The Return of an American Legend
The Mercury Marauder nameplate carries a history of performance and bold presence. For 2003, Marauder returned to the lineup as a modern interpretation of the muscle sedan, combining rear-wheel drive power, aggressive styling, and full-size comfort. It carried into 2004 with refinements and new color choices.
This was not just another sedan — it was a true performance Mercury.
Exterior Design
Marauder projects confidence and power with a unique monochromatic appearance:
- Body-color grille with satin chrome surround
- Body-color bumpers, door handles, and mirrors
- Smoked headlamp and taillamp treatments
- Dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips
- Unique Marauder badging
Standard 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with performance tires fill the flared wheel openings, completing the car’s bold, muscular stance.
2003 Colors: Black, Silver Birch, Dark Blue Pearl.
2004 Colors: Black, Silver Birch, Dark Toreador Red, Dark Pearl Blue (revised palette).
Interior & Comfort
Marauder’s cabin balances performance heritage with comfort:
- Unique black leather-trimmed seating with contrasting stitching
- Front bucket seats with 8-way power adjustment
- Floor-mounted automatic shifter with leather-wrapped T-handle
- Center console with storage and dual cup holders
- Satin aluminum trim accents
- White-faced gauges with 7,000-rpm tachometer and 140-mph speedometer
- Unique Marauder badging on the dash and seats
Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, power locks, tilt steering, cruise control, keyless entry, and AM/FM stereo with CD player.
Options included a 6-disc CD changer and power moonroof (moonroof only offered in 2003, discontinued for 2004).
Performance & Engineering
Under the hood, Marauder delivered serious muscle:
- 4.6L DOHC 32-valve V8 (shared with the Mustang Mach 1)
- 302 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
- 318 lb-ft torque @ 4,300 rpm
- Electronic fuel injection
- Dual exhaust system
Paired with:
- 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (performance calibrated)
- 3.55:1 rear axle ratio with Traction-Lok® differential
Suspension upgrades over the Grand Marquis included:
- Performance-tuned front and rear springs
- Heavy-duty shocks and stabilizer bars
- Rear air suspension
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
The result: confident handling and acceleration with the comfort of a full-size sedan.
Safety & Security
Standard safety features included:
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Side door intrusion beams
- 5-mph bumpers
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
- Remote keyless entry with illuminated entry
Specifications
- Wheelbase: 114.7 in
- Overall length: 212.0 in
- Width: 78.2 in
- Height: 56.4 in
- Curb weight: ~4,165 lbs
- Fuel tank: 19 gallons
- Tires/Wheels: P235/50ZR18 front / P245/55ZR18 rear, polished aluminum wheels
- Performance: 0–60 mph in ~7 seconds (independent testing)
2003 Mercury Marauder
- Launch year of the modern Marauder.
- Standard colors: Black, Silver Birch, Dark Blue Pearl.
- Available options: power moonroof, 6-disc CD changer.
- Interior: Black leather only.
2004 Mercury Marauder
- Continued production with minor changes.
- New colors: Dark Toreador Red, Dark Pearl Blue (replacing Dark Blue Pearl).
- Power moonroof option discontinued.
- Otherwise unchanged from 2003 in design, features, and performance.
| Feature | 2003 Marauder | 2004 Marauder |
|---|---|---|
| Launch / Production | Reintroduction year (first Marauder since the 1970s). | Final production year, with minor updates. |
| Engines | 4.6L DOHC 32-valve V8302 hp @ 5,750 rpm318 lb-ft torque @ 4,300 rpm | Same 4.6L DOHC V8302 hp @ 5,750 rpm318 lb-ft torque @ 4,300 rpm |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4-spd automatic w/ overdrive (performance calibrated)3.55 rear axle w/ Traction-Lok | Same as 2003 |
| Suspension / Brakes | Performance springs, shocks, sway barsRear air suspension4-wheel disc brakes w/ ABS, EBD | Same as 2003 |
| Exterior Colors | BlackSilver BirchDark Blue Pearl | BlackSilver BirchDark Toreador RedDark Pearl Blue |
| Interior | Black leather w/ contrasting stitchingWhite-faced gaugesMarauder logos | Same as 2003 (black leather only) |
| Options | Power moonroof (unique to 2003)6-disc CD changer | 6-disc CD changer onlyMoonroof option dropped |
| Wheels/Tires | 18″ polished aluminum wheelsP235/50ZR18 frontP245/55ZR18 rear | Same as 2003 |
| Performance | 0–60 mph ~7 sec (independent test) | Essentially unchanged |
| Production Notes | Launch excitement, limited run | Second and final year, more color variety but lower sales |
The 2003–2004 Mercury Marauder revived the classic muscle-sedan spirit with modern engineering. With its aggressive looks, exclusive interior, and high-performance V8, the Marauder stood as a bold alternative to ordinary sedans — a full-size car with the heart of a muscle car.
- The 2003 Marauder was the debut year, offered only in three colors and with an optional moonroof.
- The 2004 Marauder was the last year, dropped the moonroof but added two new colors (Dark Toreador Red, Dark Pearl Blue) for a bit more variety.
- Otherwise, both years were mechanically and visually the same.