The first three generations of the Mercury Marquis were full-size vehicles; in 1983, the final generation was introduced, shifting the product line to the mid-size segment, splitting the Marquis and Grand Marquis into distinct product lines. As Ford transitioned its product ranges to front-wheel drive, the Marquis was withdrawn after the 1986 model year, replaced by the Mercury Sable (the Mercury counterpart of the Ford Taurus).