Despite the car's size, there's enough fore-aft seat adjustment to accommodate the petite. This is true even without the adjustable pedals, and with them, small drivers should find an even greater range of comfort.

Like many bench seats, the units in the Grand Marquis are made for cruising cross-country, and won't hold you in place in sharp corners. One minor annoyance: The hump running down the center of the floor for the driveshaft reduces foot space for anyone sitting in the center. It is the single largest drawback in the Grand Marquis' rear-drive design.

Rear-seat roominess and comfort are at the top of the class. Trunk capacity is rated at nearly 21 cubic feet. Fit and finish inside the car are superb, and the choice of materials is excellent.

All controls and instruments are arrayed in a logical, intuitive, and spacious manner; nothing seems out of place. For 2001, the traction control switch has moved to a more logical location on the dashboard.

Also new for 2001 is Mercury's Personal Safety System, which senses the severity of a crash and deploys the air bag with the appropriate force.