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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  Too much fun! - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Fitz - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Grand Marquise to a Marauder. Best change I could have made. This car drives like a sports car, but is a full size sedan. Its comfortable, reliable, fast, and just Too much fun!

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  Vivid Red Milan - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By dannyboy - November 4 - 9:30 pm

  This car offers great mpg and a lot of interior space and cargo space. Lots of looks and people ask questions about the car, i.e., what kind of vehicle is this?

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  Excellent value vehicle - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Vickimac - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has really surprised us. It handles superbly, rides great and the instruments are easily accessible. We originally looked at a Lincoln Aviator but when we test drove the Mountaineer it was very obvious that the Linclon just wasnt worth the added cost. The Mountaineer had an equally good ride, great looks and lots of room. We drove this across the country this summer and it was a real pleasure. Highly recommended

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  Just like our 9 year old Explorer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BoSoG - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 MTR replaced our lovable 95 Ltd Explore. This truck has the feel of my old Acuras that I enjoyed so much in terms of firmness in the interior. We took the 0% financing since we will keep for 6-10 years.The 4.6 is a VERY powerful engine. Fun to drive and the 3 kids love it too. They like it better than our 2001 Yukon XL.

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  One of the best Ive owned - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By KVWB - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is just a classy looking and very easy and confortable car to drive. Its an attention getter and Ive received many compliments about its looks.

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  Best Sedan Ive Owned - 2005 Mercury Montego
  By George - October 29 - 8:46 am

  I knew this was the right car for me as soon as I sat down in the drivers seat. The comfort of the seat, the position of the wheel and pedals, the layout of the switches on the steering wheel, the large door mirrors, and the view of the road are all so superior to the competitions product. Ive received compliments on the rear seats, too. Even though I have the drivers seat moved back, adults have plenty of foot room. The engine has plenty of power for normal city and freeway driving, and the CVT transmission is so smooth! Handling and braking are exceptional - helped by the large wheels and tires.

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  Excellent Mountaineer! Best One YET! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By pop123 - October 25 - 11:46 pm

  Yes this mountaineer is the best one yet out of the 4 i have leased already! Out of all my mountaineers there hasent been any problems whatsoever! if decide to get one get the "PREMIER MODEL" its well worth it!

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By tmarie - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned an Oldsmobile, Cutluss Supreme. I loved my little car and it gave me lots of miles, well over 100,000.00 however; it was time to retire her. In looking for a car, I had not considered a Grand Marquis until I, by chance drove one. The luxury, handling ability and extreme comfort sold me. I absolutely love my car. I feel very safe and the ride is so smooth. My father has always owned cadilacs, my car is every bit as smooth and comfortable a ride as his car. I cant say enough good things about this car that I by chance came to own.

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  Still the Best - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By JimC - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve had four Villagers since 95, and the 2002 is as wonderful as its forerunners. Its sad to know that the Villager becomes a victim of "progress" after this model year. Fords inferior Windstar or variations thereof are altogether unsatisfactory alternatives as far as were concerned.

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  awesome bluesmobile - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By dave johnson - October 22 - 4:50 pm

  awesome ride! excellent acceleration, braking, people stay back, this car rocks. the heck with puny gas miser imports that suck all the fun out of driving.