmission;[8] it was shared with the Lincoln Mark VII and Town Car.

Production
While the redesigned 1992 Grand Marquis/Crown Victoria would prove more fuel efficient than their predecessors, a loophole in CAFE regulations allowed Ford Motor Company to sell both full-size cars and improve the average economy of all of its cars. CAFE regulations require vehicles with fewer than 75% domestic parts content to be counted as part of an automaker's imported fleet rather than a domestic one. During the 1991 retooling for production of 1992 models at its St. Thomas, Ontario facility, Ford switched a number of its parts suppliers from Canada and the United States to suppliers outside North America, bringing the domestic parts content of the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria below 75%.[15] As such, the Grand Marquis was now part of a fleet consisting primarily of the far more fuel-efficient Ford Festiva rather than other V8-engined cars such as the Cougar and Ford Mustang.






Production figures[16]Year199219931994199519961997Total productionUnits163,26290,367107,89494,202104,433127,949688,107

Third generation (1998–2002)

For the 1998 model year, Mercury released the third-generation Grand Marquis.  Based on the success of its 1992-1997 predecessor, its design saw evolutionary change.  While the 1992 Crown Victoria was better received in the marketplace than the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice, its exterior design (inspired by the Ford Taurus) had not translated into enthusiasm, leading the Grand Marquis to outsell the Crown Victoria in 1994 and 1997.  In a major change, its Ford Crown Victoria counterpart was given a more conservative exterior for 1998, adopting the formal rear roofline of the Grand Marquis for the rest of its production run.  
Following the discontinuation of the Buick Roadmaster and Chevrolet Caprice after the 1996 model year, the Grand Marquis no longer received direct competition from General Motors.  While entering the full-size segment with the Chrysler LHS, Chrysler had ended production of six-passenger premium sedans in 1996.  From the 1997 model year onward, Ford was left a highly profitable market niche essentially to itself[17], selling over 100,000 examples of the Grand Marquis yearly.   
Chassis specification
The third-generation Grand Marquis retained the Panther chassis from its predecessors, lengthened in wheelbase to 114.7 inches.  To upgrade handling stability, the three-link rear axle (in use on large Fords since 1965) was replaced by a four-link rear axle with a Watt's linkage, though a solid rear axle was retained.[8]  To improve braking, the four-wheel disc brakes were given dual-piston calipers for the front rotors., requiring the use of 16-inch wheels.[8]  For 1999, ABS became standard.[8]  The traction control (which remained an option) was revised to work at any speed (rather than only low speeds).  
Powertrain
The third-generation Grand Marquis retained the same powertrain as the 1995-1997 Grand Marquis, with a 4.6L Modular V8 and a 4-speed 4R70W automatic transmission.  In a minor revision, several underhood components were relocated, with the power steering reservoir was attached onto the engine and the coolant overflow reservoir was relocated onto the radiator (both were located on a fender).[8]  In another change, the engine was converted to coil-on-plug ignition along with fail-safe cooling using a dual-speed electric fan.[8]
For 1998, the standard-equipment V8 (with single exhaust) was increased in output to 200 hp (from 190).  The handling suspension package continued in production, paired with the dual-exhaust version of the 4.6L V8, producing 215 hp.  For 2001, the engines were retuned to 220 and 235 hp, respectively.
A 2.73 rear-axle ratio was paired with single-exhaust engines; as part of the handling package, a numerically higher rear-axle ratio was used.  For 2000 and early 2001, a 3.55 rear axle was used; other versions used a 3.27 rear axle.  

Body design
While bearing a strong resemblance to its 1992-1997 predecessor, the third-generation Grand Marquis shared only the roof and doors with its predecessor.  While nominally the same length as its predecessor, stylists added visual mass to the body.  Along with squared-off front and rear bumpers, the grille was restyled as a larger version of the 1992-1994 generation.  

The interior was largely carried over from the 1995 update, with a two-spoke steering wheel replacing the previous four-spoke design.  Other interior changes saw the style of the wood trim revised and the deletion of chrome trim from the column shifter and turn signal lever.[8]  For 2001, the separate digital clock was deleted, as the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria integrated the clock function into the radio (used by other Ford vehicles since the 1980s).[8] 
1998-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis GS
1998 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Brougham (dealer-installed option package)
2001 Ford Grand Marquis (export)
Rear view, 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 
Front seat, 1998-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
Rear seat, 1998-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis







Production figures[16]Year19981999200020012002Total productionUnits134,155142,372132,870100,77496,034606,206

Fourth generation (2003–2011)







