Marauder Reviews

[Peter]

If you could review your marauder what would you rate it?
Keep these in mind:
-The negative and positive parts of the car
-Gas mileage
-A rating out of 10
-Why you bought the car
-Build quality
-Safety

[jgc61sr2002]

1. Positives outweigh the negatives.


2. If gas mileage is an issue sell it.


3. 10


4. Looks Mean even standing still.


5. Could be better.


Just my :twocents: :D

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I am one of the few on the board not blinded by the glow of the almighty Marauder. I can find a lot I don't like about the car, in addition to what I do like.

Build quality would be acceptable, for 30 year old detroit. Panel gaps are not right, factory paint is terrible, lots of interior plastic. You can tell that it is the high performance version of the fleet-destined CV and GM's. Police and taxi services don't care about panel alignment, so Ford doesn't either.

The rear end has been an ongoing problem with the factory axles/gears.

Ride height is uneven, and I know I am not the only person with this problem. Just the way they build them at Ford.

The rack and pinion in the MM is a joke. It is a slightly heavier-weighted version of the crown vic variable rack. It is still ungodly slow ratio, hand-over-hand low performance steering. Gramma would approve. Obviously a cost cutting measure by Ford not to have to cut MM specific gears for the rack. They didn't even change the steering wheel for crying out loud!

Stock handling is impressive, if you don't turn. It drives down the highway nice. It seems to corner pretty flat, until you push it. Most all IRS 4 door passenger cars made today will outhandle this car, stock for stock.

If the engine/trans prove reliable I will keep the car for a while.

The bottom line for me is that it is decent for a $30k car. I could find a car that drives a lot nicer for the price, but it wouldn't be as huge and imposing looking.

[MADRODER]

Hey at least he's honest.....LOL...

I have a 5.0 to beat the crap out of so my MM is more than sufficient as my daily driver....very pleased

[larryo340]

I am one of the few on the board not blinded by the glow of the almighty Marauder. I can find a lot I don't like about the car, in addition to what I do like.

Build quality would be acceptable, for 30 year old detroit. Panel gaps are not right, factory paint is terrible, lots of interior plastic. You can tell that it is the high performance version of the fleet-destined CV and GM's. Police and taxi services don't care about panel alignment, so Ford doesn't either.

The rear end has been an ongoing problem with the factory axles/gears.

Ride height is uneven, and I know I am not the only person with this problem. Just the way they build them at Ford.

The rack and pinion in the MM is a joke. It is a slightly heavier-weighted version of the crown vic variable rack. It is still ungodly slow ratio, hand-over-hand low performance steering. Gramma would approve. Obviously a cost cutting measure by Ford not to have to cut MM specific gears for the rack. They didn't even change the steering wheel for crying out loud!

Stock handling is impressive, if you don't turn. It drives down the highway nice. It seems to corner pretty flat, until you push it. Most all IRS 4 door passenger cars made today will outhandle this car, stock for stock.

If the engine/trans prove reliable I will keep the car for a while.

The bottom line for me is that it is decent for a $30k car. I could find a car that drives a lot nicer for the price, but it wouldn't be as huge and imposing looking.
:censor: In reading your reply, I do not see why you would own one??

[Advancedautosec]

I new what i was getting when i bought it. I love it. i give it an 11. if i didnt have my MM i would be driven a new tahoe or Yukon, cant find to many cars that i like.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Larry, re read the first post. He's asking for negatives and positives, build quality, etc. I answered these questions entirely objectively and honestly. Get over it. If you want to start a Marauder hugging post, I promise I won't rain on your parade.

It is a neat looking car with a great engine and a lot of room. Perfect it is certainly not. This post asked questions that I answered honestly. Like I said, not blinded by the glow of the "almighty" Marauder. It is a neat limited edition car that was an obvious compromise between function and cost, on an existing aging platform.

[Mad1]

I'd give the car overall a high 7.

The positives:

Exclusivity - 8
Intimidation - 8
Comfort - 10
Power - 7
Cool Factor - 9

The negatives:

Dealer Support - 3
Gas Mileage/Cost - 5
Paint - 5
Consumables (Tires) - 4
Quality - 3


All that said, it is hard to underestimate the passion I have for this car and how much I miss driving it whenever I'm forced to take one of the state's "fleet" vehicles (Crown Vic, Focus, Impala, Stratus, etc.) for a long-trip. The Marauder seems perfectly designed for me and my needs.

