Yes, very good cars. Here is one of Scotty's videos on one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iRdkFbIO4E&t=365s&ab_channel=ScottyKilmer

Yes. The consumer (or Fleet) versions are strong, well-built (in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada), and are well-know for comfort and longevity.

It's a front engine/rear wheel drive vehicle, generally using a 4.6L V8 engine in 2/3/4 valves per cylinder configurations (most commonly 2 valve). Horsepower generally in the 224 area (single exhaust, and 250 area (dual exhaust) The majority of models used a 4-speed transmission that is basically bullet-proof. They are know for being spacious, with a very, very large trunk.

However, in the used market are huge numbers of ex-taxis and a lesser number of law enforcement vehicles that have been effectively trashed/destroyed in long-term use. Such vehicles are generally to be avoided.

The base platform is called the Panther platform. It was used to build Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car. All use a large percentage of shared parts.

I consider the best years were after the major redesign in 2003. Production ended September 2011.

The model years that are easiest to sell are 2009/2010. Model year 2011 vehicles are considered rather rare.

Production was officially supposed to end in 2010, but because of a desire to consume residual production parts (and keep the plant open a little while longer), 2011 model year Panther platform vehicles, primarily Ford Crown Victoria, continued to be built until the production parts ran out.

Current values range from $0 to about $7,000 for a good, clean, low miles example, but the ones with 100k + can be found for $1,000 and up.

How long will one last: Find a good one, low miles, keep it well maintained: The sky's the limit. (But the well is drying up, and finding a good one is getting harder, and harder, and harder.)

Everyone I know who has one, loves their Merc. They always seem to smile when they use it.

(I can't believe I wrote so much.)