The 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis

[andyluzeckyj]

Im with uxwbill I think ford is the best car company ever!

[TundraWalk3r]

The Mercury Grand Marquis is my favorite type of vehicle!

[tubageek2006]

i dont mind cars that dont "take no seat belts for an answer," but cops with that same opinion are quite annoying

[autotiiseri]

@tubageek2006 The sound is annoying, but not using the seat belt the air bag will kill you if not the crash itself...It's a shame that they just decided to stop making these big old body on frame cars. Simple and reliable and cheap parts. It's a shame.

[ThePhoneUpdate]

We have a Ford Mondeo, we tried other makes but nothing seems to last us like a Ford!

[DNALI]

maybe u are refering to v8 RWD sedans. but there alot of rwd v8 powered cars u can buy in the US. corvette, mustang, camaro, charger, challenger, pontiac g8 cts-v sts-v

thats just off the top. i know this video is a few years old but even in 08 there where many RWD V8 powered vehicles available.

[uxwbill]

@DNALI What I don't know is how many are built using body-on-frame construction. I doubt that any of those cars are. I thought the Pontiac G8 was a front wheel drive setup, but I don't know that for sure.

[form109]

@uxwbill the Pontiac G8 is Rear Wheel Drive....might be the only pontiac that is since GM's stuff out there is mostly FWD excluding their trucks and some of their SUV's....hardly anything is body on frame anymore.....but the panthers are nice cars.

[pepene93]

@uxwbill g8 is rwd. but youre right, none of those use a body on frame design

[gasflame62]

My friend and i were in my rental marquise, and they just started construction on the road leaving my neibhor hood, as we were leaving the road had mixed us up so the guy behind me was in on coming traffic, as he got mad, i gunned it, he was so pissed knowing this car matched his hemi.

[form109]

i'd Rather buy a Panther Platform than just about anything out there.......the design may be old but it's solid and reliable,nothing better than Rear Wheel Drive Sedans still built with a Body On Frame Construction....seeing as plenty of modern cars are unibody and plenty of them these days are front wheel drive,ack

[yamahonkawazuki]

@form109 AGREED. merc. grand marquis, crown vic and lincoln town car. i believe are in that group. i had a retired police vic. thig was CHEAP on gas. lol cheaper than my friends accord

[form109]

@yamahonkawazuki Yeah the Marquis,Crown Vic and Towncar are all Platform mates...really just about the same car,parts are very interchangable which should mean it wont be too hard to find parts when something needs to be replaced.

[4rdt0ugh08]

A luxury car ISN'T a luxury car WITHOUT RWD!!! YaY for RWD!!

[tubageek2006]

i think the current chrysler 300C is a v8 RWD

[uxwbill]

@tubageek2006 I believe you are correct about that. However, I don't know if any of the Chrysler V8/RWD cars are body-on-frame or unibody types.

[pagesix1536]

You're correct. The panther platform that the Crown Vic / Grand Marquis is built on is a RWD body-on-frame and the last modern American car built like that. Chrysler's V8 cars (Charger, Magnum, Challenger, and 300C) are all unibody and also come in all-wheel drive versions as well as RWD.

[form109]

@uxwbill pretty much all cars these days are Unibody,Body on frame is now pretty much just used on Trucks and Truck Based SUV's.

[GayUOPXBoy10]

Nice car!!! Too bad they are going to be extincet real soon because everyone has to buy Japanese junk!

[robf93]

Also the Marauder has been out of production for a while as well - and the new Ford Police Interceptor is FWD/AWD and is based off the Taurus platform. Because it doesn't have a frame it requires special body reinforcement for police use (unlike the Crown Victoria.)

[robf93]

Also I should add for the gas tank thing, I meant 60 MPH difference in speed, ie you would be getting hit by a car going at 60 MPH and you are stopped, or if you are doing 60 MPH and are rear-ended by a car going 120 MPH.

And while it is true that other RWD sedans are still available, none have the perimeter frame that makes the Panther platform cars so tough. The frame also does a great job of insulating the cabin from jarring over road irregularities and increases towing capacity.