The frustration at poor dealer support. Ford's inability to manage its internal production to maintain high-quality at low cost. If you don't know what I mean, I'd point to the poor paint, decontented items, chaffing wiring, intermittent connections, electrical problems, miss adjusted shift-linkage, inadvertent tire swaps.

Jeremy
Mad1

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I agree on dealer support being AWFUL. Beyond awful. Some of the service advisors don't even KNOW what a marauder is (they put in the computer as a MARADA last time I went in). Some of the dealers don't even have the lipless wheel adapters to align without chunking the wheels (see chips on my wheels for proof!).

I put up with the down sides because the car looks so cool! I am a glutton for punishment with this car though.

[RCSignals]

VicsEvilBrother, there is something wrong with your Marauder. Your R+P is not like mine at all. Nor is your handling experience. The car should not have uneven ride height. You are the only person I know who has this problem without having tampered with the ride height itself. Was your car in an accident and not repaired properly?

[Richy04]

I was looking for one for 3 months, looking for black. Finally found a decent one that was well taken care of locally with a sunroof and rear fin with 39k. The car needed a good detailing, spent 2 days on it and it looks great paid 18,500. I've always loved these cars but dropped some big money in the back yard when they came out so I was SOL. I also bought a new work car so these were out of the question.:bigcry:

I like the sound, the looks and the fact that everyone has something to say about it. My Brother in law has a new Lexus, nobody driving around him could give a crap, but people will stop what they are doing when a 3 year old Marauder comes down the street. :bows:

I like the car, the mileage sucks, the car rides hard and has slow steering but it goes pretty well for a 4100lb car. Plenty of room for the rugrats and my wife, who was initially turned off by the car loves to drive it.

Too bad they didnt put a 5.4 in it from the start.. But the 4.6 really propels this beast pretty well even in stock form. They are rare and not like every other car out there, thats why I bought it. Regards.. Richy

[jimlam56]

I was looking for one for 3 months, looking for black. Finally found a decent one that was well taken care of locally with a sunroof and rear fin with 39k. The car needed a good detailing, spent 2 days on it and it looks great paid 18,500. I've always loved these cars but dropped some big money in the back yard when they came out so I was SOL. I also bought a new work car so these were out of the question.:bigcry:

I like the sound, the looks and the fact that everyone has something to say about it. My Brother in law has a new Lexus, nobody driving around him could give a crap, but people will stop what they are doing when a 3 year old Marauder comes down the street. :bows:

I like the car, the mileage sucks, the car rides hard and has slow steering but it goes pretty well for a 4100lb car. Plenty of room for the rugrats and my wife, who was initially turned off by the car loves to drive it.

Too bad they didnt put a 5.4 in it from the start.. But the 4.6 really propels this beast pretty well even in stock form. They are rare and not like every other car out there, thats why I bought it. Regards.. Richy

Well said sir,but the only problem I have is prying the MM away from my dear wife!

[superford3]

i love every thing about my car ,as far as reliable i have yet 2 have any problems and ive owned since 11,000 miles ,the paint on my car is almost perfect an very clean ,the rear end in these cars are very strong ,remember it is an 8.8 that has been used in mustangs since 86 in think ,the roomy ness is great and the car handles great compared to any other in its class

[Raudermaster]

VicEvilBrother, agreed. Why do you even own an MM if half of your post was nothing but negatives? Reguardless if it was an honest post or not. Sell it to someone who will appreciate it. And, if you find all those problems with yours, you must have a lemon of some sort. Maybe you should stick with your out-dated Chevy's, since they could out drive an MM...:poke: And I love my MM by the way. The only thing I would change is putting in a higher gear ratio.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

RC, the ride height "discrepancy" is a half inch. Most people don't care or measure ride height and wouldn't notice. There was a long post on this a while ago and at least 5 people chimed in that their ride heights had a half inch or more discrepancy.

There is also a really long post on 3.55 gear whine. Ford has issued a replacement gear set with revised gear geometry because it is a known issue.

