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:

• 

  Reliable Car - 1998 Mercury Mystique
  By no-mistakin mystique - October 6 - 3:40 pm

  4cyl GS. Had to write a positive review after reading many of the others. Bought the car in 2002 with 40000, and so far has far outlasted my expectations. After 187,000 miles, this car is running great. I have changed 2 water pumps, 1 timing belt, 1 thermostat, and 1 blinker switch. For the money, this is the best car I have ever owned. Changed oil every 5k and Tranny fluid every 30K. Follow the recommended service items and problems should be minimal. Granted, I dont get any double-takes from the ladies here, but for everyday transportation, it has been great.

• 

  love my minivan! - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By erkinkim - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this van. Ive had no problems whatsoever with it. Very smooth ride and easy to drive. Great with the kids and plenty of room. Highly recommended

• 

  the v6 5 spd recomended - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By whitelightning - October 6 - 10:00 am

  i bought my 99 cougar used with 31000 miles on it the only problem i had so far was replacing the alternator it i replaced it with an aftermarket one because fords new or rebuild ones are junk othe then that the car performs well i beat plently of imports and that was when it was stock

• 

  bermuda - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By bermuda - October 3 - 8:40 pm

  bought this car brand new and loved it for all ten years that i owned it. just traded it on as close of a vehicle on the market since they dont make the cougar any longer. purchased a 2006 monte carlo. hope it is as trouble free and as great a car as the couger. it really was trouble free ownership and was driven cross country many times. it had 152,000 miles and looked showroom new.

• 

  I LOVE MY CAR - No problems in 5 years - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Original Owner - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new and havent had to replace anything but gas, oil, coolent, tires and window switches. I figure if the only surprise after 80K miles was the two window switches on the driver side, Im in good shape. Ive taken it on numerous road trips and its my daily driver.

• 

  Original Owner - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By TJ in Texas - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. It is big, roomy, and looks good both inside and outside. For a large car, it gets good gas milage (25 - 30 MPG on the hiway, less in the city). Maintenance has been minimal. I would have no hesitation in purchasing another Grand Marquis

• 

  Lemon!!! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By kp2002 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car ever!!! In the two years since I purchased the vehicle I have had it in the shop 6 times for stalling or not starting. I have problems with my windows leaking. The interior construction is a mess. Shortly after purchase, the upholstry in the back seat starting coming up. And dont get me started on the worthless cup holder that has spilled more drinks than it has supported. Also the interior lights have had shorts since purchase. Other than the cute body style I dont have anything positive to say!

• 

  okay but never again - 2005 Mercury Sable
  By Jane - September 28 - 12:13 am

  The car is okay. It has the most features for the price and the dealer has been more than helpful. My cars engine light is on about once every two months. It chuggs along. No comfortable for trips over 170 miles. Not the ideal car to rack miles on and expect minimal maitenance. Does handle well in the snow but not the cold.

• 

  What a vehicle - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Very Pleased - September 26 - 8:00 pm

  This is an amazing vehicle. Ive had my Mountaineer for about 3 months, and Im always looking for a reason to take it out for a ride. If only gas price was a little cheaper. I feel in complete control when Im in it. I have driven a lot of cars and trucks but I have never driven a vehicle that handles this good.

• 

  Not a sports car - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By dankalm - September 26 - 4:26 pm

  This car is a living room on wheels-- very comfy, nice and quiet and plenty of room. If youre looking for a sports car--keep looking, if youre looking for comfort and functionality for a reasonable price--this is it. For about 2k more than my wifes element-- I ride in elegant comfort.