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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  Second time around - 1998 Mercury Mystique
  By Ronnyboy - August 9 - 9:46 pm

  This is my second MIGHTY MERCURY!!!!! I love these cars. Perfect size for everyday use. Great ride, handling, and power. First one was a 4- banger, this one is a 6, much better engine. Unfortunately, there is a SEVERE transmission problem with these things. Mine and a relative AND a friends all went around the same mileage. Still worth the $1000 to fix it tho:)

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  2003 Convenience V-8 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rabgolfnut - August 9 - 12:36 am

  Bought Dec 31, 2003, got a great deal on it! It was the last 2003 on the lot, 4WD just in time for winter!! Love the commanding view of the road, versatility of passengers & cargo, use it to haul my DJ equipment, it all fits!!! Handles much better than a "truck", rides firm but comfortable, handles well foe such a high center of gravity. Note: I finally replaced the OEM Goodyear Eagle LS with some Bridgestone Dueler Alenza H/L tires, the vehicle has been transformed. It now rides & handles almost on par with my 2003 Sable. Steering feel & response is now superb!!! Did have some recalls, on the rear glass hardware & the rear axle, starter, battery, rear shocks replaced.

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  car - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By john davis - August 7 - 10:00 am

  this is a really great car.I love it a lot I love to drive soon

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  In need of a trunk lid - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By chastek3 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Sabel LS is a pleasant, easy to live with family car. The V6 is strong, the transmission smooth and the styling is handsome.

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  2008 Sable is a great car - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By JD - August 6 - 2:43 pm

  I have 17,000 on my 08 Sable, I purchased it new in Feb. 2009 and it has been trouble free. Only warranty service was to align one of the back doors better; if it was not for that my build quality rating would be 10. I wanted a big and smooth car and this one has delivered. It is a big, tall car with easy access to front and rear seating. Performance rating of 9 takes it for what it is, a big smooth car, not a sports car. If you are looking for a used family car this is a great choice.

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  My Last Car - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By wozo - August 3 - 9:23 pm

  At age 84 I have parked my Explorer and purchased the Mariner Hybrid. I will still use the Explorer for towing my trailers. I have now driven the Hybrid slightly over 1500 miles. It has the premium accessory package including the moon roof. Fuel economy checks closely with the published figures. Overall I am getting just over 30 mpg. So far, I very much like the vehicle, it handles well on all types of roadway, it has excellent visibility, and gives a fairly comfortable ride. Acceleration is adequate. Being rather tall, I appreciate the headroom and easy access.

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  I hate this car - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By patskar - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car almost 3 years and have just put in its 5th alternator. Ive also had two other separate electrical services. The radio has been replaced twice and the hatch release has been repaired twice and still doesn;t work. I am so sorry I bought this car. It looks pretty, but thats about it.

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  Great investment with 117,700 miles - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By bamagal - August 2 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car from a dealer with 27,000 miles mid-2001 (was formerly a program car). It is a V6 24-valve DOHC and have used regular gas since purchase. Good fuel economy, as it always averaged 23-25 mpg. The engine is a powerful V6, with faster take-off than the other V8 vehicle that I drive; it never hesitates. This car is comfortable for travel, and, has always been reliable - fun to drive too. The power seat and adjustable pedal controls make it easy to find just the right comfort spot behind the steering wheel. Have never had any regrets about this purchase.

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  Luv my 06 Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By A King - August 2 - 4:50 am

  Ive had my Mariner for 3 1/2 yrs and like it so far. This is my 1st SUV and now I cant go back to a car. Love the decor, style, sunroof and stereo system. Cant support more than 4 passengers comfortably but thats ok with me. Has loud road noise and brake problems (weird sounds), took to dealer and was told everything was fine. Backseat headrest are bad, blocks view. Needs improvement in lowering back seats. Oh, please include more on steering controls for convenience and handling. These are things I can live with but think should be addressed. Looking forward to my next Mariner fully loaded!!

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  Never though Id own a Mercury..... - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By JBR Merc Owner - August 1 - 10:53 pm

  I recently lemon-lawed a smaller foreign made van and began the long shopping process over the fall. I had read that Mercury had began selling a van again in 04, so I gave it a shot. Im glad I did. If Lincoln made a van this would be it, and mine isnt even the loaded one (Premier), quiet, great ride, good power. Its got everything you could ever want in a vehicle. I dont mind at all giving up a little gas milage for the convience and luxury the Monterey provides. I have recommended this vehicle to all of my family and friends. With the rebates L- M was offering the price for the incredibly equipped Luxury (mid-level) was unbelieveable. Looking forward to a Holiday roadtrip w/ the family.