Everything is relative to how high your standards are. I guess mine are high. If people are 100% satisfied with a $30k american built car that is fantastic for them. I am not but enjoy the car for what it is.

[SamF]

Larry, re read the first post. He's asking for negatives and positives, build quality, etc. I answered these questions entirely objectively and honestly. Get over it. If you want to start a Marauder hugging post, I promise I won't rain on your parade.

It is a neat looking car with a great engine and a lot of room. Perfect it is certainly not. This post asked questions that I answered honestly. Like I said, not blinded by the glow of the "almighty" Marauder. It is a neat limited edition car that was an obvious compromise between function and cost, on an existing aging platform.

It's just a matter of time. You will be assimilated :lol:

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Ok I got it, I will keep my thoughts to myself and stick to the garage.

[SC Cheesehead]

<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Positives:


Exclusivity - I have a Blue, so I've got to give it a 10!
Intimidation - 8+ I get all kinds of looks from Ricers, and occasionally one that tries.;)
Comfort - 10 I'm a big guy, and like the roominess of the MM.
Power - 7 stock, 8+ with stage one mods, S/C'd cars that I've ridden in are a 10!
Cool Factor - 9 Lots of comments on the car. Monochrome application looks good, no matter what the color, although black on black is still the ultimate tough look.

Negatives:

Dealer Support - 1 I had a good dealer, but business was sold out a "mega-dealer" that added L/M to his Ricer inventory, and now I don't get $h!t for service.
Gas Mileage/Cost - 8 I didn't buy the car for mileage, but for the size, power and comfort, and 21 mpg on the highway with 4:10's, I'm happy. Tires were a hassle, went to 245's in all four corners to enable rotation, and tire wear has improved. Can't use the Traction control now, but no big deal, IMHO.
Paint - 9+ love the way the DPB shines in the sunlight.
Quality - 3 Had electrical problems on my '04 DTR, and have had a few pop up on my '03. That's my main gripe, other than that, fit and finish on the car is good. (Same holds for the DTR, 'til it got wrecked :().

SCCH

[RUSTY]

I had never heard of the Marauder until my Father inlaw pulled into my driveway with it.I never liked ford except for the CV and the late sixties mustangs,(chevy guy ya know).My father inlaw loved his cars,The MM most of all. When he died of cancer my wife couldn't stand to let the car go back to the dealer so we bought it.
I have to say that my chevelle has taken a back seat because this Marauder is so damn fun to drive. It only needs a little more power and alot more brake in order to make it perfect.
My biggest beef is with the dealer, They are completely useless at repairing cars. I had an axle seal leak so I had the dealer repair it, In doing so they broke both of the abs sensors and they dammaged the axle flanges taking the brake rotors of with a hammer causing my rims to get dammaged during instalation and stripping my lugs nuts because they flattened out the threads with the hammer. I also found out that the installed my parking brake springs backwards, in doing so they cut a groove into the stator on the axle for the abs. Three visits and if you haven't noticed my blood is boiling because of this.
But ya I love my Marauder

[quota]

Peter,

Quite an exercise you are asking from us.

I admit that I tried hard rating that car..."+" here and there, "-" there and here...Not easy to rate a car which technology, design, etc are sending us back to the early eighties ! Also, another issue comes up, obviously : what criterion/landmark should I use for rating positively or negatively ? Let's consider the gas mileage : yes, the mpg is not the best one...much worse than a Jetta TDI but probably better than any Hemi Charger. Etc, etc. I face the same dilemna when people are asking me to "rate" my Moto-Guzzi's. Seeing my embarassment, they always ask me why I bought them ; and I am always answering the same : passion !

And there is probably the exceptional quality of the MM : its exclusive combining of sleeper image, of muscle car (lack of) technology vs HP, and of the nostalgy going with those factors ignites passion ! And I cannot rate passion.

Friendly,
JP

[Leadfoot281]

Perfect build quality. 48,000 miles and zero problems. I've gone through one set of tires and still have the stock alignment.

Dealership has good coffee and their receptionist is hot. I wish I could spend more time there but they always get my oil changed in about 30 minutes.

Interior is better quality than the 2000 Buick Park Avenue my Dad had. I assume fake wood is still just 'hard plastic'.

Gas mileage is great. It rarely goes below 20mpg. That probably far exceeds a five passenger SUV with 300+ Hp.

