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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  Longest Lasting SUV in this family - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By amkrug2 - December 28 - 3:49 pm

  My father bought this car in 03 with just over 30k miles on it. Being a repo, there were a couple small problems that the dealership happily fixed, such as a new steering wheel (Lady who owned before broke all the buttons) and one seat replaced. We modified the intake by putting an aftermarket spectre cold air intake on it, but besides that is totally stock. This car lasted like that for 160k miles. The transmission was starting to slip and the front hubs needed attention. We went ahead and replaced them. Now, mind you, nothing ever broke, we just went ahead and replaced before they did. 62k miles later, it broke down for the first time and was just the pump. She is still going strong!

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  What did I do???? - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Stacy - December 24 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago, and am thinking I may have made a big mistake. I traded in my 2004 Toyota corolla with 26,000 miles for this vehicle 2 years newer with 53,000 miles. Typical woman I was cuz I took one look at it and thought it was SO CUTE!!!! Plus, I always wanted a little SUV. A week and a half after I got it, I needed a new Alternator. Now, my husband thinks I have a small oil leak. I guess time will tell. I do know that someone must have gotten a great little toyota. Never had any problems with that car!! Oh well, ladies, dont be fooled by the cuteness!!

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  So Far, So Good - 2004 Mercury Marauder
  By Rex_Karrs - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I recently took delivery of a 2004 Mercury Marauder sedan in Dark Toreador Red, a new color for 2004. The build quality is acceptable - the only defect so far was a problem with door weatherstripping that was fixed before I took delivery. Performance is excellent, fuel economy about what I expected. Theres some evidence of cost-cutting in the interior.

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  Milan in Jersey City, New Jersey - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By David - December 22 - 11:30 am

  I recently purchased the V6 Premier Sedan and it is amazing! I couldnt be more happier. Prior to this, I had the 2006 Milan and was very happy with that. What a reliable car! I live (Jersey City) and work (Hoboken) in the NYC metro and am on the road for most my time. I know traffic! And this is the car to be in when you are in bumper to bumper traffic! The sound system is amazing and the seats are so comfortable! This car will definitely win some awards. It just snowed a foot here and the Milan was amazing in the snow (AWD)!

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  Owner - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Howard Mattison - December 19 - 9:53 pm

  This is my fourth Grand Marque starting with a 1984. I have always enjoyed driving them and have never had any serious trouble. For a large car the gas mileage is very good. Gets 21 in town and 28 on the highway. Good dealer to deal with and good service at dealer.

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  leaking air - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By MrBees - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I hate driving this car because of the wind noise around the front windows. Having it checked here and in NC Im told its the design of the mirrors. Surely with the number sold, they dont put up with the noise, its distracting.

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  Lemons - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Merck - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Sable GS in one year. The first was returned because of transmission problems---A dangerous surge. Dealership wanted to put in a new transmission but I declined and was given another new Sable. The second one is also a dud. Transmission seems to be our of sync with engine. Idling is so fast and within specs that it can travel 5 mph without touching the accelerator! Both Sables have a dangerous vibration on the steering wheel after going 65 miles an hour. By getting another Sable I believed I would have no problems but Ive been back for repairs more that 5 times. I dont recommend it to anyone.

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  Car has 147,000 miles and it drives like new - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jwdia - December 16 - 4:30 am

  Pros: *At 147K miles engine and tranny sounds, and performs like brand new. *They were not kidding about the V8 Power. * Body well built and solid. Quality steel - no rust yet. * AWD really grips the roads ( Iowa winters..no problem here) Cons: *Factory radio works but no display - common issue. * rear wiper does not work - again common issue. *Keyless entry quit working, and door locks need some TLC. * some road noise. ( cant tell yet if it is in need of a muffler or just the roar of the 5.0) * no rust yet but a little pain bubbling on the bottom inside of the rear doors. not noticable to the public

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  A Lot of Car for the Money - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Very Pleased - December 12 - 5:43 pm

  Fully loaded, the car has all of the bells and whistles youll ever need and then some. Very responsive engine and tight, quiet ride make it fun to drive. Ive been amazed at the gas mileage since Ive just logged 1,000 miles on the engine.

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  Sleeper and Price Performer - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By Ronin - December 12 - 5:53 am

  One of Fords less-known price performer. A V-6 with plenty of power and a surprising consistent 31 MPG at highway speeds. Comfortable and roomy with basic features that are usually sought after. Built sturdy and economical, this vehicle is a great choice competing with under powered 4 cylinders in its class.