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:

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  First time Mercury Owner - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By mariner10 - February 9 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used a few weeks ago and I am very pleased. It is almost 3 years old at this point but only had 11,000 miles on it. Its smaller than the Oldsmobile Bravada I used to have. I am pleased with the gas mileage (28.4) on the highway. I could whine about a few minor things but there is no point. Overall, I really like this vehicle.

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BKB - February 8 - 10:00 am

  With 54K miles absolutely no problems with anything. Original tires still holding out great. Love the third seat and numerous available options. We bought the 6 cylinder and with current gas prices it turns out to be the best better choice ( V8 engine only provides about 15 more hp).

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  Mercury Sable - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By june1dog - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is easy to drive, smooth to ride and very comfortable. It is very spacious. The price was great. The gas mileage is very good. I receive very many complements on the look and comfort of this car.

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  Mercury got it right - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Kevin - February 6 - 7:10 pm

  Putting this car on the excellent Mazda platform and then designing it like a European car sold me. I looked at the Zephyr and the Fusion and this was easily the best designed. The interior is elegant and the two tone seats are very cool. The sheet metal competes with far more expensive vehicles. The six speed is smooth, and the V-6 has all the pep I need. And it has just the right amount of gizmos; youre not overwhelmed. Great car, especially for the price.

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  cougar - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By carlos - February 6 - 10:00 am

  i love my cat is a really good car, i had some problem like the alternator but is really good i nerver have problem about the gas i drive my car with 0 of gas an nerver stop is a great car

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  Good vehicle - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Herb Sharp - February 5 - 10:00 am

  My experience has been very positive. Yes, it is shorter than the Chrysler and the Windstar, but it fits in my garage and they dont. We have found it to be a pleasure to drive and have not had any negative concerns in the 2 plus years we have owned the vehicle, and it fits our needs nicely.

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  The Last of the Tanks - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Jazzer77 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is not your "Grandfathers" Mercury anymore. Rear Wheel drive, V-8 power, this is the last true "American Car." From the ride to the engine, I love everything about my car. It has the comfort of driving a sofa, and I can keep up to a Mustang with ease. You want a great value? This car is for you.

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  I love the Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By twake26 - February 4 - 12:53 am

  I have had the Mariner for approximately a month now and I love it. I really like the sound system and how high you sit up. I traded in my 03 Mazda Protege 5. The gas mileage is worse, but I knew going from a wagon to this, it wasnt going to get better, so the MPG doesnt bother me. I like how everything is in reach for me and I like how you have to outlets for cell phones, cigarette lighters, etc. The storage compartments could have been a little bigger. I liked the cloth on the seats. The two-tone is very eye-catching.I also love the chrome on the Mariner. Adds a bit of class.

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  Great car - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By zikj - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Car has 170,000 miles and still going strong. Only a few minor issues that you might expect after 100,000 miles. Camshaft sensor went out, rear wheels have gone out of alignment requiring some filing and the transmission acted up at 130,000 miles but then corrected itself (go figure). Overall a great vehicle and believe it will go well past 200,000 miles. Would buy another. Great handling, style, comfort, quiet and reliable.

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  A Excellent all around Automobile - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By M Snyder - January 31 - 11:36 pm

  I have owned this car for 9 months and have 9000 miles on it now. It hasnt had one single problem. It handles and rides great. It has all the power and braking ability one ever could ask for.I love this car.