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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  CPA - 2005 Mercury Montego
  By The Nest - September 3 - 7:50 pm

  I am extremely pleased w/ the design of the vehicle, it is comfortable for 4 adults and luggage. Also the gas mileage is very good - power on highway is adequate - traveling 75-80 on interstate. Very roomy interior and trunk is very large. Vehicle handles very well in traffic and responds well. sound system is very good and I am just plain very pleased with the vehicle after 12,000 miles.

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  Very good overall vehicle - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By cmhennig - September 3 - 10:16 am

  I have been very happy with my purchase overall. The only regret is buying one with the 5 speed manaul transmission. I thought it would be fun shifting gears but its not.

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  Mariner Review - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By John Bernards - August 31 - 9:30 am

  I drive many short trips taking grand children to and from school and events. The trips are frequent but unscheduled. Many of the trips are 2 miles or less. I have had no problems with the vehicle and am getting over 25 MPG. Excellent vehicle.

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  Better than the Grand Marquis! - 2002 Mercury Sable
  By Avon Bunny - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I currently own a Grand Marquis & never thought Id find a better car. The Sable just changed my mind. This car has more trunk room, fold down rear seats, its amazingly comfortable, & has more features than I imagined it would.

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  Sable-Hidden pearl in the mid-size sea - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By E. Brinson - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I looked around for a while to find a nice mid-size sedan. In the process, I looked at the usual suspects (Camry, Acord and Altima). They are nice cars, but the Sable was roomer with comparable features and for significantly less dollars, plus a V6 engine is standard on the Sable. I would strongly recommend that you look at the Sable as well as the "usual suspects". To me, it was the best value for my buck. I feel like Im driving a much more expensive car and its pretty fun to drive.

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  Great car, make sure you look at it - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By TH - August 27 - 7:30 am

  I dont see many of them around but it is a great car. Give it a look if your in the market. You wont be disappointed. The biggest safety risk you take every day is getting behind the wheel. Feel good about the excellent safety features of this car.

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  dotys - 2005 Mercury Montego
  By 4 door - August 26 - 5:30 am

  We moved from Califorina to Klamath Falls and was concerned about snow and ice. We bought the car with Tracktion control as well as shiftless transmission. We have seen people slide alot this winter but we only slid once when, going to fast, I moved into the center lane after a snow fall to make a last minute left turn.

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  mercury marquis - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By john - August 25 - 4:06 pm

  we just took a 2 week 3,000 mile trip in this car what a pleasure, even with 3 kids in the back (dvd player helped) the ride is not as soft as some of the older luxury cars, however this car will take a corner well and stop on a dime. Acceleration is adequate or good if you are lucky enough to find one with the performance package this car has been very economical, cheap insurance good gas milage (27 mpg at 75 mph) and only about $200 in repairs at 130k thats doing a lot of towing too

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By cn03684 - August 23 - 5:03 pm

  This is a great SUV. Has excellent gas mileage compared to other SUVs in its class. Plenty of room all around and the two toned seats make a nice touch for inside decor. Fun to drive, no complaints. Hats off to Mercury on this one, best vehicle Ive ever had!

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  My Villager - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Carfan57 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Great handling and ride for a van. A little in the small side but good enough for my familiy.