Performance... I'm still 100% stock. If it was an issue I probably would have done something about it by now. If I wanted a Mustang I would have bought one of them instead.

Things I don't like;

1. No under hood light.

[StevenJ]

Well 55,650 miles here. It has been good so far. I had to have the driveshaft rebalanced and the master door window switch replaced. Other than that, it ias been good. I noticed some padding on the firewall getting torn up but other than that it is fine. Runs like a champ, doesn't complain much. I did have the car stall a few times when I come to a hard stop while turning the steering wheel but it is very rare and hasn't happened to me in at least 10,000 miles. Seems to be mostly battery related. As far as build quality, honestly I am happy with the materials in the car. No they aren't perfect but they work and they are fairly sturdy. The gaps are reasonable in my mind. The car handels well up to about 90-100mph when it can get a bit squrmish. The body starts to roll too much at these speeds. As far as gas millage? Doesn't count for me, I'm chipped, got 4.10s, and full exhaust. If I don't abuse the car, I can get 17-18 on a tank on average. But then again, why buy a car like this and not abuse it? So over all I'm happy. It isn't a true sport sedan. It doesn't have a firm enough ride and has too much body roll plus the power steering is very numb. Then again, these aspects also make it a great curiser for the open road and the car is firm enough to the point where it can handel reasonably well.

[RCSignals]

RC, the ride height "discrepancy" is a half inch. Most people don't care or measure ride height and wouldn't notice. There was a long post on this a while ago and at least 5 people chimed in that their ride heights had a half inch or more discrepancy.

There is also a really long post on 3.55 gear whine. Ford has issued a replacement gear set with revised gear geometry because it is a known issue.

Everything is relative to how high your standards are. I guess mine are high. If people are 100% satisfied with a $30k american built car that is fantastic for them. I am not but enjoy the car for what it is.


1/2" difference I'd notice. There are a lot of variables when taking any measurements of this, but I still say there is something wrong with your specific car. Possibly ride height has been adjusted before.

There is an axle/bearing issue with early cars, and this causes a whine.
People who have replaced gears have experienced whine, mostly due to improper adjustment.

I've not heard anything or read anything I'd consider an issue with the stock gears, most seems to turn up after axles have been replaced, if at all. The Marauder uses the 3.55 gear set, CVs and GMs do not, other than the most recent CVPI. The new 'whine' kit gear set may not have been prompted by our cars specifically.

One thing you'll notice around hear, a guy will report something and everyone jumps on the same band wagon suddenly. Often it's just mass hysteria.

[JamesHecker]

I absolutely love my Marauder!

Having said that I will say that I didn't see any mis-statements of fact in VicsEvilBrother's posts. Our cars are far from perfect. But that doesn't stop me from totaly enjoying it!

I also have noted issues w/ ride height, and since my service writer that was taking great care of me and my Marauder have moved away, the dealer's service department is clueless!

Oh well...I am not going to lose sleep over it, nor am I going to let it reduce my fun factor while driving!

Did I say I love my car?


RC, the ride height "discrepancy" is a half inch.

[RCSignals]

Perfect build quality. 48,000 miles and zero problems. I've gone through one set of tires and still have the stock alignment.

Dealership has good coffee and their receptionist is hot. I wish I could spend more time there but they always get my oil changed in about 30 minutes.

Interior is better quality than the 2000 Buick Park Avenue my Dad had. I assume fake wood is still just 'hard plastic'.

Gas mileage is great. It rarely goes below 20mpg. That probably far exceeds a five passenger SUV with 300+ Hp.

Performance... I'm still 100% stock. If it was an issue I probably would have done something about it by now. If I wanted a Mustang I would have bought one of them instead.

Things I don't like;

1. No under hood light.


Yes, but you are one of those blinded by the glow of the almighty Marauder.

Except under the hood of course :lol:

[pantheroc]

Safety should be a rating factor!

[chicago_cop]

I am one of the few on the board not blinded by the glow of the almighty Marauder. I can find a lot I don't like about the car, in addition to what I do like.

Build quality would be acceptable, for 30 year old detroit. Panel gaps are not right, factory paint is terrible, lots of interior plastic. You can tell that it is the high performance version of the fleet-destined CV and GM's. Police and taxi services don't care about panel alignment, so Ford doesn't either.

