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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  I wouldnt buy another - 1998 Mercury Mystique
  By beg23 - July 5 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this car in 2006 with 30,000 miles on it for about $4000. It is a nice looking car and it drives nice, but i have had problems with it. Although it drives well, it likes to lock up and cut off on me; this is due to the full pump problems (just like the ones in its sister car the ford contour) that cant be pin-pointed. I have also had to replace the brakes shortly after purchasing it. Recently, it has been eating gas, ive put about 1000 in repairs in it in the last year, and my transmission just died on me a few days ago! Im not happy with this car and i have only had it 2 years. I wouldnt reccommend it useless you know how to fix cars.

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  The Mariner, just short of excellence - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Lou - July 4 - 4:06 am

  Love the car, not putting gas in it. I also miss having some more electronical gadgets in it. Too many gadgets have to be put in after market. Also not enough power outlets.

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  Good car for trips - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Ron - July 3 - 4:03 pm

  I have owned the Mercury Marquis for 13 Months and its provided me with great transportation. Most of the driving is over the road and it gets 26 mile/gal. if I keep it under 70. Towe a 1,700# boat with no problem. I think it is the best car on the road for the money.

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  Smooth - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By DP - July 2 - 11:43 pm

  Absolutely satisfied. This car runs so quietly and smooth and it looks good. It is a nice blend of style and performance.

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  Reliable and cheap but has drawbacks - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By brian174 - June 30 - 6:33 pm

  Ive had the van for 3 years now. I bought it with 85K miles on it and have 140K now. I bought it because I got Nissan quality at Ford depreciation levels, so it was cheap. I like the Nissan engine and transmission. Only problems Ive had were the usual Ford electrical gremlins. It is a gas hog. Seating system is poorly designed. Van is noisy going down highway (wind noise mostly.) Im basically satisfied but cant figure out why this thing only gets 18-20 mpg when other bigger vans with bigger engines get 25 mpg. Its a good, cheap van, though.

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  My Third Mountaineer - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mike Koszalka - June 30 - 2:03 pm

  Having owned a 2001 then 2003 and now a 2006 , I can say that I have NEVER been disappointed in the quality and dependability that FORD MOTORS put into their products. Each of the past vehicles has been a marked improvement over the prior mode. I have never been disappointed. Having owned to Blazers proir to my switch to Ford in 98, I can say hands down that Ford definitely HAS A BETTER IDEA.....The ride the wear ans the maintainance are far superior in a Ford Product.

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  Very nice hybrid SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By JBC - June 30 - 11:20 am

  Traded in a Jeep Grand Cherokee (6-cyl) for it. Going from 17 to 29 MPG is a great jump. The ride is comfortable in the city, but with bumpy roads some suspension noise is noticeable. The acceleration is good in the city but the powertrain is not as peppy on the highway; it takes some time to get to the speed you want, but is fine at cruising.

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  Typical Merc Clunker - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By mrebate - June 25 - 2:37 am

  New from dealership the alarm was tempermental and had to be tweaked by a factory rep. You soon realize you are driving a "truck". Ours had annoying shimmy at highway speed. Although it had less than 60,000 miles when we decided to dump it. It needed an engine a knock sensor when sold. Starter motor, wheel bearings, electric window control panel (drivers door) and rusting exhaust were other repairs for mint condition vehicle. The clear lens cover for the turn signal popped off for no reason. AC needed recharged every year after 4 yrs. A stinko vehicle and inferior dealership do no make for a pleasant experience. Dealer damaged both rocker panels and blamed their new lift.

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  My Milan Rocks - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Jessica - June 23 - 2:33 am

  I love the Mercury Milan because the car is stylish and affordable. I like the sedans and dont want to drive a mom car. This car is comfortable and is quick!

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  This is my second Sable - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By KDP - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sable. I would buy it again