The six-passenger Grand Marquis LS's ride is both smooth and comfortable. With the most interior room in its class, it's perfect for a long road trip, and it has the trunk room for everyone's luggage.
In all but five states the Grand Marquis is sold with a 4.6-liter, 224-horsepower Flexible-Fuel V8, which can run on gasoline or a gas/ethanol blend. But in states that have adopted California Emissions standards - California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont - the Grand Marquis has a traditional gas-burning V8 (the specs are the same). EPA ratings on the car are 17 mpg city and 25 highway.
Naturally, the standard-equipment list grows on this higher-priced trim. The additions on the inside are power-adjustable pedals, rear-seat reading lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an overhead console with compass, maplights, and Universal garage door opener. On the outside there are power heated side mirrors, and all-season tires on 16-inch painted-aluminum wheels with 16 spokes.
You can fully load your LS by opting for a power moonroof, a deluxe Audiophile stereo with 6-CD changer and 8 speakers with subwoofer or a dual-media AM/FM stereo with CD player and cassette player, a wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel with auxiliary controls for audio and climate (available with the upgraded audio system), heated front seats, trunk organizer, fog lamps, and a perimeter alarm.
A separate Handling Package consists of front and rear stabilizer bars, a 3.27:1 axle ratio, all-season BSW tires, rear air suspension with unique springs, 16-inch split 9-spoke aluminum wheels, and dual exhaust.
Mercury takes a lot of pride in the Grand Marquis' fine record in government crash-testing: it's the only car in its class to earn 5 stars in government crash-testing 12 years in a row. And when the available front-seat side airbags are in the picture it gets 5 stars across the board.
The Grand Marquis' independent front suspension, nitrogen shocks, and variable-assist rack-and-pinion power steering cooperate to provide a smooth and pleasant ride. The steering is speed-sensitive, making low-speed maneuvers a snap.