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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  They just keep getting better - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By davdor - January 9 - 3:56 pm

  This is my fourth Mountaineer and there are significant improvements since 2005. The V8 is smooth and quiet, and the ride is much smoother. There is very little road noise and the body appears to be stiffer. A consuner magazine claims the Mountaineer has above average mechanical problems, but I have never had even one.

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  Great car - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By keithm - January 8 - 4:16 pm

  I just traded an 06 Milan for an 08 Sable. The nav system/Sirius radio are great. This car came with every option except rear seat entertainment system. Car is very quiet & surprisingly quick. Youre well over the speed limit if not careful. Interior is very nice with supportive seats. Always dislike cars with seats that are "too" cushy.

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  1st Time Mercury Owner - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By Michelle - Chicago - January 8 - 12:53 pm

  Just bought my Mariner on Jan. 16th. Still learning all about it and getting use to it. I bought the Premier model and enjoy the upgrades. I purchased the 2WD and so far very sufficient for the Chicago weather. I do like the visibility of the SUV styling. Gas mileage..well see how that goes. Too early to tell but it is a SUV. My only complaint at this time is, the noise level. Chicago streets arent the best but when you hit a bump it sounds like the whole rear end of the vehicle is going to fall out. My old Explorer wasnt even that bad on the bumps. Maybe that will get better over time. I hope so!

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  big Ds Merc - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bigdaddy@localnet.co - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The handling and get up is great. The fuel mileage isnt so good. Lots of blind spots because I have the seat all the way back when I drive. Very comfortable on long trips. Good stock sound system. 3rd row seating is cramped for adults. The computer area is hard to see.

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  Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Brede - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the feel I have when driving this vehicle...just want to keep it washed and clean all the time. Sound is great. It turns heads.

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  Its ALL THAT - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By MRS. G - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall its a great car. I really enjoy highway driving, and this car is exceptional there. It handles curves smoothly and is very comfortable. The ease in excelleration is remarkably smooth no sudden jolts when it goes into overdrive. I Love my MAURAUDER!!!

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  one awsome car - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By TPbandit - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Its a crown vic with 18" wheels, duel exhast and the mustang cobra engine, its a great sleeper car. with an after market super charger and a chip it can easly get in the 12 sec range, and that not bad for a 4300lb car. Not only is it fast but with its beefed up suspention it handles as good as my mustang. Its one of the nicest looking exteriors in a long time, and its the first attractive interior ive seen sence the 60s. Its great fun to drive and burn so many ricers. Its only flaw is when it rains the trunk and hood jams hold water. But its one of the best and funnest cars ive ever driven.

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  Sable Review - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By VSP - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been very impressed with my Sable. Although there have been a couple of recalls, the car has exceeded my expectations. I have over 75k miles with the original tires and brakes. The only problem I had was to replace an idle sensor. The car runs as good today as the day I bought it

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  Under the Radar - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By cred - January 4 - 9:53 pm

  The subdued styling, borrowed from the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria allows the Marauder to be a true sleeper. Considering the weight of the Marauder performance is excellent. Handling is predictable, and can be pushed. Tail slide in hard cornering is likely in hard cornering or slick conditions, but the long wheel base and responsive steering allows a driver to push through it. On the entertaining side, when cruising on or slightly above the legally posted speed limit on the interstate, lines of brake lights will pop up and hearts will skip a beat as police cruiser clone pops out of traffic. Very reliable. I replaced a set of shocks, 18 oil changes, k&n air filter & drove it over 95k.

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  The best by far - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jcio - January 2 - 4:00 pm

  I bought my Mountaineer used in 2003. It has now reached 222000 miles and I just had it inspected. Needed a few spark plugs but that was it. I asked if the engine and transmission were ok and the mechanic said they were. I love this car. I am looking for another used suv, not because anything is wrong with the mountaineer, Im just getting worried about mileage. But, I wont be selling it. It will take my daughter to school when she starts driving. They are hard to find used because everyone hangs on to them. This is the best vehicle I ever owned.