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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  Practical and Dependable - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By AtlantaMariner - November 13 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this car fresh out of college in 2006 and so far, no complaints. This is not the flashiest car on the road, but there are several times when I pat myself on the back for choosing this one. I disagree with any owner that criticizes engine power because for the size and amount of money, this thing has some punch to it. I am approaching 40,000 miles and I have had no mechanical issues what-so-ever. Overall, I rate this car very dependable, practical and a great every-day ride. My best friend even bought one because she liked mine.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By gators - November 12 - 10:10 pm

  Overall this is a great SUV. We test drove almost every small SUV on the market including RAV, CRV, Vue, Rogue, Outlook, etc. We liked how this one looked and handled the best. Smooth, quiet and one of the best set of features available in its class. Excellent safety ratings and very good gas mileage for its class as well. Have had for 1 month and am very pleased.

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  Perfect Blue - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Perfect Blue - November 12 - 2:30 pm

  We looked a long time trying to decide between more pricey luxury brands and more basic offerings like the Escape. As soon as I saw the Mariner I knew it was the perfect compromise and bought it. I could not have made a better choice. Fully loaded it offers all the extras but with a very affordable price. It has been fun to drive and has not presented any maintenance problems. I only wish they offered the Navigation system offered with newer models.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Chappy91 - November 12 - 5:36 am

  I needed a reliable second car for the family and the dealership had this cream-puff on the lot. Garage kept, prestine condition. Have had it two weeks and am enjoying the 45 mile round trip commute to work. Surprisingly great gas milage, I use premium in the tank. Smoother than silk ride, corners like a dream. I definitely feel safe having my family in the car. I forsee many excellent years in this beauty. By the way, this is my first Ford...swore I would never own one...previously only owned Japanese or German...making a believer out of me.

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  After the hard work, a smooth ride home - 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By AJ - November 12 - 5:30 am

  I bought a second-hand car after graduation for office commuting. I grew up playing with Matchbox cars and I never imagined I would be driving a rear wheel drive large American sedan one day. Nearly three years and 28,000 miles later, I am still in love with my car. Aside from regular maintenance and a few niggles (door rattle), it has not cost me anything to maintain. I fill it, shut it, and forget it. My friends and relatives were apprehensive when I chose it over a fuel efficient Japanese car, but now all of them enjoy riding in it. The car is very reliable. It is also fun to drive. Considering its size, it maintains traction in high-speed turns and it is nimble while parking

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  Mercury makes buying American Fun! - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By Nick - November 10 - 10:03 pm

  This car stands out from the others in its class. I have the Premier V-6 with AWD. The 17" wheels and classy interior give this car a high-class appearance and feel at a fraction of the cost. People who see my car instantly change their mind about the Mercury product line. The feel is excellent and the car seems to hug the road with ease. I highly recommend the Milan to anyone that wants domestic and appreciates a little Detroit flair and ingenuity! I never thought I would own a Mercury at my age but I do and now I love the whole Mercury lineup.

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  Better than expected - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By maxie - November 10 - 8:30 am

  After having my heart set on an Audi A4, I test drove the Milan at the same dealership. When I compared the cars, it was apparent the Milan was the better buy, and I decided to take the chance. Of course, its not an Audi, but it is very comfortable, has great features like the Sync and the satellite radio, and drives extremely well. After putting about 7,000 miles on it, Im still happy with my decision and would definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  Well... - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Don1090 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I agree that 155 HP is not enough to move this tank thru town. Turning circle is pretty awful, but in principle fun to drive and provides plenty of room for the driver. Steering has its own ideas.

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  Very sporty & rich feeling - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Denise Brescia - November 8 - 5:00 am

  I have been leasing the Cougar since 2000. This was my first 4 door car. I thought I would feel old and bored driving it. I have to say though I was so surprised how sporty & sleek it feels! I went with red to mix it up a bit and I love it! I get looks everywhere I go! The drive is smooth and the inside & out is sharp as can be! Im hoping Mercury comes out with a convertible of the Milan! Good job Mercury!!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bill - November 6 - 10:56 pm

  Good handling, brakes, styling, driving position, ride comfort and room make this a good choice. Gas mileage is bad, but that is to be expected in a vehicle this size. Fit and finish are excellent and the quality of materials is a step above the Explorer and miles ahead of the domestic competition.