Short answer
The 2009–2010 Mercury Grand Marquis is our preferred starting point because side airbags became standard. Earlier cars need an equipment check, and affected later cars need proof that their steering recall has been completed.
- Entries
- 4
- Comparison
- Editorial choice
- Topic
- Used cars & model years
- Cited sources
- 5
Best and Worst Mercury Grand Marquis Years at a Glance
| Rank | Name | Editorial choice | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |  | Preferred safety equipment | US model years 2009–2010 |
| 02 | | Earlier equipped alternative | US model years 2007–2008 |
| 03 | | Missing side-impact protection | US model years 2003–2008 |
| 04 | | Repair before purchase | Affected US model years 2005–2011 |
No entries match your search.
Best and Worst Mercury Grand Marquis Years: Entry Details
2009–2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
US model years 2009–2010 · Preferred safety equipmentStandard side airbags make these later cars the first place to look, provided recall work and the physical condition are satisfactory.
- Side airbags
- Standard
- Original side test
- Marginal
2007–2008 Grand Marquis with side airbags
US model years 2007–2008 · Earlier equipped alternativeAn earlier car can have the revised side-airbag configuration, but the build date and optional equipment need confirmation.
- Side airbags
- Optional
- Build-date check
- 2007 models built after July 2006
2003–2008 Grand Marquis without side airbags
US model years 2003–2008 · Missing side-impact protectionThe original side test rated this configuration Poor. Missing airbags put it behind equipped alternatives for a safety-led purchase.
- Side airbags
- Not fitted
- Original side test
- Poor
Affected 2005–2011 Grand Marquis with open steering recall
Affected US model years 2005–2011 · Repair before purchaseCorrosion of the lower steering-shaft joints can combine with upper-shaft collapse and lead to loss of steering control.
- Campaign
- 13V385 / Ford 13S08
- Action
- Confirm VIN applicability and completed repair
Best and Worst Mercury Grand Marquis Years: Analysis
Grand Marquis Side Airbags by Model Year
The Grand Marquis gained standard side airbags for 2009. Those front-seat-mounted units protect the head and torso in a side collision. The later configuration earned a Marginal original side-test rating, compared with Poor for the earlier version without side airbags. Buyers get a clearer equipment baseline by starting with the later cars.
Grand Marquis Side-Airbag Equipment Checks
The 2007–2008 Grand Marquis offered side airbags rather than fitting them universally. Revised airbags and door trim arrived on 2007 models built after July 2006. Check the actual equipment and build date before choosing one as an earlier alternative. Mercury’s brand history explains why this large sedan remained so different from its smaller siblings.
Mercury Grand Marquis Steering Recall
Certain 2005–2011 Grand Marquis cars from regions that use road salt were recalled because steering-shaft corrosion could contribute to a separation and loss of control. A later model year does not remove that obligation. Ask a Ford or Lincoln dealer to check the VIN and repair history before money changes hands. The used Highlander guide offers a different family-car starting point.
Important context
- The earlier equipped alternative depends on its build date as well as its optional airbags.
- Salt-region steering history matters even on a later Grand Marquis.
- A current dealer recall record is more useful than a seller’s general claim of recent repairs.
Our verdict
Our Verdict
Start with an inspected 2009–2010 car, then verify steering work. Consider an earlier example only after confirming its airbags and build date.
Strengths
- Standard side airbags simplify the later-year search
- Specific recall paperwork gives the buyer a concrete check
Things to consider
- Later cars still need corrosion and recall checks
- Even the equipped configuration has a Marginal original side rating
FAQ: Best and Worst Mercury Grand Marquis Years
Which Grand Marquis years are the starting point?
The 2009–2010 cars have standard side airbags. Prefer an inspected example with documented recall completion and maintenance.
Did every Grand Marquis have side airbags?
No. They were optional before becoming standard for 2009. Confirm the equipment on an earlier car rather than relying on a trim badge.
Is a Grand Marquis without side airbags a good safety choice?
The tested configuration received a Poor original side-impact rating. An equipped later example is the better starting point for this particular search.
Which Grand Marquis years had the steering recall?
Campaign 13V385 covers certain 2005–2011 vehicles originally sold or registered in specified corrosion states. Applicability is tied to the VIN and regional history.
What should a seller show for a recalled Grand Marquis?
Ask for the dealer repair record and a current VIN recall check. A receipt for unrelated steering work does not establish completion of the campaign.
Sources & methodology
Editorial US choices prioritise IIHS side-impact equipment and Ford campaign 13V385 completion. Configurations overlap by year. These are safety-led choices, not failure-rate rankings. Check applicability and repairs by VIN.
Maintained by Artsiom Dusau, a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy
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