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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  solid car - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By genecz - June 27 - 2:00 am

  reliable vehicle Holds road securely. Lots of room. Great trunk capacity. Nice comfort features

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  sable=good - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By Jimf - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The sable is good. It reminds me of a Ford Taurus. It should be driven by more people.

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  sable=good - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By jimf - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The sable is good. It reminds me of a Ford Taurus. It should be driven by more people.

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  Amazing Value - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By JP - June 10 - 11:56 pm

  This is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. It is quiet, smooth and suprisingly agile for its size. The level of equipment for the price and size of the car is exceptional. I would buy another without hesitation.

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  Ford quality exceeds expectation! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Michael Caty - June 8 - 3:53 pm

  This truck if priced by the importers would be double the sticker. Value, quality, and of course MPG are outstanding. Looks like "Ford" woke up! Congratulations, and we thank you for the fine and reasonably priced product.

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  awesome - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jay - June 8 - 3:26 am

  This vehicle has been a pleasure on the road and city for such a big vehicle i barely feel the engine!

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  My New Milan - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Kristin - June 7 - 6:33 am

  I love my Milan! My husband recently turned in his leased truck, and decided to surprise me with the Milan. When it comes to running errands, its always a toss up as to who drives, we both want to drive .... so we try to compromise.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Mercury Montego
  By L. Richard - June 4 - 4:23 pm

  The Montego is comfortable, stylish and handles well on the road. The high seating arrangement is exceptional and easy to see the road. Back seat is roomy and comfortable, and the car seats five comfortably. Gas mileage is not as stated, but is acceptable. I would purchase this car again!

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  One of many fans of this car - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By ajs - June 2 - 11:23 pm

  I learned from the dealer the 1999 to 2001 were the best built in this series and they have a strong following. I have found that out by talking to other owners. The Mountaineer is the top of the line. The V-8 engine is strong, transmission strong, solid body, has a truck feel (it is a Ranger w/ SUV body). With Zaino polish the paint shines great and people are amaised it is 10 years old. This car is a solid performer, a great winter car. If I keep the rpms under 2,000 on the interstate, Ill get 20.5 to 21.5 mpg. For good gas mileage drive with a soft foot on the accelerator. Fine a good one and keep it.

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  Fantastic car. - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By Chris - May 30 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had this car for a month now and I completely love it. I had a Ford before. It was the most reliable car I ever owned, so I stayed with the company and I have great hopes for the Milan. It certainly has excellent ratings from Consumer Reports. I think the Milan represents great value for the money.