For 2003, the Grand Marquis saw an extensive styling update. However, many of the changes were under the skin, as the underpinnings of the Ford Panther chassis underwent its first complete redesign since its introduction for 1979.  During the 2000s, Mercury would introduce two additional full-size sedans: the 2003-2004 Mercury Marauder and the 2005-2007 Mercury Montego (rebranded the 2008-2009 Mercury Sable).  In addition, the Grand Marquis largely replaced the Ford Crown Victoria in retail markets as it was discontinued from retail sale for the 2008 model year.
In 2010, the Grand Marquis marked 35 years of production, overtaking the Cougar as the longest-produced nameplate sold by the Mercury brand. In September 2010, after a short production run, the final versions for retail sale were produced. Slated to end production in December 2010, the production of fleet models was extended due to a parts shortage at the St. Thomas, Ontario factory. On January 4, 2011, the last Grand Marquis was produced in St. Thomas; it was the very last Mercury produced by Ford.
Chassis
While styling changes to the 2003 Grand Marquis were evolutionary, the changes to the Panther platform were far more extensive. To improve chassis rigidity, an all-new frame was introduced with fully boxed and hydroformed frame rails. In an effort to improve handling, the front and rear suspension were redesigned along with the brakes. A quiet EBD brake booster with a mechanical panic assist system was added. The new suspension changes required changing wheel designs to those with a high positive offset. Rack and pinion steering replaced the old recirculating ball system in an effort to increase steering precision and reduce costs.
In standard versions of the Grand Marquis, the rear-axle ratio was 2.73:1; in LSE and versions with the handling suspension, a 3.27:1 rear-axle ratio was used. The handling package was standard equipment on LS-trim export models.
For 2008, the Handling and Performance Package as well as the 5-passenger front bucket-seat option were both discontinued; both were similar to the Crown Victoria's LX Premium Sport and Handling Package. These were the only post-1992 Grand Marquis variants produced for North America to be equipped with dual exhaust.
For the 2003 model year, the Grand Marquis retained the version of the Modular V8 introduced in 2001. Single-exhaust versions produced 220hp, while the dual-exhaust version raised output to 235hp. During the redesign, a number of changes were made to the engine. The oil pan was enlarged 20% to six quarts and an engine knock sensor was made standard. Other changes included an intake manifold with aluminum water crossover and an electronic returnless fuel system. The new engine was distinguished by a redesigned engine cover, featuring a chrome "V8" emblem; the oil filler cap was moved to the passenger-side valve cover and the power steering fluid reservoir was moved off of the engine block onto the radiator shroud.
For 2006, revisions to engine tuning added 4hp to both versions of the Modular V8, for a total of 224 and 239hp, respectively. In 2007, the engine was given flex-fuel capability (E85). After the 2007 model year, the 239hp version of the Grand Marquis was sold exclusively for GCC export.
All versions of the Grand Marquis were sold with variants of the AOD 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. From 2003 to 2005, the 4R70W was used. In 2006, it was replaced by the 4R75E shared with the Ford truck lineup.[8]