[robf93]

a) "lincoln town car made by ford and is rear wheel drive with a v6"

Nope, that was the FWD continental. Town car is a Panther and is getting axed.

b) "I worry about the gas tank exploding when someone rear ends me."

Don't. Only in extreme circumstances, such as getting rear-ended by a car going at 60+ MPH will the gas tank ignite. This is very rare, and is only a real concern if you are a police officer pulling people over on the highway. The Caprice was equally vulnerable to this.

[mojame100]

Lets see, The Magnum, C300 Dodge Charger was out back then. Of course the LX brands did share some Benz componits.

[44Italia44]

there are plenty of rwd cars, mustang, gto, corvette, charger, camaro, taurus sho, pontiac g8, marauder, and the new impala and interceptor will be rwd...

good video! Im looking for an 06 or up grand marquis for a daily driver

[QSNxPsYCh0]

not true lincoln town car made by ford and is rear wheel drive with a v6

[form109]

@QSNxPsYCh0 the Towncar is V8 not V6

[QSNxPsYCh0]

@form109 sorry ment to put v8 TYPO lol my dad has an 08 town car all black inside and out

[studpuppy69]

I worry about the gas tank exploding when someone rear ends me.

[robf93]

About the St. Thomas plant that builds the Panther platform cars.

"The plant is slated to cease production August 31, 2011 which will result in roughly 1400 job losses."

So Aug. 31, 2011 is D-Day. I haven't seen any Town cars in Ford lots around here - people seem to prefer their use-once-throw-away econoboxes to V8 power and unbeatable dependability. It's a damn shame, but we have Obama's fuel economy mandate to blame. What a jerk.

[GmTruckCarLove]

We still have more RWD car's like the Charger, 300C, Town Car and the list go's on. but got to love the Mercury Grand Marquis LS

[robf93]

@GmTruckCarLove

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the whole Panther platform and the plant that builds them are being axed in favor of the wussier, more "fuel efficient" Taurus full-size platform. That means the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, and Town car are all history - so if you want one with new car smell you better act fast.

The 300C is a nice RWD sedan, but it costs a fortune with the V8 and does not really have that big car feel or visibility inside. It's a great car to drive, though.

[GmTruckCarLove]

@robf93 I do know what the Panther Platform is. Thay have not cut the Lincoln Town Car from the mix yet. Yes i'm sure it will also go in the next couple of year's but it is currently still with us. And you still can get the Crown Vic if you are looking for it as an company car. The Grand Marquis is gone sadly.

[robf93]

@GmTruckCarLove

The plant that builds them is scheduled to close, so it's just a matter of time now. Damn shame - I had my Grand Marquis apart for a brake service today and they just do not build them like that robustly anymore.

Oh well, just means I've got to take extra good care of mine!

[GmTruckCarLove]

@robf93 I will join you. I will take better care of mine too. But even if you treat them like shit they will still run and run and run.

[mojame100]

@robf93 I agree. I still like the SRT charger,

[curtbarile]

You mentioned the air compressor was running at 114 min in vid, The engine was not running yet!!! But This is a very nice car and don't let Obama do the next oil change he thinks the engine needs liquid glass to run, thanks for showing that there are still some nice rear wheel drive cars out there.

[uxwbill]

The air compressor for the suspension is electric and runs from the battery.

It should go without saying that I'd never take a car to cash for clunkers. What a clunker of a program, and that's being kind.

[originaldelta]

@curtbarile you just couldn't help but stick your wrinkled neck out to croak out gibberish about your political views.People like you ruin it for everyone,I was just hoping to comment on the car.

[Jerkwad152]

I am a Chevy guy. My old Suburban's the same year as the Keykeeper's truck. :)

But, I've always had a soft spot for the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. Never drove one I didn't like.

[uxwbill]

That's just the thing--there is that certain something about good old RWD V8 cars. A certain mystique, aura, or something, I guess. It's kinda like old stereo receivers. :-)

I'm sorry to see that Ford won't be making these any longer. It is truly the end of an era (across GM, Ford, Chrysler and all the others).

[GmTruckCarLove]

@uxwbill Town Car is still alive

[191191119]

have you ever driven a ford taurus? just wondering lol

[puppetmaster983]

This has identical doors to my dad's old crown vic...

