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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  Is this really an American car - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Rick - June 18 - 5:03 am

  The Milan I purchased is a Premier which comes with leather and numerous amenities and options including side air bags, a convenience pkg, heated front seats and traction contol. For the price this car is a steal. It seems inevitable that the Milan/Fusion will change the publics perception of American sedans.

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  mercury grand marquis - 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By cbuick - June 14 - 10:00 am

  mercury knows how to build them .mercury grand marquis rides quiet and is a beautiful car.the motor is a strong 4.6 liter v8and responds fantastic strong acceleration.

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  Love my Mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Diana - June 13 - 10:46 am

  I mostly use my Mountaineer for commuting, but have taken a couple of long trips, and love it for both. Things I love: comfort, turning radius, quality, sound system, ease of handling, reliability, ease of maintainence, and runs on regular grade fuel. My former cars were a Mercedes and BMW, and this is more comfortable, reliable, and economical to maintain than either. The paint doesnt chip or fade, and always looks great. 2 people have bumped into me and caused damage to their cars but no damage to mine. Its great going up mountains such as the Sierras. There are so many little well-thought out details. I have no complaints.

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  Very enjoyable to drive - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By Sold on Mercury - June 11 - 10:00 am

  In terms of value for your money, no other car comes even close! The Mercury is a fun, safe, dependable and comfortable car to drive. This is my 4th Mercury and have never had any problems.

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  Survey - 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By jcarmo40 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have only had great experiences with this car. It is very reliable and gets many good comments from passerbys.

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  Best Ride Ever - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TreeHug - June 6 - 12:26 am

  This is my most favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I enjoy the stylist leather interior, the beautiful dash and the cargo space. I often time have to haul items for work and it makes it so easy to get things in and out. Being a V-6 the good gas milage for this size of vehicle is wonderful. It was great having 4- wheel drive this winter. I live on a - dead-end gravel road that lacks snow removal and my Mountaineer got me through what ever snow. I am having problems with the radio display.

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  Milan V6 Premier - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Bob - June 2 - 7:13 am

  Great Mid-Size car to buy. Very Pleased with the handling and overall performance.

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  Get a Clue - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Bob R Turbo - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who dislikes this vehicle, probably works for another manufacturer, or is afraid that their precious Impala is going to lose a ton of value (which it will). Why would someone sell this vehicle, after finding out it only comes in black? Low ratings on this board equal that persons PANIC. Gorgeous looks and super comfortable. Whats not to like.

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  Awesome - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Gator - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car, wont let the wife drive the beast, mid-life crisis fun mobile.

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  Nice looks, tight ride. - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By The Monsignor - May 26 - 6:53 pm

  This vehicle nicely fills a niche between the larger luxury SUVs and the more expensive, smaller luxury SUVs (I consider it entry-level luxury). The engine is wonderful and peppy (V6), and the two-tone leather trim is nicely done. The suspension is smoother than the Escape, and it drives more carish than truckish. Brakes are quite responsive. The interior with chrome trim and very dark faux wood is quite handsome, and helped seal the deal. I went with white (living in a hot climate and beige leather). Mercury has done a nice job, and I expect to see more of these on the road soon.