The Disrespect Continues -- now in Consumer Reports

[Bluerauder]

:mad2:
The April 2004 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports, p. 61 rated the Grand Marquis/Marauder luke-warm with a good reliability, fair satisfaction, and fair depreciation. Apparently this was based on a last full report dated Feb 2003. Identical words were used for the Crown Vic and the Grand Marquis/Marauder in the appropriate manufacturer sections.

Consumer Reports says:
"The Mercury Grand Marquis/Ford Crown Victoria twins are among the last big rear-drive sedans with a full frame and a noisy V-8. Both are a bit dated. The ride is stiff and jiggly. Handling is safe enough but feels ungainly, despite a revised suspension and steering gear that arrived for 2003. Standrad traction control helps in slippery conditions. The soft front bench seat could use more support, and the rear seat isn't as roomy as you'd expect, though the trunk is cavernous. The Marauder is a pseudo-sporty version that is quicker but feels little different from the regular model." :fire:

Well, I guess I am fairly satisfied with my pseudo-sporty MM. Anybody think these people have ever been in a Marauder let alone capabile of driving one. :shot:

And besides that --- I thought "stiff and jiggly" was a Good Thing. Oh, I must have been thinking of something else. :P

If the Marauder is as plain vanilla as these reports would have you believe, why do I feel so good driving it. :up: A conspiracy by the Clueless 98%??

[merc406]

Must be a division of Car&Liar, screw em. :flamer: :bs:

[hitchhiker]

Must be a division of Car&Liar, screw em. :flamer: :bs:

Yes, What he said!

Car & Driver = :puke:

[Amsoil_Dealer]

"...little different from the regular model. " That is truly a disrespectful statement. I am consitently amazed at how different the feel a base GS is from my CV LX HPP. Plus, the difference between my car and a Marauder is another amazing jump so the numb skull who did the review either never did drive a Maruader or has no idea how to eavluate a car.

Don

[67435animal]

"...little different from the regular model. " That is truly a disrespectful statement. I am consitently amazed at how different the feel a base GS is from my CV LX HPP. Plus, the difference between my car and a Marauder is another amazing jump so the numb skull who did the review either never did drive a Maruader or has no idea how to eavluate a car.

Don

Consumer reports benchmark car is an electric hybrid box. Never take anything they say about cars as relevant.

Bob

[Dr Caleb]

Consumer reports benchmark car is an electric hybrid box. Never take anything they say about cars as relevant.

Bob

Benchmark for what? Fuel efficency, or the #1 reason why people fall asleep at the wheel while passing you?

[Marauder57]

I get Consumer Reports....and you have to keep prospective on the mag....it is great for giving you a bunch of information...but to me it is geared towards high mileage more fuel efficient cars.....And definately slanted towards the 20,000 to $30,000 sticker range......

I was kind of bummed because my fantasy car the BMW 745L got rated terrible...said reliability was terrible......heck my Marauder is decent.....

[Bigdogjim]

I have a "friend" that works for CU I'll have to run this by them:lol:

[Marauderman]

I have a "friend" that works for CU I'll have to run this by them:lol:
Yeah --that sounds good --do it--if he was my friend working there I would hand him the mag. and say read this article and while doing so, light it up , saying , Oh BTW , "This is really how hot the MM is..trust me..."...oh well, my .02 worth...

[djcoak]

Come on guys I know the MM is bad ass but a true performance car? We are a different breed. Most people now want ricers but a select few do not and want to relive the old american muscle. The marauder is unfortunatly a dying breed and although cool and very pretty is not considered a performance car by most. It's big and bulky. it handles good but not spectacular and although fast it's not a rocket. Sorry guys. I love the car but I am not disillusioned

[Rob1559]

A word to the magazine automobile experts.......

[TripleTransAm]

Consumer Reports says:
"The Mercury Grand Marquis/Ford Crown Victoria twins are among the last big rear-drive sedans with a full frame and a noisy V-8. Both are a bit dated. The ride is stiff and jiggly. Handling is safe enough but feels ungainly, despite a revised suspension and steering gear that arrived for 2003. Standrad traction control helps in slippery conditions. The soft front bench seat could use more support, and the rear seat isn't as roomy as you'd expect, though the trunk is cavernous. The Marauder is a pseudo-sporty version that is quicker but feels little different from the regular model."