Exterior
As part of the redesign, Lincoln-Mercury stylists were tasked with giving the Grand Marquis a more contemporary look, bringing it in line with other Mercury-division vehicles. While largely evolutionary, a number of changes modernized the exterior. In a change similar to the 2003 Town Car redesign, the heavily rounded bumpers seen on the Grand Marquis since 1992 gave way to a squared-off lower look. The trunk and taillight trim was simplified with more contemporary badging. In the front, to improve cooling, a larger grille introduced the Grand Marquis to the Mercury waterfall-style grille trim. Grand Marquis LS Limited Editions were equipped with a hood ornament, seen for the first time since 1991; the option also marked the return of factory-produced two-tone paint. To ease production, the Grand Marquis adopted body-color trim for the B-pillars, similar to the Crown Victoria.
In 2005, for a single year, the radio antenna became externally mounted, to the rear fender. After years of declining sales, chrome wire wheel covers were optional from the factory for the last time.
For 2006, the Grand Marquis was given a mid-cycle exterior update, in what would be the last styling update for the Panther vehicles. The trapezoidal grille seen since 1995 was replaced by a rectangular one with a waterfall pattern similar to the Montego; the headlight clusters no longer extended to the sides of the grille, in a fashion similar to the 1988-1991 Grand Marquis. A redesign of the lower bumper allowed the addition of foglights as an option for the first time. In the rear, the trunk trim was changed from red to gray.
Interior
While not as extensive as changes to the exterior or chassis, Mercury made a number of changes to update the interior of the Grand Marquis in its 2003 redesign. Updated door panels and redesigned switchgear improved interior ergonmics, while the dashboard from 1995 remained in place. A dual media (cassette/CD) player made standard along with a valet key.[8] In the interest of safety, and to keep up with other Ford Motor Company vehicles, a shoulder belt was added for the rear middle passenger and side airbags were introduced as an option.[8]
In 2005, due to several mechanical modifications, several changes are made.[8] The steering column is replaced with a non-locking design; a flat-top steering wheel replaces the round-top version used since 1998. A fully electronic throttle moves the cruise control function into the main engine computer. For the front seats, occupant weight sensors were added, which allowed the front passenger airbag to be disabled. An Audiophile 6-disc in-dash CD changer became available as an option on LS-trim models.In 2005, an Audiophile sound system with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer became available to LS models.
For 2006, another major change was made as the instrument panel on all Panther-platform cars was redesigned; the optional digital instrument panel was discontinued, as was the use of an analog odometer. While the oil pressure and voltage gauges were removed, a notable addition was a tachometer; the Grand Marquis was one of the very last Ford vehicles sold without one. Similar to other Ford vehicles, the new instrument panel features a Driver Information Center (trip computer), consolidating many functions previously seen in the overhead console in between the speedometer and tachometer.
In 2007, an auto-dimming rearview mirror was added as an option, along with a full-size spare tire (making its return).
In 2009, due to federal regulations, side airbags became standard equipment along with recessed window switches.
Trim
As part of the redesign, Mercury would change the Grand Marquis trim lineup for 2003. In place of the traditional two-model line, the Grand Marquis was expanded to five. In addition to the base-trim GS, there was now GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, and LSE. Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2001, and in showrooms by May, the LSE was designated as the LS Premium with a heavy-duty rear suspension, shorter rear-axle ratio, and a 239-hp dual-exhaust engine; it offered 5-passenger seating with leather, dual power bucket seats, with a center console and floor shifter. The 2003 LSE was short-lived, as its production ended in December 2002; it made a brief return for 2005.
From 2003 to 2005 a Limited Edition version of the LS model was sold. This included an appearance package with chromed mirrors, body colored door handles, and a two-tone leather interior. Limited Edition models also came with side airbags standard. They included a Mercury badge hood ornament, making its return for the first time since 1991.
For 2007 LS models, a Palm Beach trim option was available; it consisted primarily of special upholstery and badging.
For 2009, following the introduction of a "No-Stock" marketing guideline by Lincoln-Mercury, the Grand Marquis trim line underwent a revision. Aside from long-wheelbase GCC export models, the GS was dropped, while the LS was split into two series: LS Fleet and LS Retail. The former was available exclusively for fleet purchase in the United States while the latter was available only by dealer special order to minimize unsold inventory of cars. Moreover, incentives as high as $4000 per vehicle were added to remove previous stock from dealer lots.
As Ford had announced the discontinuation of the Mercury brand in the summer of 2010, all 2011 examples are Mercury Grand Marquis LS Ultimate Editions.
Sales






Production figures[16]Year20032004200520062007200820092010[18]2011[19]Total ProductionUnits92,14087,58366,13354,68850,66429,76624,78328,543248434,548

Discontinuation
On June 2, 2010, Ford announced that it would end production of all Mercury vehicles by the end of 2010 as it discontinued the brand after 72 years. As a result of an unplanned delay in parts shipments, the final Grand Marquis was produced on January 4, 2011 at 7:46 am.[1] The St. Thomas Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada closed in September 2011, bringing an end to the production of the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car.
In continuous production for 36 years, the Grand Marquis was the longest-produced Mercury. In total, nearly 2.7 million were produced, making it the best-selling vehicle sold by the brand.[20] Among Ford Motor Company models in North America, only the Ford Econoline, Ford Mustang, Ford Thunderbird, Ford F-Series, and Lincoln Continental nameplates have been produced longer. The Panther platform served as the basis for Grand Marquis design for 32 years. Nearly unmatched by other automakers for longevity, the external appearance of the Grand Marquis remained largely unchanged for the last 19 years of its production life (along with its engine, the 2011 model shared a number of body panels with its 1992 counterpart).