[CVPI95]

a crown vic is not this cars sister, the crown vic comes first. its the other way around

[m25746793]

you and every other senior citizen has one.

[OldsLSSL67]

Can't forget about the Pontiac G8 as one of the last RWD V8s

[samo20022]

how much it in The U S

in k S A u can find same model 2006 Ls by 12.000 $ verey clean

[samo20022]

i am in love

[RaptorGP]

Why does this wonderful car is so popular mostly between grandfathers? If I were american I would drive it by myself. (I'm not a grandfa!!! :D )

[frozenassets97]

The Grand Marquis family has the best motors in the WORLD!!

[fixinggrace]

The alarm is called the belt minder and you can disable it. There is a procedure in the owner's manual that involves buckling and unbuckling the seat belt with the ignition in the on position. No wire cutting required.

[matador521]

Great movie uxwbill. You've reminded me, I must look up 'disable seat belt alarm.' That sort of shit is no surprise in other countries but you don't expect it in the land of the free.

[uxwbill]

@matador521 It wouldn't be terribly hard to do. (Disclaimer: abide the laws in your part of the world, don't do anything dangerous, this probably IS dangerous, illegal or even both, don't be stupid, do this at your own risk, blah, blah, blah).

All you'd have to do is make your vehicle think that the seatbelt is latched. There are usually two wires going up to the buckle. Inserting the buckle trips the switch...so you'd figure out what switch state means "buckled" and set up the wires for that.

[robf93]

@uxwbill

You don't need to modify the car at all to disable the "BeltMinder" seat belt alarm.

Google "grand marquis disable beltminder" to find out how. You have to repeat the sequence if the car's battery is disconnected or runs dead, but it otherwise permanently disables the BeltMinder nonsense. I -always- wear a seat belt fastened tight and I have been in accidents were it saved me from serious harm. I disabled the warning because I idle my Grand Marquis until it's warm in the winter.

[uxwbill]

I wouldn't be surprised to find that in the manual, which I would have read if this were my car. It was a guess. :-) I have nothing against seatbelts and wear them regularly. But when you're puttering around the farm or navigating private property, I really don't think it matters.

I did read the manual for my grandfather's other vehicle--a Dodge pickup truck--and it *does* mention a cancellation procedure for the recurring alarm.

[robf93]

@uxwbill

I don't think the procedure is listed anywhere in the manual, I think it's one of those poorly kept secret codes intended for dealers.

The way I drive, especially my Mustang, even on private property it never hurts to be safe ;)

[moxx064]

@matador521 I think most of that warning crap came from the Japs catering to the US market, actually. Think insurance companies.

[steeldragon20002000]

yeah i guess all the cars come with the seatbelt warning, or at least most. just remember, it is the law! would u rather have a ticket? i dont think so.

[samjezard]

how are you getting 23 mpg?? i'm lucky to get 15 around town in my 98..

[pistonring101]

WOAH! That is one sweet car you have there! I love Grand Marquis's :). SO LUXURIOUS!

[bg1379]

What an illustrated guy!

[saeedmohd1]

وحش ياماركيز

[wolfsblood07]

Very nice video and a great car. My dad has had four of these since 1984. You can't ask for a more reliable comfortable car and a great V8 engine. I laughed when the car started chiming about the seatbelt, that's one feature I hate.

[pickupman1995]

Wat a car indeed!

[uxwbill]

It really depends upon where you live, who is selling the car, what options it has and what kind of shape it is in.

I wouldn't be surprised if a nice one with a decent selection of features would cost you $10,000 or so. But I don't buy newer used cars, so I don't know.

[Lctsforce]

Hey they dont make ford crown vics no more now they make mercury's grand marquis.

[roaming2]

Big is good. I mean imagine one day electric car compacts the design and all you folks out there who hates big cars will cry for one when that time comes.

[Villxe]

I don't like all the noises the car makes when you open a dorr or don't wear seatbelt etc. but the rest of the car is great! I hope they don't take em' out of production. If i had the money i would buy a new one. Untill that im fine with the old ones. :)

[ffairlane57]

This car is for old people. Only people over age 80 drive them.