The rear end has been an ongoing problem with the factory axles/gears.

Ride height is uneven, and I know I am not the only person with this problem. Just the way they build them at Ford.

The rack and pinion in the MM is a joke. It is a slightly heavier-weighted version of the crown vic variable rack. It is still ungodly slow ratio, hand-over-hand low performance steering. Gramma would approve. Obviously a cost cutting measure by Ford not to have to cut MM specific gears for the rack. They didn't even change the steering wheel for crying out loud!

Stock handling is impressive, if you don't turn. It drives down the highway nice. It seems to corner pretty flat, until you push it. Most all IRS 4 door passenger cars made today will outhandle this car, stock for stock.

If the engine/trans prove reliable I will keep the car for a while.

The bottom line for me is that it is decent for a $30k car. I could find a car that drives a lot nicer for the price, but it wouldn't be as huge and imposing looking.

Would like to know what other cars you would like that were made in 03 or 04? I have had none of the issues that you mentioned. Paint is impeccable. No axel problems. Had them replaced, but when removed they were still good. Body panels seem OK to me. When someone asks me how fast it is. I just tell em, It's as fast as I want it to be. Frankly with all the mods that can be added that is a Fact. When some people compair our cars with others that they say are better performers. It's always something much lighter, smaller, or more than double the price. After 3.5 yrs I still really like my car.

[davidholland]

Ride I'd give it a 10

Performance a 7 (in Stock Trim)

Paint quality a 2 (Mine is having the Hood Done now)

MPG-9 its what I expected going in

Overall quality I think is a 9 (I would go 10 if I did not have the Paint issue)

The main reason I bought mine is the cool factor. This car is not like everything else out there.

After 3 years I still get lots of attention and thumbs up from people

I simply love this thing and it will be handed on to my Son one day

I'll never sell it!

[Shaft333]

I have a love hate with my 'Rauder.
I love it because it's good looking, sounds good and is a lot cooler than many other sedans.

I hate it because for many reasons. The paint is awful. It has interior rattles. It can't smoke the tires by mashing on the throttle. And for such a huge car it's not as roomy as more modern designs like the Chryco LX platforms. (I'm 6'4" mostly legs) The quality isn't as good as other cars I've owned before. This will likely be the last FoMoCo product I buy.

The style of the car, however, still makes me smile. It just looks like a bad ass machine!

Some days I can't wait to trade it in and some days I figure I'll drive it 'till it won't go any more.

[J-MAN]

I followed the Marauder from the time it was just a concept but when they first came out I just couldn't afford one. Later I picked up an '03 demo with less than 7000 miles, got all the factory rebates, and paid $23,000. With a few exceptions I just love the car that now has 100k miles. Things that bug me; gear ratio, 3.90 would seem right to me for stock; Why put on nice spoke wheels and have that ugly, clunky cast iron caliper for all to see; same with the rotors, why not a zinc wash to keep them fresh looking; lastly, the programming is terrible, who buys this car for other than performance? I know all of these things can be upgraded with aftermarket but, they could have been taken care of at the factory for little additional cost. Mileage? I get 19-23 as good as my Windstar. Stu Evans is my dealer in Michigan and from sales to service I am overwhelmingly satisfied. Overall satisfaction- LOVE MY MM!!!- I'm going to buy another! There is nothing else like it for us widebodys

[tbore007]

I have a love hate with my 'Rauder.
I love it because it's good looking, sounds good and is a lot cooler than many other sedans.

I hate it because for many reasons. The paint is awful. It has interior rattles. It can't smoke the tires by mashing on the throttle. And for such a huge car it's not as roomy as more modern designs like the Chryco LX platforms. (I'm 6'4" mostly legs) The quality isn't as good as other cars I've owned before. This will likely be the last FoMoCo product I buy.

The style of the car, however, still makes me smile. It just looks like a bad ass machine!

Some days I can't wait to trade it in and some days I figure I'll drive it 'till it won't go any more.


WELL SAID.

FOR ME I'D GIVE THE MARAUDER A 10.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Right on Shaft333, on the love/hate. LOL. Then again if something makes you hate it, it means you are passionate about it.

