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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  So Far So Good - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By SteenAZ - January 22 - 7:03 pm

  Just switched from an 05 Mariner FWD V6 to a 08 AWD Hybrid and we are super impressed. Great redesign of a car we we still liked from the first version. The interior is much improved and seems bigger although it is not. Overall a more upscale looking vehicle. Hybrid engine is a joy to drive. So far we are hitting close to 30 even with the majority of miles being on the highway.

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  The name says it all Montery Luxury - 2006 Mercury Monterey
  By Greg - January 22 - 11:43 am

  All i can say is its the best Van out there it is loaded up with luxury features and a powerful 4.2L V6 it is absolutely the best if youre smart youll avoid all the rest because i tried them and they all stink in my opinion like i said before Monterey is the Best

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  Its good enough for me - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By wattaguy - January 22 - 2:03 am

  Im the unusual purchaser. My main car is a 2002 Bentley Arnage. Im spoiled, and I know it. We bought this car, a Premium model to schlep the dogs and visitors. It has comfort for 7. We got every option, and then added an after market moonroof and wood trim package. Its now 4 years later. The Bentley sits, and we drive the van. Its comfortable, dependable, and has never had a mechanical issue once. I know if I get into this car Im going to get to where Im going. Some of the plastic trim items were cheesy, and they could improve on that, but for the price this is a really nice car, and at 3000 miles a year, were now retired, this car will be with us forever. Its good enough for me.

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  2007 Milan requires new transmission at 75K miles - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By cpuetzer - January 21 - 5:10 pm

  Started out as a decent vehicle. However, since I purchased the car I have put 75K miles with the bulk of it being highway miles. A low level hum developed and now the dealer and my mechanic confirmed that I now need a new transmission. Ford is only willing to pay 1K of the warranty repair price which leaves me stuck paying (3K). Amazing how Ford is not willing to stand behind their products. Even if I had purchased the extended warranty I still think a tranny should last longer than 75K and would still be unhappy.

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  Tough Truck for a V6 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jake - January 21 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my Mountaineer used with 40,000 miles on it. Other than a crack on the liftgate it was in great shape. Ive always driven my vehicles hard and I can say for just being a 4.0L it is a workhorse. Ive hauled thousands of pounds of supplies behind it in a trailer, driven off-road,done a few donuts, you name it. I bought it out of pure necessity having a third child on the way. This is my grocery/camping/work/family vehicle. I love the sound system and leather seats and 17 inch wheels. It handles great and has good power for passing. It has 109,000 miles now and all Ive had to replace was an alternator. I also nailed a deer at about 50 mph and virtually no damage. I have no regrets.

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  Best looking Explorer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tom76 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I recently drove a 03 Mountaineer for a distance of about 4000 Miles through the Southwest on a trip to the U.S. I liked this car very much, especially compared to other SUVs I drove before, incl. Expedition Eddie Bauer, GMC Jimmy and Montero Sport. While not as roomy as the Expedition, it offers superior handling capabilities and the same 3rd row flexibility. Interior materials are nice compared to other US build vehicles. Vehicle was very well equipped, leather seats are more comfortable than those in the Explorer XLT. Automatic climate control is a nice feature. Steering feel is good for a SUV, but could provide somewhat more feedback.

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  Go USA - 2006 Mercury Montego
  By Ron - January 19 - 4:50 am

  This car is way more than I expected for an American car. Ride, comfort and style sum up the vehicle. I like all the features and the quietness of the ride is a big plus. I turned in an Acura TL for this baby and am really pleased. I urge all car buyers looking for a big American well appointed car to drive the Merc.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By William S - January 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first actual newer car. It is a great car and i love the interior. Its very cozey in side and great on long rides for vacations. Im a person who likes to add accesories to a car and since ive been doing so the sable really has looked nice, and i get many complimants for it. I recommend it.

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  Great Small Luxury SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Garey - January 16 - 3:13 am

  I actually got misty-eyed trading in my Mariner last week for a less expensive, sub-compact. My Mariner was loaded with amenities, including european leather-seat design which drew tons of compliments, premium sound system and navigation. The vehicle was comfortable and very pleasant to drive in the city or on the highway (20.5/27.5 mpg). Never had any trouble with it for the 28,000 miles I put on it. The 9-speaker/6 CD premium sound was worth every penny extra. I cannot say enough about how well this car was designed and made. I am looking forward to better economic times when I can trade in my new sub-compact for another Mariner.

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  Bought new - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Warren Goodwin - January 15 - 6:14 pm

  Bought new and we have put 215k on it. Wonderful machine to travel in. We get 22mpg on the highway.