[storrs19]

Wrong there. I have a 2003 Grand Marquis and I love it. I like big cars with a lot of room and V8 power. I also like all the automatic gadgets inside of it. I'm 37 years old and feel safe in this car unlike the econoboxes you see now.

[ffairlane57]

So I guess you like to look like an old geezer? I bet you watch Lawrence Welk on tv too.

[mrbigdom88]

hwy wtf Lawrence Welk slapped Chuck Norris and lived!

[PeugeotForever]

my parents are probably going to make me drive their 1999 mercury villager estate mini van to high school if i want to drive but im not complaining. im lucky they might let me drive at all to high school.

[samjezard]

I'm 16 so looks like I'm about 5 times too early to own one of these fine machines that will run for 400,000 miles without missing a beat. If you drive a Buick or an Olds you're going to make yourself look like a fool.

[RedGreen7373]

Thats when you get yourself an Interceptor!

[jasonman1515]

i have a 1999 grand marquis and i love it so much. my g-mom bought herself a 2008 grand marquis. I just love FORD. Built ford tough.

[liftedJ33P]

@jasonman1515 ford is shit

[NovaScotiaKevin]

You can still buy a rear wheel drive V8 in the US, a BMW 540 or 550, or a Mercedes Benz E550 or E500.

[moonfades2009]

it's not modern car. it's noisy, non-comfortable and old design car. I think it's time to replace it or just stop its production.

[CsalbertCs]

Moonfades, the engine of the Grand Marquis is one of the quietiest gasoline engines in the world at 30 decibals. Also, I didn't understand you had a hatred for Laz-Y boy sofa. Because that's pretty much what these Marquis seats are.

Finally, because it is an old design car, its incredibly cheap to repair, it doesn't fucking bail out on you when you get in a crash, and there very reliable. My dad has two Town Cars, a 95 and a 98, both used for extensive limo driving. Both million mile cars.

[moonfades2009]

"and there very reliable" I completely agree. But I just can't imagine these cars on the same design since 1998 and their old four-speed transmission. Germans reach to 7 speeds and Japanese to 8. Crown Victoria hasn't even 5 speeds transmission until today. That's weird, is it n't ?

[CsalbertCs]

But that 4 speed transmission still gets you from point A to point B, just incredibly reliably and even if it goes, its much cheaper to repair than some high tech German or Japanese transmission.

Your a driving enthusiast, I'm more of a Point A to B safely over a million times kinda guy.

[cmd21700]

Actually the last complete redesign was 1992 and the Panther platform it rides on is from 1979. 1998 was just an update. Even though the car is very old in design, I could not be happier with my Grand Marquis.

[HangingTree]

Moonfade. I agree on how at first look a 4spd tranny in 2009 seems outdated, but that doesn't mean there isn't a purpose in that. With 7 and 8 speeds comes a much higher cost, production and purchase wise. You'll also get a bit less performace due to it constantly having to shift during de and acceleration. Your also opening a door for reliability issues due to the much more complex build of such a transmission. Sure if the car had a 5.4 with 330 horses, sure but it doesn't.

[PeugeotForever]

they say the more speeds an automatic transmission has the more fuel efficient it is.

[supreme2005]

It sure is old...but you know what they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I've had over 50,000 trouble-free miles with my Crown Vic. The most reliable car I've ever owned.

[sed1228]

Want to talk about annoying seat belt indicators? When I was an infant in the winter of 1973, my dad bought a '73 Chevy Caprice Estate wagon brand-new. It had a big "FASTEN SEAT BELTS" light along with a true, loud, annoying BUZZER that would NEVER go off until the belts were fastened. (I think all the '72-'74 cars were like this). No wonder why I had a fear of buzzers at such a young age, but it was a great and very memorable car. BTW, I'm about to buy an '01 Grand Marquis.

[jeditigg]

Ford for life. One of my favorite cars is this, the Mercury Marquis. Never would own one though. Oh, and Ford loves those: no seat belt warning buzzers.

[2529Nov]

that "boat" gets good mpg's for the v8 i think it has a ford 4.7 liter engine

[roddyyy524]

4.6l

[bleckndecker]

is that an 86 or 06??? big old shitbox thats the reason ford is in the shape they are today.

