Trim Levels: base
MSRP range: $33,770

Notes: With the redesign of the Crown Victoria-Grand Marquis-Town Car family, Mercury elected to develop a high-performance derivative of their rear-drive family sedan. The redesign gave the sedan family much sturdier chassis, a newly revised suspension, and finally replaced the antiquated recirculating-ball steering with a new power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup. Set in the mold of the 1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala SS, the Mercury Marauder features a high-output quadcam version of Ford's 4.6L V8, larger wheels, floor shifter, and tighter suspension, along with a more aggressive front fascia. Finally, it uses bucket seats in front instead of a bench. The Marauder also featured a set of auxiliary gauges on the center console, which lent a sportier and tougher look to the interior. For 2003, the Marauder was available only in black, with silver added partway through the model year. In its first year, only 4,000 Marauders were sold, versus the 12,000-16,000 units projected. Many complained that the sedan was underpowered, as the supercharged prototype's engine was nowhere to be seen. This, along with steep pricing, left the Marauder dead in the water; it was discontinued the very next year.

Series: 2003-2004

PERFORMANCE