Overview & Reviews

Mercury was a division of Ford Motor Company marketed as being somewhat more upscale than Ford. Throughout the latter part of its 71-year history, Mercury's vehicles were essentially Fords with unique styling details and special features meant to enhance their desirability relative to similar Ford products.

It all started in the 1930s, when Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's son, saw an opportunity to create an additional brand within the Ford hierarchy, one that would exist between the everyman Ford Deluxes and premium Lincoln Zephyrs. To achieve this, Edsel felt the vehicles of this new brand should offer distinctive styling along with innovative features and better capabilities. He named the new division "Mercury," after the Roman mythological god. The 1939 Mercury Eight was the division's first car. It distinguished itself from similar Ford products via a 95-horsepower engine that offered 10 more horses than the Ford V8.

The Eight proved to be a hit, with more than 155,000 sold by the early 1940s. Production stopped during World War II; after the war, the brand was realigned more closely with Lincoln. The company grew from strength to strength in the '50s, establishing itself as a maker of vehicles offering style, performance and cutting-edge technology. A dash of glamour was added to the automaker's image when James Dean appeared onscreen in a Mercury in the film Rebel Without a Cause.

The 1960s saw the introduction of Mercury's Comet and Meteor vehicles. The Comet featured diminutive dimensions and luxury accoutrements, while the Meteor was a midsize family car that followed the trend toward more reasonably sized cars. Racetrack wins boosted awareness of the Comet and helped the model make a big splash in terms of sales. By the end of the decade, the iconic Mercury Cougar, a variation of the Mustang, had been rolled out, its Eliminator version taking its place in the pantheon of legendary early muscle cars.

Hit hard by that decade's oil crisis, consumers during the 1970s were hungry for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Mercury responded with a new, smaller Comet and the Bobcat, the former a fancier version of the Ford Maverick, the latter a fancier version of the Ford Pinto. The brand's sales grew during a decade that was filled with turbulence and uncertainty for many competing marques. Mercury further expanded its lineup in the '80s, this time including the small, Ford Escort-based Lynx. Mercury enjoyed success with the 1986 launch of the Sable, a fraternal twin to the Ford Taurus whose sleek, aerodynamic lines and futuristic "light bar" front end styling set it apart from the Ford.

Mercury's sales hit an all-time high during the 1990s that would never again be matched. Minivans and SUVs were a big reason for that as Mercury introduced its Villager minivan and Mountaineer SUV. Late that decade it introduced a new Cougar, which differed from its predecessors by being a front-drive sport compact that also holds the distinction of being the last Mercury that wasn't a rebadged Ford.

The years following the new millennium were challenging for the brand, as changing consumer tastes and a lack of differentiation between Mercury and Ford vehicles hurt sales. Pundits often proclaimed the end of Mercury was near, but Ford kept stating it would keep Mercury around despite offering no hope for any unique future vehicles from the brand. Finally in 2010, Ford pulled the plug on Mercury, putting an end to more than 70 years of car-making heritage.

User Reviews:

• 

  Happy I did not buy the Camry! - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By 2Crisco - April 22 - 4:33 pm

  It was between the Milan and the Toyota Camry for me and all I can say is I am so happy I bought the Milan! I was driving a 6 cyl 95 Mustang for 11 years and swore I would never buy another 4 cyl - but I am amazed by the power this car has! The Premier has so many bells and whistles that I dont think Ive found them all in my 6 short days of ownership! I have not yet gone through my first full tank of gas, it seems the gauge barely moves! Not used to this kind of mileage! When every other car on the road is a Camry, driving my Milan is like my little secret! This is a great car!

• 

  Absolutely Wonderful!! - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Linda S - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the first brand-new vehicle Ive bought since 1982. The Special Edition package is what sets it apart from everything on the road, with the tutone Spruce Green and Gold Ash paint, as well as the badging and the hood ornament. The leather is totally comfortable, the ride is very smooth, and the car will take off like a bullet to get up with traffic. Trunk size is only matched by the Town Car, which means theres more than enough room to take six people and all the luggage they can bring. Gas Mileage averages between 25-30 on the highway, which makes for nonstop trips. 5 Star Crash ratings and Best in Quality by JD Power!

