NEW MERCURY MARAUDER
Tap into your next new MERCURY MARAUDER at http://www.usednewcars.com! Click here to get a list of all vehicles that fall within the sedan category.
Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
 |
| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
 |
Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.67 |
 |
| Vehicle Styling |
9.38 |
|
| Braking |
9.58 |
|
| Handling |
9.17 |
|
| Fuel Economy |
5.62 |
|
| Interior Comfort |
8.54 |
|
| Acceleration |
10 |
|
| Dependability |
8.75 |
|
| Fit and Finish |
7.29 |
|
| Transmission |
8.54 |
|
| Ride |
9.38 |
|
| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
|
| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Although nimble for its size, the Marauder lacks the kind of tire-melting power necessary to qualify it as the rebirth of the American muscle car.
Pros
Handling that belies its size, the ride and comfort of a Town Car, strong straightline performance once engine speed builds, high safety ratings.
Cons
Lack of low-end thrust, poor lateral support in seating.
What''s New for 2004
A new heavy-duty four-speed automatic comes standard for quicker shifts along with traction control and an upgraded audio system. Dark Red and Silver are newly available exterior colors. The 4.6-liter V8 now comes with dual knock sensors for improved engine response at low speeds.
Overview
Introduction:
Jumping into the full-size muscle-car war that started in the early 1960s with Chevy Impala SSs and Ford Galaxie 500s of the day roaring down the streets and puncturing the eardrums of innocent bystanders, Mercury''s "Marauder" nameplate first appeared on slantback versions of the 1964 Monterey, Montclair and Park Lane two- and four-door sedans. Consuming huge quantities of gasoline and air through its twin four-barrel carburetors, this brute produced a thundering 425 horsepower. In spite of its charms, the Marauder was never as popular as the big Chevys or Fords. A new Marauder arrived in 1969 riding a shorter wheelbase and sporting a "tunnelback" rear window design. It came with either a 390 cubic-inch V8 or a 429 big-block V8 making 360 gross horsepower. The Marauder survived through 1970, but then died due to slow sales and flagging interest in performance-tuned large cars. By this time, the buying public was engrossed with pony cars like the Camaro and Mustang and midsize muscle cars such as the Pontiac GTO and Chevrolet Chevelle SS, not oversize, overweight performance cars. Fast-forward to 1994 when Chevrolet brought back the Impala SS nameplate, though instead of being affixed to a sporty coupe, it was attached to a Caprice sedan that featured the Corvette''s 5.7-liter V8 (albeit detuned to a still respectable 260 horsepower) and a tweaked suspension with 17-inch wheels and chubby Goodyears. Produced for only three years, the Impala SS developed a cultlike following among those drawn to the combination of big power and plenty of room for all to enjoy the ride. Ford never did respond to the gauntlet thrown down by its arch rival. Until now that is. Nearly 10 years after the Impala SS was briefly resurrected, Mercury resurrected the Marauder as a tweaked and massaged version of the Grand Marquis sedan. This isn''t the first time that a recipe calling for a big engine, fat wheels and black paint has revived interest in a relatively staid and conservative box-on-wheels. The new Marauder caters to the same crowd of aging, "buy American," muscle-car aficionados as the Impala, and should aid the task of restoring Mercury''s brand awareness among consumers. There are other sub-$40,000 sedans that are more nimble, more refined and more prestigious. But none of them offer the emotional satisfaction of this modern-day muscle car.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Marauder comes as a four-door sedan in one trim level. The standard equipment list includes 18-inch wheels and tires, a rear air suspension, leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable seats, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel with satellite controls, power-adjustable pedals, keyless entry, automatic climate control, traction control and a CD player. The options list is limited to a trunk organizer, heated seats and a six-disc CD changer.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Marauder is powered by an all-aluminum DOHC 4.6-liter V8 making 302 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 318 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. It breathes through a true dual-exhaust system with chrome-plated pipes. A four-speed automatic transmission with a high-stall speed torque converter drives the rear wheels through a 3.55 rear axle with a limited-slip differential. Massive 18-inch five-spoke wheels are shod with sticky BF Goodrich g-Force T/A tires.
Safety:
With its basis on the Grand Marquis, the 4,165-pound Marauder is large and heavy. Government crash testing of the Grand Marquis has resulted in perfect five-star ratings for frontal impacts and four-star ratings for side impacts. The Marauder comes standard with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and panic assist (which applies the brakes full force when a panic stop is detected), as well as traction control. Also standard is the Personal Safety System (advanced restraint and airbag systems) and seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, enthusiast drivers will appreciate the white-faced displays, which include a 140-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer and full instrumentation with temperature, oil and voltage gauges. Bright metallic trim replaces the fake wood found in the Grand Marquis, adding a touch of attitude. A floor shifter juts out of the center console for a sporty feel, while the five seating positions are upholstered in leather with the winged god Mercury''s head embossed in the seat backs. "Marauder" is embroidered into the floor mats to remind the driver that this is a special car.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
In spite of the husky rumble that issues forth from the twin chrome pipes upon planting your foot on the gas, the Marauder doesn''t have neck-snapping thrust off the line as muscle cars of the 1960s did. However, once the four-cam V8 hits its stride (at about 3,000 rpm), the big Merc really gets its groove on and pulls with authority up to 6,000 rpm. Ride quality is soft and comfortable, but should you decide to take a few fast corners, you''ll find that this big sedan handles itself quite well. Body roll is well controlled, the steering is light yet accurate and the standard BF Goodrich tires offer plenty of grip. Enthusiasts with families who''re seeking to have their cake and eat it, too, will no doubt appreciate the king-size sedan''s emphasis on thrills, safety and utility.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ MERCURY Information Index ] [ SEDAN Information Index ]
|
