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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  Sable - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By Bernd Langer - August 7 - 4:13 pm

  This vehicle has proved to be the quality one would expect from a new car purchase. I have had only one warranty item the car needed to be returned to the dealer for. The interior luxury and space for a taller person is wonderful. For years I have driven a cramped import or small economical car and this is a welcome change. If this car prove to be as reliable long term as my escort and Toyota corona and camry were then it was well worth. it.

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  Barbara - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Barbara - August 6 - 5:13 am

  I traded a different car in for the Mariner because I like the look and do not regret it. I love this car

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  Crazy about a Mercury - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TomK. - August 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned a series of Ford SUVs (96,99,02)and this new 04 Mountaineer is the most comfortable, smoothest riding one yet. Very pleased with the performance and mileage to date, and the deal from L-M was to our liking.The upgrade to leather seating and a few other small touches are a nice part of the Mercury package. Edmunds TMV was very helpful!

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  Grand Pa? I think not. - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Love the Old School - August 4 - 2:00 am

  A mafia trunk, chunky wheels and a bad a** v-8 engine. What more could you ask for...? Rear wheel drive? Traction control? Leather? ABS Breaks? Its all there in the Grand Marquis. This car is like a rocket off the line, turn off the Traction cntrl and have some fun :) This car is surprisingly smooth and easy to handle. I went from a 99 Galant to this land boat and it handles like an overgrown German sedan. With the variable steering, cruise contrl, and that luscious suspension system one cant help but feel like they are commanding a vessel made for crusing.

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  Underpriced - 2005 Mercury Sable
  By Sean - August 2 - 12:43 am

  This is my 2nd sable; the first lasted over 12 years before it finally quit. The 05 sable exceeded my expectations as far as interior design and build quality. It kind of reminds me of a luxury car. It may not have perfect gas mileage (I average around between 27-29 mpg), but other than that it definitely outclasses most of its competitors. This car deserves a lot more credit.

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  Space Ship - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By Bill - August 1 - 8:50 pm

  strong V6 acceleration; sticks to the road around corners; nice V6 sound on acceleration; exceptionally quiet; Blind side/backup radars and rear camera very useful; Big Nav System touch screen and VR fun to use for calling, playing music, navigating; Sony surround sound exceptional; detailed "message center" info useful and nice instrument cluster; comfortable; nice styling inside and out; Satellite radio, moon roof, Hard Drive for music, remote start are also fun. Way more than just transportation. Issues: had the dealer replace an intermittent door speaker; driver side front and rear doors are slightly misaligned relative to each other; had the dealer adjust the trunk alignment

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  Good Car - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Dawn Miller - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my wagon, but had to learn how to get in and out without bumping my head. I was told it had 2 extra passenger folding seats, but upon checking it out (after the sale) it did not. Not the wagons fault, but the deceit of my salesman! After driving it for 4 months I have learned to love it. I added the CD changer and the pull down cover. 20 miles to the gallon is average. I am happy. It has great style

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  not a toyota but..... - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By mrproduxn - July 31 - 3:16 am

  we purchased this van with 60k miles in near perfect shape for $8500.within 30 days was hit hard in rear at stoplight.tailgate and both quarters replaced.2 weeks later was hit in side.new side panel and complete paint.at 71k miles head gasket blew 2 blocks from home.water into engine. hydrolocked and broke cam and head bolts.repaired. mechanic said get rid of it due to bottom end engine trauma. also have found where was in accident on left front-shock tower replaced and weld seam noticeable under van.have replaced driver axle twice.replaced a/c compressor. now have 115k miles and starting to leak oil- possibly rear main seal.considering the history this has been a great van.

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  Best Value of any Hybrid - 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
  By Mike - July 29 - 4:53 am

  Ford has finally gotten it right. My last Ford was a 1990 Taurus SHO and have owned 3 foreign cars before my Milan...was hesitant to buy American but CR says it is reliable & well- made. My only concern will be its resale value in 3-5 years since most American cars really fail that category. Got a great deal and with the Federal tax credit and sales tax deduction an even better deal...better handling & road feel than a 2009 Accord & seats better than a Camry, however front headrests take some getting use to. Have had no issues with the car and mileage is down because of winter cold but still better than my V-6 Accord. The sound system is excellent & the Milan is a better deal than the Fusion!

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  Best Used vehicle Ive Purchased - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By THSKATER - July 28 - 6:56 am

  Purchased this vehicle as a second car to travel back and forth to work ( I have two new Mercurys that I did not want to use for work ) the 2001 Mercury had 10000 miles on it!not even broke-in yet. what a pleasure to drive, I dont even use our other cars. fuel mileage is good, I love the ride, the cabin is very quiet and configuration is great, as for the exterior, in my opinion it is one of the best looking cars in its class. Reliability played a large part in my decision process, Im a retired officer from a county in Pa. the fords I drove every day were ( and are ) very reliable vehicles. I just moved up a rung on the ladder of the vehicle that I drove for twenty years.