[Watcher3223]

Ford is in pretty good shape considering.

They didn't take a government handout, which says something good about them.

And, they're also going to (finally) release a European-type Focus and the new Taurus may be the closest thing North Americans will ever get to driving a Ford Mondeo.

As for this "big old shitbox," the Panther platform cars are tough as hell and reliable; they have bad resale only because there's just so many of them out there. Parts are also cheap and they're easy to fix.

[mojame100]

@Watcher3223 You know I just wish the Rental companies would offer cars like this in the video. The Marquis that I rented didn't even have a center console. Let alone some serious grunt. So I do find it quite funny that a 3.5L V6 in a Dodge Charger (last car I rented) could just pull away from it. And it also had a Center gear shift.

[oldskool61892]

@Watcher3223 said very nicely

[davidsfarm1]

Helluva Nice Car GO FORD!!!!

[alexlovesmac]

That ave. fuel gauge looks like all the other Ford/Jaguar cars. It evens looks like the one in our Ford Focus TDCi rental from Hertz last January.

[Motorfordtoyota]

you need to get a toyota, they rock.

[lawnside82]

mustang are all rwd!!!

[mgospeed31]

Yeah, but the Mustang is a unibody. This is body on frame.

[cclovesyoutoob]

that's a 2006 LS Ultimate Edition. Your Grandad has good taste!

[ghost1103]

0-60 it!!!!

[ajmcguinness334]

OK nnow thats not going to i hate cars that dont take for no answer LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

[1995bisquick]

Ford could have given these cars more power 224 out of a v8 imo is weak most 4cyl have about that or more!

[Lumotaku]

this car is the last full frame car

not the last rear driver.

[masterlee123]

Mercury Grand Marquis is not the last full frame car, lets not forget the Lincoln Town Car. I think they use the same frame and under pin.

[Lumotaku]

yeah the panther platform is lincoln town car ford crown vic and grand marquis

[Halo3lov3r]

Lol annoying seatbelt light

[j45007]

These are some of my favorites cars.

[Rick4576]

Cadillac makes RWD V8's too.....i like the styling of the Grand Marquis the waterwall grile gives it an elegant look

[plane45036]

actually only a few caddilacs are RWD now

[Lumotaku]

the cadillacs are not body on frame.

[Ronsky89]

the 08 town car is RWD and has a V8. speaking of that, you got any lincolns to show?

[yawyd]

You are right. Some people hate ford and some people love em. Whatever works for ya I guess. But in my opinion, ford is the best. Eventhough I have a replacement car until I get me a Crown vic P71. Nice vid.

[uxwbill]

Right now I think they're doing the best of the "big three" and that's a start. I just plain like cars in general, especially older ones.

If I came across a P71 Crown Vic on a good deal and in decent shape, I wouldn't turn it down. Heck, that would be true of a regular one.

[yawyd]

Yup. I agree.

[ajmcguinness334]

How many miles?

[KMScarboy]

your right on the last rwd american car because the newer rwd chryslers have a mercedes drivetrain

[mercjoe72]

You mean all US cars are now front wheel drive ?

[KMScarboy]

kinda with the exception of the crown vic grand marquis and town car i guess the chryslers are kind of in the middle though...

[iceguy2003]

Most family cars are going FWD. Except, like said, each has a few. Things started going FWD in the 80's. What country do you live in?

[KMScarboy]

im in the US

[krnizcl1]

the upcoming 2009 impala will be RWD

[KMScarboy]

cool...

[Mustangmike232]

haha ur a funny guy

[windowsmaster9]

Davidsfarm has another Grand Marquis to trash!

[Minion1186]

"the radio would make ya a pizza if you knew what buttons to press!" lol,i'm a gm guy but i have a soft spot for fords

[strumem90]

actuly, there Canadian made cars...hehe

Cheers

- Strumem90

[Hotrodx199]

look its the police interceptor.

[thegetupkid7609]

You should wear your seatbelt mister. LoL Nice car man.

[uxwbill]

I usually do! It's just that there are times when you don't really want or need to do so. My S-10 has a better approach--it will blink its red light unhappily, but it is at least smart enough to be quiet and eventually the light will go off.

