As the flagship of the Mercury lineup, the 2000 Grand Marquis combines the traditional appeal of a full-size, V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive family sedan with new safety features, such as the emergency trunk release, child seat anchor brackets, and Belt MinderÔ system.

Safety

Grand Marquis comes standard with an emergency trunk release, designed to allow a child or adult trapped in the trunk to open it from the inside. The glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle will be factory installed and standard equipment on all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

For improved child safety, the 2000 Grand Marquis is equipped with child seat anchor brackets in the back seat to provide an improved method to more securely buckle in child safety seats. The feature is used in addition to traditional safety belts for securing child safety seats.

Like other vehicles in the Mercury, Lincoln and Ford Division 2000-model year lineup, the 2000 Grand Marquis also will feature the Belt MinderÔ chime and indicator light, which reminds drivers and passengers to buckle up.

"Combine a comfortable ride with roominess, great styling and world-class safety features, and it’s easy to see why the 2000 Grand Marquis is so popular among large-car buyers," says Chuck Teske, chief program engineer, Ford Motor Company Large and Luxury Car Vehicle Center.

Last year, the Grand Marquis received a major redesign, including suspension and powertrain enhancements. In addition to design changes that gave the front and rear of Grand Marquis a more sophisticated appearance, the car benefited from extensive mechanical improvements.

The car's Precision Trac system includes a Watt's linkage rear suspension, which reduces lateral compliance and gives Grand Marquis much-improved directional control. Side sway during crosswinds or hard cornering is virtually eliminated. A revised front suspension system also contributes to Grand Marquis' handling ability by improving steering precision. Anti-lock brakes can be ordered separately or with traction control for 2000.

Powertrain

The standard Grand Marquis advanced 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 continues to deliver 200 horsepower at 4,250 rpm. Peak output rises to 215 hp with an optional handling package that includes dual exhausts, a 3.27:1 (instead of a 2.73:1) axle ratio, larger-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars and rear air springs. Automatic load leveling is a side benefit with this option.

The Grand Marquis is available in three new colors -- Deep Wedgewood Blue, Harvest Gold and Light Blue Clearcoat, and a new interior color -- Medium Parchment.