While I cannot speak on the 2003+ Crown Vicky or Marquis de Sade, I have to admit that the reason I nixed the Town Car from my list of potentials (pre-MM-purchase) is because of the jiggly ride. I mentioned this last year, but it almost seemed like the suspension was vibrating at two frequencies at every jolt... one quick and jiggly, the other slow and wallowing.

While this kind of suspension may not behave the same on glass-smooth roads, the reality of harsh pavement made that car undriveable in some parts of San Diego last year.

The Marauder, while exhibiting extra damping to reduce the wallow, still displays some jiggle. I guess it was to be expected: some of the components have been swapped out for lighter-weight equivalents for 2003, and perhaps they'd need to dial things in a bit better.

No big deal, I had an ultra stiff suspension on my 1985 Parisienne and expected some of the harshness with a large car having to be stiffly sprung. But I can see where someone used to lighter cars being put off by the dynamics of 4500 lbs having to be controlled in a high-performance manner. Mass is mass...

I suspect the author of the article only had a few minutes behind the wheel to evaluate the differences between a Marquis and a Marauder, or perhaps was limited to a slow speed cruise through the parking lot at a press event. Or perhaps didn't drive the car at all... we all have, at one point, alluded to this possibility.

[RCSignals]

Other than the mention of suspension changes for 2003, and mention of the Marauder, there is little difference in what they have written on the CV/GM going back at least to '97, probably farther back. It's almost word for word.
I doubt they even drove one for this most recent report.

Since when is "traction control" standard? certainly not on all CVs/GMs.

[MYSTA KANG]

hey djcloak asnwer me this

What other 4 door car can compete with MM in HP, Looks, Interior, Price, Comfort, Members and respect.

I already know what you are going to say the impala ss can, yes due to years of getting mods perfect for it. I wonder what the MM will be like in 5 years

Then tell me what other car gets escorted by the highway patrol when headed towards Crawford Ranch down here in in the GREAT STATE because they think the MM is Secret Service!

[RCSignals]

MYSTA KANG the old Impala SS does not match the Marauder in handling at all

[TripleTransAm]

MYSTA KANG the old Impala SS does not match the Marauder in handling at all

Is this based on subjective or objective testing? Not arguing, just wondering...

[RCSignals]

Is this based on subjective or objective testing? Not arguing, just wondering...
Both ......

[junehhan]

I'd like to know if they even drove a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis, or Marauder before spewing this crap. Again, this is automotive bias as I bet they've already judged the car before writing their crap. I'd like to know what's so noisy about the V8 in the Crown Vic? Note they also didn't comment on how smooth the actual motor itself is. As far as a stiff and jiggly ride, I don't see how they could have come to that conclusion in the standard Grand Marquis/CV as those have a fairly muted and smooth ride. I can understand the jiggly part, but that's probably going to be true of nearly any body-on-frame solid rear axle car when driving on flawed pavement. The front seat actually could use more support as lateral support is just nonexistant on the GM/CV, and still not enough on the MM. Rear passenger space is a bit less than you would expect in such a huge car, but I do like how the trunk is just downright HUGE!


:mad2:
The April 2004 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports, p. 61 rated the Grand Marquis/Marauder luke-warm with a good reliability, fair satisfaction, and fair depreciation. Apparently this was based on a last full report dated Feb 2003. Identical words were used for the Crown Vic and the Grand Marquis/Marauder in the appropriate manufacturer sections.

Consumer Reports says:
"The Mercury Grand Marquis/Ford Crown Victoria twins are among the last big rear-drive sedans with a full frame and a noisy V-8. Both are a bit dated. The ride is stiff and jiggly. Handling is safe enough but feels ungainly, despite a revised suspension and steering gear that arrived for 2003. Standrad traction control helps in slippery conditions. The soft front bench seat could use more support, and the rear seat isn't as roomy as you'd expect, though the trunk is cavernous. The Marauder is a pseudo-sporty version that is quicker but feels little different from the regular model." :fire:

Well, I guess I am fairly satisfied with my pseudo-sporty MM. Anybody think these people have ever been in a Marauder let alone capabile of driving one. :shot:

And besides that --- I thought "stiff and jiggly" was a Good Thing. Oh, I must have been thinking of something else. :P

If the Marauder is as plain vanilla as these reports would have you believe, why do I feel so good driving it. :up: A conspiracy by the Clueless 98%??

