2000 Mercury Grand Marquis Road Test

Walkaround

This is a big, roomy car. It boasts a curb weight over 3900 pounds, a 114-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 212 inches. Buyers concerned about safety will appreciate the heft, as bigger cars tend to be safer in collisions than smaller cars. The size of the Grand Marquis, as well as a new frame design that was part of the 1999 model year overhaul, helped it earn a five-star rating in government front and rear crash tests.

The Grand Marquis was restyled for 1999 with a new and more vertical grille, new complex-reflector headlamps and new tail lamps. Other improvements included revised front and rear suspensions for a smoother ride. The recirculating-ball steering system was upgraded with premium bearings and materials to improve steering feel and response. A power steering fluid cooler is now standard.

Option packages have been streamlined, which simplifies life for the factory, the dealers, and the customer. Our test car came with the $2,400 Ultimate Package, which includes the Premium Package plus anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic instrumentation, and a premium sound system. The Premium Package is available separately for $1,000 and includes alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electronic climate control, a power passenger seat and an auto-dimming mirror with compass.

The anti-lock brake system is also available as a stand-alone option for $600. We highly recommend it as it allows the driver to maintain steering control during emergency braking maneuvers. You can also get ABS and traction control packaged together for $775. The traction control uses the anti-lock brake system to reduce wheel spin -- a big benefit on slippery roads.

Interior Features

Sit down in the Grand Marquis and you'll be treated to huge, thick seats as comfortable as an old pair of shoes. The Grand Marquis retains that big-car feel many of us grew up with. The interior is spacious, with plenty of room for long legs, broad shoulders and gangly arms, and it will comfortably seat six adults. The Grand Marquis provides more front and rear headroom than the Buick LeSabre Custom does.

Despite the car's size, there's enough fore-aft seat adjustment to accommodate petite family members. Like many bench seats, these seats are made for cruising cross-country and won't hold you in place in sharp corners. One minor annoyance: The hump running down the center of the floor for the driveshaft reduces foot space for anyone sitting in the center. It is the single largest drawback in the Grand Marquis' rear-drive design.

Rear-seat roominess and comfort are at the top of the class. Trunk capacity is rated at almost 21 cubic feet. Fit and finish inside the car are superb, and the choice of materials is excellent.

All controls and instruments are arrayed in a logical, intuitive, and spacious manner; nothing seems out of place. There have been numerous detail changes to the interior, such as new front door panel arm rests, in an effort to keep the look fresh.