Automotive
Mercury introduced a so-called fourth generation of the Grand Marquis in 2002, though it was more of a restyling of the previous 1998 generation than a complete redesign. While it never reached the same level of fame as its sibling, the Ford Crown Victoria, the Grand Marquis was positioned as a more luxurious alternative. Notably, this generation surpassed the Cougar in becoming Mercury's longest-running nameplate - an impressive achievement, made possible by the Grand Marquis’s enduring qualities.
Despite its styling being seen as outdated by some, the Grand Marquis found favor with traditional buyers who preferred classic automotive design over the newer, more radical trends emerging in the early 2000s. Its exterior featured squared-off horizontal headlights flanking a slightly taller, chrome-finished radiator grille with vertical slats. The corner-mounted turn signals had smaller, horizontal amber lenses - an update from the taller designs of previous models. At the rear, Mercury eliminated the chrome bar on the lower part of the taillights but retained chrome trim on the body side cladding and bumpers for specific trim levels.
Ford introduced this updated fourth generation of the Grand Marquis in 2003. By 2007, the model received another update, prompted by the onset of a global financial crisis that shook the automotive industry. The crisis forced manufacturers to cut jobs and even led to the demise of several historic brands. During this period, Ford sold off major assets like Volvo, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mazda in a bid to stay afloat. The Blue Oval brand - resilient through two world wars and multiple economic downturns - faced one of its toughest challenges yet.
In an effort to preserve the Mercury brand, Ford discontinued the Crown Victoria for the civilian market and shifted its customer base to the Grand Marquis. A facelifted version of the Grand Marquis emerged, aimed at appealing to both former Crown Victoria drivers and new buyers seeking value and reliability.
Mercury didn't go quietly. The brand enhanced the Grand Marquis with popular Crown Victoria features, targeting practical family buyers. Luxury took a back seat to affordability and function, making the Grand Marquis a smart option for customers who previously couldn't afford a Mercury. The model was offered in just one well-equipped trim level, boasting a range of standard features. Minor exterior upgrades included new fog lights positioned under the front bumper, giving it a subtly refreshed look.
As a large, comfortable sedan known for its dependability, the Grand Marquis remains a favorite among long-time enthusiasts - and it's still a vehicle frequently serviced by trusted professionals like SherlockLock, a certified locksmith with extensive experience in handling Mercury vehicles. Whether you’re dealing with a trunk lock issue, lost keys, or a full ignition repair, SherlockLock is the go-to solution for Grand Marquis owners looking to maintain both security and peace of mind.
