2002 MERCURY Grand Marquis
I must say, this is one old fashion looking car. The design looks like it got stuck in the late seventies.

Cars can be conservative looking, but they still could look good. This is a pretty old design, and it shows. You can redesign the headlight 20 times, you still won't have a very modern looking car.

By the way, it is due for another one of these "face lifts" early next year, as a 2003 model.
The interior is not much better. Everything is pretty far. Like the radio and air conditioning controls.

And the seats are very flat, but somehow, pretty comfortable. Except for an almost useless headrest, positioned so far back, it is impossible to "rest" your head on it!

Ford sells this car to mostly, older people. But why would they think that people over 60 don't enjoy the comfort of a good seat, or the convenience of closer controls?
After a while, you also start noticing 1970's quality issues as well. Like pretty large gaps between the interior parts. But let's drive.

Well, it drives like what it looks like: a 1975 Ford LTD. But better. Around town, it is very quiet, and the little noise you hear from the engine is very nice. But on the freeway, the lack on insulation shows up . The engine is still quiet, but it always sounds like you left a door open. You can hear a lot of road and wind noise.

I also noticed that problem with pre-2001 Town Cars. They fixed it for 2001.
The steering is of course very light. Which seems nice at first, but gets annoying after a while. It gets very vague when you turn.

And the suspension is very soft. Which is nice, but also gets annoying after you hit a few bumps and the car keeps moving up and down, and also sideways.

That's because it doesn't have independent suspension in the back. But somehow, cars like the Chrysler minivan, manage a much more comfortable suspension with a similar set up.

You can fix most of these problems by ordering:

-These "bucket" seats, with a good looking shifter.

_A tighter suspension (still very comfortable)
The Mercury Grand Marquis is perfect if you are trying to recapture that old fashion driving experience from the 1970s. It is pretty much the only choice out there. Except for the similar Ford Crown Victoria. And they sell over 80 000 of these Mercurys year after year, so they must do something right!

It starts at around $24 000, and is already pretty well equipped. It is not cheap, but it is the largest car for the money.

Ford is updating all these models based on that same frame ( Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Town Car) for early next year. But it won't be a new design. Just a new front end, rear, interior and a modified suspension. This could actually make it a much more appealing car.

If you are interested, these cars often come with pretty large rebates.

Check HERE for more info.

Check these cars too:

_ Ford Crown Victoria. The exact same thing.

_ Chrysler Concorde. A much more modern large car. Very comfortable. No more LHS for 2002.

- Buick Le Sabre. A pretty clunky version of old fashion large cars. Neither modern or old.

- Toyota Avalon. Yes, it is smaller and japanese. But very roomy and comfortable. Solid and quiet.

It is what a Buick should be.

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