REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Still hangin ’ around

Who would have thought, fifteen years ago, that the Grand Marquis, with its rear wheel drive and bulky V8, would still be available in 2001? Fans of this Ford - formerly known as a Mercury…- have saved it from certain death. In return, the Grand Marquis improves yearly, with new refinements and accessories.So, do you like the Grand Marquis’s "new" look? Regardless, this time out no one can say that Mercury didn’t use common sense. You no longer hit your noggin as you climb into the rear seats and the trunk’s new shape gives it a few more litres of volume, although you still need to use your imagination and creativity to make optimal use of available space. But let’s get back to the passenger compartment : its styling is conservative, and only crucial instruments are permanently on view, other instruments only light up when it’s too late to take action. In any event, the airy interior, comfortable bucket seats and usable space are a credit to the exterior dimensions to this sober mid-size.With classic and therefore sturdy architecture (according to its fans) the Grand Marquis reproduces almost all the mechanical features that have earned it a reputation for reliability. The 4.6-liter SOHC V8 is still on duty to power this living room on wheels, in exchange asking only for the black gold it loves so dearly. We’re tempted to say that the Grand Marquis’s handling earns praise as soon as it makes its way onto a bona fide highway, but that wouldn’t be fair. In fact, if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort, opt for the performance/handling package - it makes for a more exciting ride, with wider tires, a heftier anti-roll bar and sportier springs and shocks. As a bonus, the 4.6- liter V8 has an extra 15 horses that drivers will have no problem capitalizing on. The only problem: cornering and bumpy roads result in jerky body movements.

Let’s take the next exit for a jaunt downtown, where we’ll soon be cursing the car’s awkward maneuvering or its size, which makes it almost impossible to find a decent parking space. In winter, the Grand Marquis prefers the cushy comfort of a garage to snowy or icy roads, even though it has an optional limited slip differential and a traction control system. Between you and me, this senior citizen is well beyond the age of sliding and skating!

PROS
Roomy interior
Performance/Handling package
Comfortable ride

CONS
Large size
Minimal trunk space
Stark instrument panel

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * * *
Passenger: * * * *