Alright, I admit my lamenting over the loss of Mercury has led me to dig into the photo archives to dig up what we have on Ford’s middle brand. And what you see above is probably our favorite from the past 20 years. The 2003 Mercury Marauder. Available only in Henry’s favorite color (black) that year, the Marauder turned heads riding on 18″ chromed wheels. This Grand-Marquis-gone-midlife-crisis featured smoked head and taillamps, chromed dual exhaust tips and a unique 5-passenger seating arrangement complete with additional gauges and center console mounted shifter. Under the hood was a 32-valve 4.6L V8 producing 302-hp and 318 lb-ft of torque. The 4-speed auto that was coupled to this motor was a bit lazy and likewise the acceleration times, but this car’s token was its presence and an exhaust note that was piped right out of the ’60s.
Back at the 2003 NAIAS, Cadillac teased us with a super-lux sedan powered by the V16 shown nestled into the Cadillac Sixteen Concept engine bay above. Call us old fashioned, but nothing declares Standard of the World better than 16 cylinders smoothly churning away under the graceful arc of a long Made in America hood.
The Mercury Messenger Concept descends from the ceiling of COBO Arena at the 2003 NAIAS. Does it bring news of a revitalized Mercury? Not yet…
Ford sets the stage for what would become the next great phase of the pony car and horsepower war with the introduction of a retro Mustang concept at the 2003 NAIAS.
2003 Chevrolet Cheyenne concept at the 2003 NAIAS.
Call it the new American dream machine.
GMC’s Yukon XL Denali is today’s pinnacle of American style and luxury, not unlike Detroit’s classic family cruisers from the 1950s that were slathered in chrome, decked with tail fins and packed with the latest goodies. Read more…
For decades, Cadillac called itself “The Standard of the World,” and it wasn’t an exaggeration. Technical innovations, elegant styling and sophisticated refinement made it the best car company on the planet — hands down — in the early part of the 20th century. Nothing else came close. Read more…
An Explorer In Business Attire
A rebadged Explorer? Well, yes, but also no. Consider the Mountaineer as an Explorer in business attire. It is worth a good first look, but don’t expect excess attention. We found that few heads turned when our Ceramic White tester came rolling through town. Soccer moms will appreciate the 7 passenger seating and dad will like the ruggedly upscale looks. Read more…
Want a Mercedes CL-class dream coupe but don’t want to pay $100,000 for one? Then take a close look at the CLK. Read more…
Focus…Focus…Focus
Once again I find myself at the mercy of the small car quota. “Muxlow, call up Ford and get a Focus for the week,” read the note on my desk. Ok, thought I, the primary truck editor here at AT. Half an hour later I had an Infra-Red ZX5 waiting for my impending pick-up. Nothing against the Focus, but when you are moving down from a full-size pick-up one week to a small car the next, the size difference is noticeable to say the least. At first I thought it was a joke when Ford asked whether I wanted it in paper or plastic. Alright, all jokes aside, but it did come in a Hot Wheels package. Ok, that’s not true either. Anyway, for an entry-level car, the Focus can add a flare of fun and style to your everyday commute as we quickly found out. Read more…