Production totals (1983-2011)Year1983-19911992–19971998–20022003–2011Total productionUnits987,818688,107606,206434,5482,716,679
Export markets
During its production, the Grand Marquis was sold throughout North America, although it was not always badged as a Mercury. Outside of North America, exports were concentrated on the Middle Eastern market, where its large size and V8 power were attributes still sought by buyers towards the end of production.
Canada
After 1999, Ford of Canada discontinued sales of the Ford Crown Victoria outside of commercial fleets and law enforcement, concentrating civilian sales in Canada on the Mercury Grand Marquis. Following the 2004 model year, the Mercury brand was phased out in Canada, though Ford of Canada would market the Grand Marquis through its Ford dealerships. Sales continued through the end of production in 2011, as it was replaced by the redesigned Ford Taurus introduced for 2010.
Mexico
Ford de Mexico would market the Mercury Grand Marquis under the Ford brand twice. In 1982, the Grand Marquis was introduced as the replacement for the Ford LTD Crown Victoria sedans (though the Ford LTD Country Squire remained); it was sold through the 1984 model year. As Mexico banned the sale of vehicles with 8-cylinder engines, the Grand Marquis was replaced by a Ford-badged version of the Mercury Cougar. For 1992, Ford de Mexico reintroduced the Grand Marquis, marketing it as the flagship of the Ford model line. From 1992 to 1994 it was manufactured in Mexico., after which it was imported from St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Wearing both Ford and Mercury badging, the Grand Marquis adapted a Ford Blue Oval on the trunklid after 1998.
Although the Mercury Grand Marquis was considered a sales success in Mexico and developed a reputation for luxury and prestige as the most expensive domestic nameplate available for sale, as in the United States, sales began to decline as the model aged. For the 2005 model year, Ford de Mexico replaced the Grand Marquis with the Ford Five Hundred, sold through 2007.
Middle East (GCC)

The Grand Marquis and its Ford Crown Victoria counterpart were marketed in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, two members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC-Spec vehicles initially offered a lower price, reliability, and relative simplicity (compared to German and Japanese luxury sedans), but the GCC-spec Mercury Grand Marquis began to lose market share in the 2000s towards updated competitors (such as the Holden-produced Chevrolet Caprice and Dodge Charger).
Modification


Produced alongside North American examples in St. Thomas, Ontario, GCC-Spec versions of the Mercury Grand Marquis included several mechanical and trim modifications.
All were fitted with the High Ambient Temperature and Speed Package, heavy-duty battery, and an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler. Prior to 2002, export vehicles included a catalytic converter delete option. All standard-wheelbase examples were fitted with true dual exhaust.
To upgrade handling, the Grand Marquis was available with an Export Handling Package as an option. The counterpart to the Handling and Performance Package sold in the United States, the Export Handling Package consisted of rear air suspension (with stiffer springs), a larger front stabilizer bar and a heavy-duty rear stabilizer bar. In contrast to the U.S., the GCC-spec option retained the stock rear axle ratio. Standard on the LS trim level, the package was available for any standard-wheelbase GCC-spec Grand Marquis. Following 2003, the model was identified by a trunklid spoiler (shared with the Mercury Marauder).
From 1998, the GCC-spec Mercury Grand Marquis was fitted with the 40/20/40 split front seats of the Lincoln Town Car (in place of a 50/50 split bench). To accommodate for the Middle Eastern climate, cloth seats are standard equipment, with leather upholstery as an option. In addition, the language of warning labels are in Arabic.
Trim variation

Middle Eastern versions of the Grand Marquis are equipped with slightly different options and features than their North American counterparts. Prior to 2009, six different trim levels were available: 
GS
GS Convenience
GSL
LS (LSE limited to mid-2001 to mid-2003 and 2005 model year)
LS Premium
LS Ultimate
In 2009, the LS models were only available with a column shifter and 40/20/40 Lincoln Town Car seats, available in luxury cloth or leather trim. The GSL is a long-wheelbase model offering 152 millimetres (6.0in) of extra leg room for rear passengers. It is equipped like an LS model, with standard features such as an 8-way power driver's seat (2 way manual passenger seat), side airbags, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatically dimming rearview mirror, electronic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, premium sound system with CD and cassette, 17-inch wheels with 235/55WR17 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, heated door mirrors, fog lights and special "GSL" badging. The once-optional gauge cluster is standard, with controls located on the centre of the dashboard, between the headunit and climate controls. In North America, this model was only available to fleet customers as a commercial (taxi) version of the Ford Crown Victoria.
For 2009, the Grand Marquis was only available in two different trim levels: GSL and LS, both of which were near identical in terms of features and options. The LS was a Fleet model, which was heavily de-contented, losing once-standard features such as an overhead console with compass and a power passenger seat. The Export Handling Package was dropped, eliminating features such as the Mercury Marauder spoiler and rear air suspension.
For 2010, the GS model reappeared in the line up, and several features (such as the Mercury Marauder spoiler) became available as standalone options. The Export Handling Package was made standard along with a power passenger seat. In Kuwait, the LS model (M7F) was not available to the general public in 2010, as they are heavily sold to fleet buyers, such as the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health and state-owned Kuwait Oil Company, where they are given to employees as fringe benefits.
For 2011, the long wheelbase GSL was replaced by the GS, and the LS model was made available again to the general public in Kuwait. The LS Ultimate Edition remains a Fleet model and differed slightly from the GS, equipped with leather seats, electronic automatic temperature control (EATC), and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror. Lumbar support was no longer available.



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