Driving Impressions - 2008 Grand Marquis LS

[Vortex]

Was down in San Antonio for the past few days and drove my father around in his new 2008 LS. A nice looking car, Ice Blue Silver color and "stone" leather interior (not sure if it was tannish or more grey actually but looked nice). First thing that hit me was I noticed the front seat bottoms are a hellofalot bigger than in our MM's and much more comfortable for a "man of size" such as myself. I bet those seat bottoms are at least 3 inches longer from front to back than ours are. The leather was not as high quality though. One strange thing is the automatic parking brake release only works if you put in in a forward gear. If you are parked facing downhil where you have to back out, you have to put the car in "D" then into reverse to get it to release (or I guess youy can reach down and do it manually). Pretty dumb design in my opinion. As for the engine, well it seemed to have plenty of power for everday driving, I even gassed it a couple of times merging on the highway and it went pretty nice, but it isnt what Id call a quick car. I wouldnt say it was slow either. Thats about it. Its a safe car and my Dad is pretty happy with it so just thought Id pass this on.

[larryo340]

From what I remember from my dealership days, all of Ford's parking brake automatic release only worked in drive. They work with a vacuum switch. If it's a standard LS the rear should be a 2.73 not much go power off the line, but on the open road and jump on it they aren't bad. My father has a '06 GM LS with the 2.73 rear, and it's quite liveable for everyday driving.

[J D]

Nice write up, but my 300A's parking brake only opens in drive, which is kind of an annoyance but on the bright side it forces me to back into the driveway to park, making it easy to leave in the mornings.

[gohogs]

I'm pretty sure the parking brake release issue dates back to when Fords (and others, perhaps) had a reputation for jumping out of park, and into reverse. If the parking brake then released, you might be watching the car back down the road without you. Really a bad thing if you have a remote starter!

[69marquis conv]

The vacuum operated parking brake release in 1969 worked in both forward and reverse. Very handy and those that only release in drive are annoying after driving one of the antiques!

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

My '93 Lincoln only releases the parking brake in D as well.

[quota]

My daily driver is a 2003 LSE, with some light tune (SCT - thanks Dennis, and MM air box filter - thanks Dennis). Nothing to compare with my MM, though I have a lot of fun driving it through all seasons, including our rude winters.

JP

[whd507]

yeah I was looking at X-plan prices on leftover 08's $16k for a GS, 19ish for a LS

might be time to spring for a winter beater...

[Vortex]

He paid 19k for the LS. I think it was a pretty good deal for what you get and knowing its the safest car on the road. One thing my Dad noticed was the steering is so much better than on his old 94 Lincoln. Think his old car was recirc ball and the LS is rack and pinion.

[CROWNMARAUDER]

He paid 19k for the LS. I think it was a pretty good deal for what you get and knowing its the safest car on the road. One thing my Dad noticed was the steering is so much better than on his old 94 Lincoln. Think his old car was recirc ball and the LS is rack and pinion.


The power steering changed for the 2003 model year. I really notice the difference between my 02 Vic & my marauder.

[gmtech]

I really notice the difference between my 02 Vic & my marauder.

same here, the 03-up steering set-up is a lot better than the recirculating ball gearbox

[fordman]

I drive the 2007 Grand Marquis I gave my Dad every once in a while around the block a few times just to keep fresh in my mind what a "soft"ride feels like.