[Patrick]

I used to buy Motor Trend, Car & Driver and all the other Magazines. One would say this a good but one would say good but this could be better! :mad: If you see something you like go drive it and make your own decision They say thier making this reports on the basis of no influenace from outsiders :bs: :bs: .

[Bradley G]

"I Like Mine":rasta:

[Bradley G]

"I Really Like Mine!!":beatnik:

[merc406]

Sorry guys. I love the car but I am not disillusioned



You will be by the time we get through with you! :lol: :bounce: :lol:

[djcoak]

You will be by the time we get through with you! :lol: :bounce: :lol:
I hope so LOL

[djcoak]

MYSTA KANG the old Impala SS does not match the Marauder in handling at all
You can't compare this with the Impala SS. Its like comparing a new mustang to an old camaro. Keep is apples to apples

[uwsacf]

The soft front bench seat could use more support

Funny, my Sport doesn't have a soft front bench seat - and I don't recall seeing any in a Marauder either...!!!

Sorta makes you wonder what they tested - doesn't it?

[the fat bastid]

anyone else notice that our car is 'pseudo-sporty'
yet the same engine in the aviator is 'smooth and strong'
dispite it being way heavier...eh whatever.

[Bluerauder]

anyone else notice that our car is 'puesdo-sporty'
yet the same engine in the aviator is 'smooth and strong'
dispite it being way heavier...eh whatever.

"Pseudo: adj. intellectually or socially pretentious; not genuine. 1. Supposed or purporting to be but not really so; not genuine. 2. resembling or imitating (often in technical applications)."

Anyone else think that Car & Driver and Consumer Reports are "pseudo-intellectual" and "socially pretentious" magazines?
:shot:

[RCSignals]

You can't compare this with the Impala SS. Its like comparing a new mustang to an old camaro. Keep is apples to apples
I'm not the one making the comparison.

Tell it to the magazines and all the others, mostly Impala owners, making it

[chicago_cop]

Check out the J.D.Power & Associates consumer report.

It list the MM as ONE OF THE 10 BEST LOVED CARS. As per their servey of many other cars reported by their owners.

I am one of those satisfied customers. It is now and always will be an exiting car. As judged by the people who see them for the first time, and have experienced owning one there is not much better out there for any money. Other cars are only slightly better in performance for twice or three times the money.

[MM03MOK]

Check out the J.D.Power & Associates consumer report.

It list the MM as ONE OF THE 10 BEST LOVED CARS. As per their servey of many other cars reported by their owners.

I am one of those satisfied customers. It is now and always will be an exiting car. As judged by the people who see them for the first time, and have experienced owning one there is not much better out there for any money. Other cars are only slightly better in performance for twice or three times the money.Congrats on your first post, chicago_cop! :up:

[jgc61sr2002]

chicago_ cop - Welcome to the site. You will like it here, good info and nice folks. :up:

[Donny Carlson]

Come on guys I know the MM is bad ass but a true performance car?
It can be. Certainly the techs that also work on Mustangs and Lightnings think its a performance car, once its modded.


The marauder is unfortunatly a dying breed and although cool and very pretty is not considered a performance car by most.
Stock? Yeah, it's not quite there. But it has the potential that can be reached within a reasonable budget. The more you spend, the more performance it rewards you with.

Also, please note the resurgance of "big, performance sedans" re. Daimler Chrysler.

[RCSignals]

Check out the J.D.Power & Associates consumer report.

It list the MM as ONE OF THE 10 BEST LOVED CARS. As per their servey of many other cars reported by their owners.

I am one of those satisfied customers. It is now and always will be an exiting car. As judged by the people who see them for the first time, and have experienced owning one there is not much better out there for any money. Other cars are only slightly better in performance for twice or three times the money.
I agree.

