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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  my merc - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By elbee - March 24 - 3:40 am

  This car is a stealth car. It does everything well, and nobody notices it. Most of my friends drive sports cars, or SUVs. I just shake my head and wonder how they could not want one of these. I get an honest 22 to 24 mpg in absolute comfort.

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  Thanks Dad - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By Thanks Dad - March 22 - 4:23 pm

  I recently got moved further from home at work making my commute over an hour each way, driving an eight cylinder pick up was not very economical. I was forced into buying a car quickly with out time to research. My father had recently bought a 2008 Murcury sedan, I was amazed I was not familiar with the line of vehicles because it was such a sporty, luxurious ride. When I heard what he paid I was blown away. Needless to say I got lucky he bought that car because he did the research for me. I bought a 2009 Murcury Milan, 4 cyninder for my commute, and all the bells and whistles for the fun. I miss my truck, but unless things change alot I will be a faithfull Murcury owner in the future.

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  Excellent refined automobile - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By Barry - March 21 - 9:00 am

  Great acceleration for a 4 cylinder engine. Styling is very impressive, looks better than vehicles that cost a lot more. Interior is very comfortable. Premier model has lots of desired extras. Handling is superb! Very good gas mileage. Ford/Mercury has a real winner here!

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  New to SUVs - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Debi - March 19 - 6:13 am

  I have owned a Lexus SC400 for the past eight years. After buying a home on a hill and realizing I could not haul anything for the house in my car and when it snowed my car was useless - I decided it was time to go the SUV route. Reluctant as I was, I am very happy with my choice of the Mercury Mariner. So far, I am enjoying the look and feel of the Mariner, the attention to detail in the exterior and interior. The SUV feels very solid and has a smooth ride. I am looking forward to the handling of the Mariner in the Seattle rain and snow.

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  Old school - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By RMO - March 16 - 6:14 pm

  Great Value. Resale value is low but that is good for buyers looking for dependable transportation. Electronic temperature controls can be expensive to fix. Great car for the money. This thing is just as comfortable as when it was new, runs just as smoothly as well. Ill take another one.

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  Enjoy the Ride - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Baby Girl - March 16 - 10:06 am

  This SUV is nice for 2 young children. The third row is great for your childrens friends and converts easily when its time to do household shopping.

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  Great Car no problems - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Shane - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Brought it brand new in 1999. Currently have 150,587 miles. Had the intake manifold replaced and recently a tire rod and now on its 4 set of tires. Otherwise the car has been reliable, comfortable safe ride. A/C works well still cold. My only concern is the stability of the under carriage on rough rods. the vehicle sometimes feels as if it loses contact with the road surface at highway speed. Mileage is appx 250 miles to a tankful highway/city driving.Also the fender above the front tires is rusting. Seems to be a common problem with this car.

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  Easy front seat access - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ron - March 16 - 4:33 am

  The front passenger seat is easy to enter and exit. This is the main thing I was looking for, since my wife has a physical handicap. The front doors are high and wide, and hip and head room are excellent. The front bench seat, without a console, is a plus, for the extra legroom. The leather power seats help getting in and out. I had considered a van for front seat access, but this cars front seat dimensions were almost as good.

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  If only the mileage - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Baciball - March 12 - 2:00 am

  If onlythe milage were a little better, it would be the perfect vehicle. I get around 9 - 10 in the city, 18 on the highway. Other than that, there is nothing more that you could ask for. The vehicle rides superbly, handles great, and has excellent pick-up for those short on- ramps.

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  mm - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nancy rule - March 12 - 2:00 am

  its very different and i just love it and its like no other