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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  A Real Let-Down - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mfultz - March 17 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this 2002 Mountaineer in 2004 with about 37,000 miles. Initially, I was impressed with the car, especially the 3-row seat. About a year later on a trip from LA to San Francisco, I noticed an "clunking" in the transmission. We really do not drive the car except on long family outings because we have two other smaller, more economical cars. Now at 89,000 both the transmission and the rear axle have gone out. Trans cost $2600; rear end $600. Now I see people indicating there are suspension problems. I am terrified. This is not American! Ford has numerous complaints about trans. Problems. The American thing to do, Ford, would be to back your product! Shame, shame, shame!

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  Mercury Problems Ford Sucks - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jeffrey - March 15 - 7:03 am

  I have owed nothing but Fords, 12 to be exact. That ends NOW. I had a 1997 Taurus, it needed a new transmission at 39k miles, Ford was not going to cover it initially, then I screamed and yelled and they covered it. This Mercury had MAJOR electrical issues at 45k miles, Ford said too bad not covered. The dealer ended up covering it for me. Now, the transmission on the Merc is out at 49k miles. Junk Junk JUNK. No more Fords for me.

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  We love this vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By FearlessBear - March 15 - 5:30 am

  This SUV is still new to us, but so far the whole family loves it. My daughter asked her mom to drive her to school today in the Mariner instead of the Jaguar. Kid you not. I feel the size is just right (better luggage space than the ordinary "small" SUV). It handles very well, drives smooth. Safety features make it an additional value, even for a budget conscious consumer.

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  We love this vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By FearlessBear - March 15 - 3:16 am

  This SUV is still new to us, but so far the whole family loves it. My daughter asked her mom to drive her to school today in the Mariner instead of the Jaguar. Kid you not. I feel the size is just right (better luggage space than the ordinary "small" SUV). It handles very well, drives smooth. Safety features make it an additional value, even for a budget conscious consumer.

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  Top notch sedan - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By mlconlan - March 14 - 12:06 pm

  The Mercury Milan is simply a better drive than any of the usual suspects in the mid-size sedan category. The I- 4 does not make for a fast sedan, but I knew that going in. The exterior design is distinctive without trying to be different, and presents an exceptionally well balanced look. The trim package on my otherwise base model Milan included top rated Michelin tires and beatiful 17 inch wheels. The interior is very well laid out,and sensible. the fit and finish flawless, and reliability 100% so far.

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  Good Car! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Laura - March 13 - 7:10 am

  I have had my car a little over a year. The transmission had a little hiccup but was cheap fix and the alternator went out the first year I had it. I was disgusted at first ( I had downgraded from a Honda Accord) but the car is proving itself worthy! Its a fun car to drive and I get a lot of compliments on the appearance!

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  Beware - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By LARRY BUMP - March 12 - 12:53 pm

  After 27,000 miles something is wrong and it is leaking transmission fluid. The sad part is it has been at the Ford dealer 3 weeks today because they dont have a replacement part. Today I was told they arent sure when the part will come in. Keep your eyes open if you own one, because it sounds like a common problem with this vehicle.

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  price and ride hand and hand - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Orlandus - March 12 - 6:50 am

  For the money I couldnt get a more comfortable ride. The sound system is excellent and driving it is a pleasure

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  Much Fun, Little Gas - 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By JM in Killeen - March 12 - 12:36 am

  I have owned the car just over 1 month and love the mileage I am getting. So far I am averaging 32.3 mpg overall, over 34 MPG with me driving, 29+ with my wife driving (lead foot). I was very surprised with the accereration of the hybrid system, I test drove the v6 model prior to ordering the hybrid system to see how I liked the overall car and I believe the hybrid is quicker. The passenger space is comparable to larger SUVs, but lacks cargo room for long trips. I would like to see more options, color and materials, for the interior, especially for the primere package. Satillite radio, NAV, sync are all top notch and work well. Overall, a very fun, solid SUV. Great MPG as well as performance.

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  Milan AWD - Must be a best kept secret? - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By G - March 10 - 8:16 pm

  Like the guy tells the babe in the commercial, this car had me just on the looks. Now my expectations for sedans are higher. The styling isnt near as dull as the asian cars. This car looks and is sporty. But the sharp lines and sleek look would have you thinking tight and uncomfortable interior - right? Wrong, this car is just right for me. It is comfortable and spacious and doesnt leave me with an aching body from entering and exiting. Granted I wouldnt be talking about these things if I were paying $500+ a month, but I leased this thing at a great price. I see them up here in Michigan a lot but my daughter says she doesnt see a lot of them where she lives. Let the secret out!