Welcome chicago_cop. (man, two of them now........)

[RCSignals]

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by djcoak
Come on guys I know the MM is bad ass but a true performance car?
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
It can be. Certainly the techs that also work on Mustangs and Lightnings think its a performance car, once its modded.

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by djcoak
The marauder is unfortunatly a dying breed and although cool and very pretty is not considered a performance car by most.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Stock? Yeah, it's not quite there. But it has the potential that can be reached within a reasonable budget. The more you spend, the more performance it rewards you with.

Also, please note the resurgance of "big, performance sedans" re. Daimler Chrysler.
i guess it all depends on one's definition of "performance car"

Is it a Mustang GT? no

Is it a performance sedan? I'd say certainly

[MYSTA KANG]

djcloak

It seems like every post you make is in some way giving little or no respect to the MM. You say i cant compare the SS to the MM. Well you are correct there isnt any need to compare them cause the MM is in a class of its own. I like the SS and drove plenty with all the mods on them. Not a one compared to MIB car and his mods are mild compared to logans car. Stock for stock inside and out the MM cant be touch.

[djcoak]

Oh don't me wrong I think the MM is awesome and yes Modded it has ALOT of potential. I just see it for what it is. Stock it isn't a spectaular car. Which is what the editors were looking at. Does that mean I agree with them. No not 100% but noone is ever 100% correct. I have seen similar issues on other BB's when that particular car gets bad reviews. Everyone loves thier car and think it's the best but thats not always reality.

I own a 2002 Monte Carlo LS. It is nice looking, has all the performance features and looks fast. It's mostly all show and not much go. It's not a slug but not a rocket either. Modded it can be a monster. The Monte BB got ahold of an article that pretty much was very critical of the car. It said much the same stuff that CR said out the CV/MM. All the people were up in arms and freaking out. Personally I thought it was pretty accurate. I like my car and if the editors don't then who cares but I know the Monte is not something that is going to go out and beat up on Mustang GT's.

I have driven the MM and it's not anything that is out of this world. Is it better than a regular CV or GM? HELL YES! Does it have the potential to be one of the best sleepers around? OH YES it does and thats what attracts me to it. It's not widely know. It doesn't have **** hanging all over it like a ricer, and yet has the possibility to take on most cars on the road with some easy mods. That and the close knit group on here is why I am attracted to it.

So I am not "slamming" the MM but remember they are comparing it to alot of cars and stacked against a BMW or a Mecedes it doesn't stand a chance, and thats in my opinion is not a fair comparison, but thats what the editors look at. Stacked against cars in it's class it is the best deal on the road today.

I hope that clears things up!!!!!!:D

[TripleTransAm]

I agree with pretty much everything you said until the comparison with Mercedes or BMW. Not that I agree or disagree with HOW it stacks up... it's that I think it's not possible to compare them on a level ground.

There is one aspect of the Marauder that most reviewers missed out on. The sensation, the emotion. None of the Mercedes I've been in can honestly conjure up any raw excitement. Any thrill one may get out of the Mercedes I've been in can be solely attributed to the price tag and the exclusivity. Kind of like wanting to be seen in one.

Heck, I tinted mine to the point where you can't tell I'm driving it. All four windows and the rear. Because the overall package just looks so ominous, it's a thrill to drive and have people spot "the car" and not "you". With just a little enhancement in the exhaust note, my car will be at the perfect balance of loud and streetable (I haven't decided what to do yet - all depends on $$), and the overall package will be complete.

So in my opinion, saying it doesn't stack up against the BMWs and Mercedes isn't a valid statement... it depends on what the stack is supposed to look like.

The Marauder could have been a better car from the factory, I agree, but you have to consider that it was a product coming from a cash-strapped company that couldn't muster up the necessary resources to build the perfect Marauder. I still applaud them for having tried... at least we got the canvas on which to draw our own visions of the ultimate muscle sedan. You just can't do this with a Mercedes!

If you find a reviewer that gets what this car is all about, ultimately you'll see a favourable review from him/her/it.

