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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  1 Year of Ownership Update - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By cristo - January 5 - 1:06 pm

  It has been a year now since I purchased my 09 Milan. I have logged only 4,500 miles to date, and (so far) no major issues. I will say that the transmission labors a bit to shift out of first gear when it is cold outside. But is fine once warmed up.It does get on my nerves a bit. My absolute MAJOR complaint is with the headrests in this car! Almost unbearable! I notice all of the Ford products have adapted to this design.I will not purchase another Ford product next year if they are not changed. Other than the two issues I have stated,the car is very good! Mileage is in the mid 20s per gallon. I rarely use it on long trips due to the uncomfortable headrests! It gives me a pain in the neck!

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  Nice - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Lydia - January 2 - 12:50 am

  This car is in my family and I drive it sometimes. My dad loves it. It had only minor problems in the almost 3 years weve had it including this freaky thing where the left passenger side window shattered out of nowhere. It has 50,000 something miles and is still doing great.

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  Quality Lacking - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Phil Little - January 1 - 12:33 pm

  This is my umpteenth Ford product that I have purchased new since 1962. The car performs well, but has a very annoying squeak in the front suspension that the service department hasnt been able to locate and repair. It would appear that quality was not number one the day my car was built. I like the ride, the looks of the car, and am happy with the gas mileage which is in keeping with the original sticker quote. My 2004 Marquis was a better built vehicle.

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  A fine automobile - 2006 Mercury Montego
  By MANNY - December 26 - 3:46 pm

  Having owned 7 Mercurys in the past 18 years I am impressed by the constant quality and reliability of the marque. The 2006 Montego, although not an impressive looking style, is right up there with most vehicles in its class. The comfort is absolutely superb for both driver and passengers. The roominess is superior to most cars, even those costing thousands more. Tall seating is almost as good as most SUVs.

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  1998 Mercury Mystique LS - 1998 Mercury Mystique
  By Ridgerunr - December 25 - 2:00 am

  The 1998 Mercury Mystique LS has been a joy to drive. It has good power from the 2.5L 24 valve V6 Duratec engine. Handling is nimble & agile, cornering very well. The interior design is pleasant in appearance. The front seats are comfortable, well proportioned & provide good support. The major drawback is the lack of room in the rear seating area. While the Mystique has room for four adults, the fit is tight. This car is best suited for the individual, couple, or small family with young children. P.S. An interesting fact: While the Mystique is no longer available as a Mercury, it is still available. It is the basis for the new (2000+) Jaguar S-Type compact sedan.

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  Loved the Villager, tried the Monterey - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Sara - December 24 - 2:00 am

  We have a 95 Villager with 291K & still love it, even without AC. Bought this Monetery after my husband totaled 2002 Villager & ended up with a scratch. Love it but many repairs. Now Drivers heated seat is out, Drivers side heat blows cold, replaced transmission at 135K, replace brakes on regular basis, expensive to replace tires, and windshield wipers work intermittently

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  New Montego - 2005 Mercury Montego
  By Dave - December 21 - 9:20 pm

  So far I have been very pleased with this car. I have read many reviews about the "under-sized" engine being the Achilles heel of the vehicle. This is not an accurate statement. I have had no problems accelerating into highway traffic and certainly no problems accelerating IN highway traffic. Unless you are Mario Andretti or you are going for a new quarter mile record, the engine power is appropriate. This is the most comfortable car I have ever ridden in. The high seating helps prevent your forward view from being totally obstructed by SUVs and small trucks. The car is also very well equipped even at the entry level.

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  GREAT USED CAR SO FAR - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By Mikefromsantaclara - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Driven 50,000 miles over the past two years, no major problems. Just did my first brake job at 65,000 miles along with a major tune-up. Oil changes every 6,000 miles with filter changes every other 12,000. Driven every day for business. Over the road Salesman start and stop traffic, with alot of highway miles.

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  Take the Good with the Bad - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Cougar - December 16 - 11:40 am

  I love the outer appearance however it is lacking in other areas. I have the "leather" interior. this car is 5 year old and already the seats are shot. I have rips/holes just from every day use. I have only had this car a few months and have had to replace the brakes and recut rotors. The transmission seems to be slipping at times too. Its fun to drive but the repairs will cost you. I have a Chevy before and I think I just might go back to buying them next time around.

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  very good car - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By pls317 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  the cougar and the t-bird from 1991 to 1997 are the best cars made in that time frame