The full-size, 1996 Grand Marquis is Mercury's largest sedan. Most of the changes Ford Motor company made to its six-passenger Mercury Grand Marquis this season are not visible to the naked eye. A number of internal and external improvements were made during the 1995 model year. Both the four-door Grand Marquis and its sister car, the Ford Crown Victoria, utilize rear-wheel drive where the back tires rotate to 'push' the vehicle. Most cars today incorporate the 'pulling' action of front-wheel drive because of superior traction, especially on snow and ice. Rear-wheel drive vehicles, however, have better weight distribution which enhances handling characteristics. Also, rear-wheel drive is better suited for towing boats or trailers. With an optional trailer-towing package, Grand Marquis can tow up to 5,000 pounds. In fact, Ford may soon have a monopoly of sorts since General Motors announced last year that its discontinuing its full size, rear-drive sedans including the Buick Roadmaster and Chevrolet Caprice after this season. Grand Marquis is marketed in two trim levels: GS and upper-level LS. Both are equipped with 4.6-liter, V-8 powertrain delivering 190 horsepower. An optional dual exhaust system boosts horsepower to 210. New modifications produce a quieter and smoother-running engine than in years past. Other standard features include four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power seats and mirrors, tilt searing wheel, stereo, rear window defogger and intermittent wipers. As with all Lincoln-Mercury models, dual air bags are standard, but anti-lock brakes and traction assistance are a $670 option on both GS and LS editions. Our LS test drive model had a base price of $23,385. With options including anti-lock brakes, power-lock group, cruise control, six-way power seats and handling package, the bottom line added up to $26,940 including a $580 destination charge and special package discounts. GS editions start at $21,975 Inside, the instrument panel is a backlit, digital design. Dual cup holders retract from dashboard, sharing the same compartment with the ash tray and lighter. This design makes it tough when adjusting temperature settings because the cup or can block access to some dials and buttons. Aside from map pockets in the doors, additional storage areas are hard to find. The fold down center armrest doesn't double as a storage compartment, so organizing cassette tapes or other assorted knick knacks is a challenge. The addition of a ceiling alcove for garage door opener, and scooped-out arm rests for loose change would help. The stereo is well designed with large, preset buttons. The digital clock is constantly illuminated, and conveniently separate from the stereo system for easy viewing anytime. The horn is now conveniently activates from anywhere on the steering wheel's center hub. Cruise control is also activated from the steering wheel. The rear-window defogger button, located on the dashboard, is hidden from view by the steering wheel. Both front and back seat passengers have good head room, and average leg room. The rear-wheel drive design incorporates the transaxle 'hump' down the center of the floor. This reduces leg room for center passengers if six occupants are traveling. On the highway, Grand Marquis has a smooth highway ride, but tire and wind noises are noticeable. Interested in knowing average fuel economy or how many miles left until the car runs out of fuel? A press of a dashboard button illuminates these and other useful information tidbits. Large power window and power lock toggle switches are found on the door. The exterior design is less boxy-looking then some of its domestic counterparts. Thin rear roof pillars and large windows cut down blind spots. A trunk release is found on the driver's door. No fuel release buttons are needed since the fuel tank latch does not lock. The huge, deep truck is great for storing loads of luggage, but bending over and lifting 75 pounds of water softener salt from this design could test temperamental backs. The fuel tank holds 20 gallons of unleaded fuel. Mileage estimates are typical for a full-size sedan with a V-8 powertrain; 17 miles per gallon city, and 25 highway. Our test model with 4,200 odometer miles averaged 18 miles per gallon combined city and highway driving. |
