2004 Mercury Marauder - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Mercury Marauder Buying Resources:
2004 Mercury Marauder Review:
The Marauder is like its sibling, the Mercury Grand Marquis,
in many respects. It is roomy, comfortable and refined. However,
the Marauder takes the Grand Marquis’ package and throws in
a significant dose of power, plus a style that hints at its
high-performance intentions.
Differentiating itself from the Grand Marquis, the Marauder
has a monotone exterior appearance and big 18-inch alloy wheels
versus 16-inch wheels on the Grand Marquis. Of course, it
also has a stronger engine and more performance-tuned handling
components.
Performance is one key area improved for 2004. The Marauder
has a new heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission with improved
shift response, letting you get up to speed that much quicker.
The engine also features dual knock sensors for improved response
at low engine speeds.
Under the Hood
That engine is a naturally-aspirated, all-aluminum 4.6-liter
V8. It cranks out 302 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 318 lb-ft
of torque at 4300 rpm. It gives the Marauder a fuel rating
of 17/23 mpg (city/highway).
Traction control is standard for 2004. Providing for quick
responsiveness is the Marauder’s power steering, which consists
of a variable-ratio rack-and-pinion design with speed-sensitive
variable assist.
Engineers wanted the 2004 Marauder’s ride to be as smooth
as possible. To this end, they equipped it with an independent
front suspension that uses a short and long-arm design, Tokico
monotube dampers and a heavy-duty stabilizer bar. In the back,
a live-axle rear suspension has a stabilizer bar and lateral
Watt’s linkage, plus monotube dampers and load-leveling, performance-tuned
air springs.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
You don’t want a car with all the prowess of the Marauder
to roll off the line without a comprehensive safety and security
package. All 2004 models therefore have antilock brakes, side-impact
airbags, the Personal Safety System, the LATCH system and
an anti-theft system.
Standard features for this year’s Marauder include a leather-wrapped
console shifter, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with climate
and audio controls, adjustable pedals, rear reading lamps,
remote keyless entry, automatic climate control and an Audiophile
AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo with equalizer and sub-woofer.
For options, there’s a six-disc trunk-mounted CD changer,
heated seats, engine block heater and a trunk organizer. The
2004 Marauder: an understated muscle car blended with the
refinement of a smooth-running, comfortable full-size sedan.
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