[High-C]

My only problem is that since I put the 4.10's in a few weeks ago I've already completely destroyed my rear tires...:cool:
:burn:

[Architect]

Negatives:
Not quite enough power from factory...:(
Fit and finish inside and out...:(
Dealer Service...:(

Positives:
So very few built...:D This is the major reason I own a Marauder...
Has the "Bad Boy" look, but with adult class...
Can be easily modifed to perform better...
Fairly comfortable car for daily driver...
Fairly dependable and reliable for an American (Canadian) built automobile...
Bought it with 5,000 miles on it for $25,000.00...:D
I think she will be good for 150,000 miles and then I'll let her go...:(
Architect

[SC Cheesehead]

Safety should be a rating factor!

BIG +2 on that!

My wife was in wreck with my DTR, totalled the car, but she walked away with only a few scratches.

The other guy was in a coma for 4 days and had compound fractures in both legs, plus internal injuries.

Say what they will about the "outdated" Panther platform, I'm convinced it's a lifesaver.

SCCH

BTW, my wife's thoughts after wrecking the DTR? "Gotta get another MM."

[mcb26]

Only negative ride is a little rough at low speed, but not as bad as most Hi-Perf cars? There has to be some trade off on ride and performance.

Ray Pearman L/M knows what a Marauder is and treats it accordingly

Maybe they had a good day at the paint shop, My paints fine, it has been not been in a garage in three years, I have a gravel driveway and every kind of tree in Alabama to drop sap on it. I have caught Raccoons, possums, cats, and even a coyote laying on it last week. Not a single claw mark or damage from sap.

Power is adequate to Quote Rolls Royce.

Handling is superb. Don't know of any 4000+ car that can beat it.

Everything could be improved, but for what I want it is excellent.

Still haven't driven in a better all around car.

10

[sweetair]

Some really good posts so far. Here I go. I've owned my for almost 4 years. 25,500 on the clock. Bought it new for a little over 28k. I love it in a way that most don't understand (except here). There are some aspects that should have been dealer/factory options/inclusions.
1. More power from the factory. With my Trilogy now not a concern.
2. Style--------I like it as is. It is what it is. 4 door/sedan
3. Paint-------no issues here
4. Rear end-----nothing leaking or slipping. 3.55 fine for me. I do have Moser axels (31 spline) waiting to be installed. Not planning anytime soon.
5. Brakes-----from factory could have been better. 14"Baers w/matching rear rotors took care of that.
6. Size---------first car 1972 Galaxie 500. Perfect match.
7. Exclusivity-----This is where it is at. I love that they are NOT a dime a dozen. People do comment on it quite often. Always positively.
8. MPG-------20+ If I keep my right foot out of it. No problem here.
9. Fit and Finish----seats could be a touch firmer. Highway trips very comfy. The gaps in mine are fine. It all fits together.
10. Handling-----pretty tight. It rolls a little in turns, but it HAS to. If I wanted I could do sway bars, control arms. Not interested as of yet.

Overall rating:9.69 I love this car.

[whd507]

overall for a used car with 90k on it, its a 10.

I wanted one from the beginning, it took five years, and I'm not disappointed a bit. as to the drawbacks, all are valid points, but the muscle cars it is a tribute to were also flawed, rough body, bad handling,based on a commuter car,etc... its a great tribute to the muscle car era.

and it looks great, I have scratches, and flaws, but in my case its a used car, so thats to be expected. dealer service is great so far. I lucked out.

[Kennyrauder]

Most owners gripe about service. I live in Northern Ontario Canada. I am blessed with the most caring & wonderful dealership any person could want. Maybe a lesson for some folks. When you arrive at your dealership try smiling just like they do. Be considerate like you want them to be. Politeness goes both ways. Tell them in a short consice manner what is wrong. When leaving your Marauder try saying thanks for helping me.... it goes a long long way & it doesn't cost you a dime to say it. As a result people just like you will take a new interest to please you. I KNOW it always works for me wherever I go.

[Peter]

I love my Marauder...
1. Power 10
2. Style 10
3. Paint -10
4. Rear end 10
5. Brakes 10
6. Size 10
7. Safety 10
8. MPG 9
9. Fit and Finish. 9
10. Handling 10