[Haggis]

^^^Good point Steve.^^^

[Patrick]

^^^Good point Steve.^^^

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!
:up:

[djcoak]

I agree 100%! In a world where every car looks the same as a BMW, Lexus, or one of those other ugly cars, the MM really stands out. Thats what makes it so different!!! It is all part of what made the Impala SS a success in that it stood out from the crowd. I think the reason the SS is better known though is that it had better marketing. Like I said I never heard of a MM until about a month ago!!!

[RCSignals]

djcoak Ok, I thought you owned one. Not had just driven one.

When do finally get one, you'll understand more fully.

[djcoak]

I doubt that will make me less of a realist but ok.

[TripleTransAm]

A couple of PS's on the BMW issue...

1) I was parked at the grocery store, waiting for my wife to complete the week's shopping for food. A silver BMW was parked beside me. Owner came to the car (middle aged, good shape) hopped in and started the engine. WHIZZ. Backed out of his spot, sped away... WHIZZ Zzzzzz....

2) My kid loves car spotting (yes, he's 2 1/2). He loves spotting cars he's familiar with... Civics, Trans Ams, Corvettes, Marauders (we followed one this morning, he went ape***** in his car seat!). This morning we passed a BMW (silver, of course). Victor pointed over at the car and said "Honda!!". 'Nuff said... (truthfully, the rear end of some midrange BMWs resemble the rear end of some late model 2 door sedan Civics with the little raised trunk lid lip).

That being said, how many times did y'all yawn while reading what I wrote? It's all about the emotions, baby....

[Haggis]

2) My kid loves car spotting (yes, he's 2 1/2). He loves spotting cars he's familiar with... Civics, Trans Ams, Corvettes, Marauders (we followed one this morning, he went ape***** in his car seat!). This morning we passed a BMW (silver, of course). Victor pointed over at the car and said "Honda!!". 'Nuff said... (truthfully, the rear end of some midrange BMWs resemble the rear end of some late model 2 door sedan Civics with the little raised trunk lid lip).

That being said, how many times did y'all yawn while reading what I wrote? It's all about the emotions, baby....

Victor, he is one smart kid, your raising him right Steve.

[Bluerauder]

"...snip..."
2) My kid loves car spotting (yes, he's 2 1/2). He loves spotting cars he's familiar with... Civics, Trans Ams, Corvettes, Marauders (we followed one this morning, he went ape***** in his car seat!). This morning we passed a BMW (silver, of course). Victor pointed over at the car and said "Honda!!". 'Nuff said... (truthfully, the rear end of some midrange BMWs resemble the rear end of some late model 2 door sedan Civics with the little raised trunk lid lip).

That being said, how many times did y'all yawn while reading what I wrote? It's all about the emotions, baby....
I know what you mean. When I was in Germany my youngest was 3 years old. He was always pointing out Mercedes, BMWs .... and the Polizei Porsches. Now, some 17 years later, he's asking for the keys to the Marauder (and getting them). Make sure you train him right!!!

:banana:

[djcoak]

I know what you mean. When I was in Germany my youngest was 3 years old. He was always pointing out Mercedes, BMWs .... and the Polizei Porsches. Now, some 17 years later, he's asking for the keys to the Marauder (and getting them). Make sure you train him right!!!

:banana:
Wow you are trusting. I wouldn't give a 17 year old kid the keys to my MM if he was driving me to the hospital!!!

[T-90K]

Wow you are trusting. I wouldn't give a 17 year old kid the keys to my MM if he was driving me to the hospital!!!
3+17=20 ...big kid

I already was a father at this age, and got my Masters at 22. :lol:

[Bluerauder]

Wow you are trusting. I wouldn't give a 17 year old kid the keys to my MM if he was driving me to the hospital!!!
He's 20 now and I trust him completely --- driving and otherwise. I probably wouldn't have my MM if it wasn't for him. He saw the Marauder concept article first in about late 2001 or early 2002 and he has been pushing me ever since. When he convinced his mother that the MM was the right vehicle for me --- it was 2 to 1 and I gave in on 4 Oct 2003. Wow...why did I wait sooooo long?

[RCSignals]

I doubt that will make me less of a realist but ok.
Less of a realist? No, you will become a realist