[kiddopocktoole]

Cool videos youve made man, btw you might have forgotten about the lincoln towncar as far as rear wheel drives go. The long wheelbase, comfort-tuned suspension, and of course the "petrol-fired", torquey cross-plane v8 make for a generally smoother and quieter ride than most cars can ever provide.

[Hiei2k7]

I had a RWD 396 Caprice.

Quietest Power i've ever heard (after I fixed the hole in the muffler, before that it sounded like a locomotive on full blast)

[uxwbill]

I like the Chevrolet Caprice as well--it's too bad GM doesn't make those any more, although I suppose the market for them just isn't that great. And people don't seem to take any care of them around here--almost every nice one I've ever seen has been turned into a mess a short while later.

[Hiei2k7]

yea, my Caprice was a beauty...

Going to the Mallards Games in QC- IL 78 south to I-88 and back again.

There'd be a market if people would realize that a family car/stationwagon gets better mileage than an SUV. Plus the government's mandate on fuel efficiency.

[Jac2Mac]

Doesn't Chevy still make the Impala which is the same as the Caprice?

[uxwbill]

Yes and no. The Impala is still available, but it's nothing like what it used to be. It is now a front wheel drive car.

[ajmcguinness334]

my dad had a chevy caprice

[ds2500s]

that was the best car i have ever been in

[uxwbill]

You're right...I think I did forget the Lincoln Town Car. As far as I know, it's the same general body with some different exterior styling and a really fancy interior. Although, this Mercury's interior has no shortage of "nice stuff" in it.

[importsstillsuck]

i wrecked my 97 Grand Marquis last month...along with 2 perfectly good Cragar SS's

[Jac2Mac]

I think the 2006 Crown Vic yellow cabs still use a scary buzzer instead of a chime.

[jsciarri]

really???? get a life you nobody.

[randomrazr]

ok what is wit you with chimes and buzzers. honestly i would appreciate an explanatrion.

[kiddopocktoole]

It's all about personal taste really. Some people think the buzzer is harsh while others like the technological/utilitarian/indu­strial tone of the buzzer. Simply put, you're more likely to hear a buzzer alarm in a military spec humvee than you would a chime.

[randomrazr]

i wasnt asking why they put buzzers and chimes, im asking why jac2mac is obbessed with knowing hwat cars have a chime or buzzers. he asks this in every car vid almost. im curious to know why hes obbsessed with this stupid topic. no offence but u all know what i mean here

[bigdave706]

wow, jac asked me a question about a buzzer in a dodge video before, haha

[randomrazr]

LOL!

[uxwbill]

Well said. And I'm not out to "knock" anyone or make fun of them. I'm just curious as to the cause of the fascination with buzzers vs. chimes. (Of course, I do realize that I may not want to know. :-))

[pacjr310]

New cars dont have buzzers!!!! They don't even bmake them anymore.

[buickboy92]

Great Video! Man, do I love Grand Marquis!

[Jasonschutze]

my favorite was the last of the square body lincoln towncars, like the 95, it was like driving on a lazy boy

[randomrazr]

gotta love luxury travel !

[jujujus2]

smooth ride eh?

[Silverwolfstarz]

my 99 grand am has got one them set belt senoras in there too

[jovanvictoria]

nice car man 5 stars

[taurusguy2002]

Nice car.

You cant beat a Grand Marquis for comfort. Its like driving your couch down the road.

[uxwbill]

Best new comment today (and possibly ever)! Driving my couch down the road...the mental picture of doing that is hilarious. :-D

[logical123]

We have a 98 grand marquis. Ours only gets about 14MPG, and we are most likely going to trade it in for a more fuel efficient vehicle.

[themaritimeman]

Nice! I may say I hate Fords in my videos, but really, I just hate older Fords. I like the ones made in 1995 or up.

[xScoobyDoo82x]

Thats nice.

[allenjanoch]

is it your tractors and what dos it run on and i would like to see you try to drive it if you can and how much hp dos it and grears dos it have

[the69chevykid]

I'm not a fan of Ford brand, but I do like the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Town Car.

[themaritimeman]

Same here.