Early Stages of Production

First Generation

1975 - 1991

       In 1967, the Marquis was introduced as a two door version of the previous model, Mercury Monterrey. In 1975, the Grand Marquis was introduced as a higher trim model of the Marquis, available in two door and four door full body sedan styles. 

      Minor body changes were developed over the years, including a movement of the horn from the dash to the steering wheel, and a newly designed grill. 1987 became the last year for the two door sedan body styles, with about five thousand being produced. In 1988, the rear window to the back bumper is revised, with softer lines for improved aerodynamics. 1991 was the final year for the first generation Mercury's, with about three thousand being produced. They were then redesigned in 1992. 

       From 1975 to 1985, Marquis were manufactured at the St. Louis assembly plant in Hazel wood, Missouri. In 1986 production shifted to the St. Thomas assembly plant in Southwold, Ontario and have been produced there ever since.  

*St Louis assembly plant during the 1980's*

*St Thomas Assembly plant in the 2000's*

Second Generation

1992 - 1997

     For the 1992 model change the Marquis underwent it's most drastic changes since it's 1975 introduction.  After thirteen years on the market, the full size sedan styles were struggling against modern cars, also, most buyers thought that the Grand Marquis and it's Ford counterpart the Crown Victoria were identical. So, Ford decided to completely redo the body so that the only recognizable features on them were the front doors and the windshield. 

   As a major part of the redesign, Mercury opted for a different market of buyers; young drivers in need of a larger car than the Mercury Sable or the Ford Taurus. The cars became available with different options, such as complete aluminum alloy wheels, premium suspension and steering revisions, and traction control. More minor changes occurred on the body, some examples being a new radio layout in 1993 and a larger, rounder style grille to better fit the body style in 1995. From now on, the Grand Marquis was produced solely as a four door. Sales increased by 20% in 1997, making the overall total of second generation  cars sold to be 688,107.