• 

  My Opinion - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Carl - April 20 - 8:16 pm

  I have been well pleased with My Gran Marquis. It is my second one and I plan on getting another. It is especially good for long trips. It provides an extreemly smooth and comfortable ride, with good acceleration, and responsive handling. I get about 20-22 MPG on the highway at speeds crowding (sometimes exceeding) the limits. I appreciate the large trunk space. I have driven it from St Louis, MO. to Niagra Falls, Orlando, through the Rockies and to numerous shorter (300-400 Miles) with no breakdowns or difficulties. I am proud of my "Merc".

• 

  Grand Marquis is SAFE ! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By saftey1st - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The Grand Marquis has kept my family safe, comfortable, and the reliability for this tried and true vehicle is incredible. A great purchase for those that buy their car with sound logic versus getting on the fad band-SUV-wagon.

• 

  Well worth it! - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By FOMOCO>GM - April 14 - 9:23 pm

  Have owned this car for a week,so far fantastic is all I can say,As much as I hate to admit it being a GM guy. This is my wifes new car, we finally ditched a 2002 Altima (nothing but problems) Ford did a great job with this car.For my wife its all about asthetics and this car has it for reasonable money. Many mistake it for a higher end vehicle.The interior is comfortable, well thought out controls, and easy to use. Build quality seems excellent. Nice quiet ride with little road and engine noise. Power is more than adequate for my wife,has some giddy up when you have to pass. The exterior is exceptional,elegant,rich looking without the price. Definitely the adult version of the Fusion. Bravo Ford.

• 

  Great Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Paul J Foxcroft - April 14 - 11:26 am

  Loaded with more features than my Mercedes. Only one minor problem in 32,000 miles. Get over 22 mpg on highway. Best trip was 25.5 mpg with wind behind from Fort Davis to San Angelo. Very quiet and smooth. This vehicle has fully restored my faith in American vehicles. Can hardly wait for the MKS with the turbo engine to replace the Mercedes.

• 

  Awesome Family Car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Kyle - April 8 - 2:33 am

  The Grand Marquis is the best car on the market for the money Its roomy quiet and has a smooth ride and hugs the road and has great safety ratings which is the most important thing when you are carrying around 2 little ones and the LS Handling Package is great with the improved ride and power And the Laminated Window Glass in the Doors makes you feel extra safe and provides a even more quiet ride And the Dark Toreador Red Paint and Black Leather seats make the car look even better the adjustable foot pedals makes all size drivers comfortable and the power moon roof is a great feature and the remote starter and headlight controls are a must have so in my opinion the Grand Marquis is awesome...

• 

  Dons Grand Marquis - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By 2005 Mercury Grand M - April 3 - 11:33 pm

  This vehicle was purchased to replace a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria. The Ford had 54000 miles on it when I replaced it. It was a good car, but, it was time to get a new one. This Mercury seems to be smoother, snappier and more economical than the Ford. I use these cars for primarily trips over the highway at high speeds for long distances. This is # 4 vehicle in my family and the one I prefer driving myself. Im 68 years old and take many long trips out of state.

• 

  2009 4WD Mercury Mariner Hybrid - 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By jnt76 - April 1 - 6:50 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for one week, and have many good things to say about it. Navigation system with Microsoft Sync is awesome. Almost endless music possibilities with Sirius, CD, radio, aux input jack, USB input, and 10GB internal hard drive that you can record your CDs to. Drove up in the Rocky Mts this weekend and avgd over 30 mpg - and thats with lots of hill climbing. 60 mile highway round trip to work every day, averaging 32+ mpg. Up to 40 mph on battery only. Interior is very nicely done with lots of cargo space for a small SUV. Back seats fold down flat. Ride is very smooth - handles like a car. Cant even tell when gas engine starts and stops, great job of making that quiet.

• 

  Very happy with my purchase - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By tim - April 1 - 4:13 pm

  The only thing that bothers me is the engine noise but its a 4 cyl 5 speed. Its a fun car to drive and the features that come with the car is perfect for what I and any one else needs that drives a lot.