June 29th, 2009 Past Mercury Grand Marquis Models and Suspension Parts!
Though it’s received a variety of updates throughout the years, the Grand Marquis suspension is still basically the same car as it was back in 1992, the point of the last major redesign. The current body style dates back to 1998, and there were only detail changes until 2001 when available adjustable pedals debuted and engine output increased to 220 hp and 235 hp (with dual exhaust). For 2003 the Grand Marquis received an all-new chassis under that now-familiar body shell. The suspension remained largely the same, but the frame was beefed up for greater rigidity and more responsive rack-and-pinion steering was fitted for the first time. Antilock brakes were made standard that year, and front side airbags were available on the LS. The V8 was revised to deliver a bit more power, and the rear suspension was tweaked to improve handling.
The performance-minded Marauder with its 302-hp V8 and bucket seats debuted that year but would die a few years later, as the general public just wasn’t receptive to a hot-rod Mercury. Following the end of the previous model’s long (1979-’91) run, the ‘92 Mercury Grand Marquis air suspension debuted with a restyled body and a new-generation, overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 rated at 190 or 210 hp (with dual exhaust). We found the new engine much smoother and more powerful than the ancient overhead-valve V8s it replaced. Minor improvements carried through to 1995, when a subtle face-lift yielded a new grille, lights, bumpers, trunk lid and dash. Not much changed after that until the next big update three years later. Inside, the dated design and spotty materials quality are immediately apparent. The vehicle’s strengths are its solid value for the money and the roomy, comfortable accommodations for five or six. This includes a huge 21-cubic-foot trunk that’ll easily swallow a week’s worth of luggage for four adults or a family.