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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  2008 Sable AWD Premier Merlot/loaded - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By MADE IN U.S.A. - December 11 - 7:16 pm

  Replaced a 98 Taurus SE worlds better after ten years. Only problem is some drips in the paint did not notice until first wash will see what Ford is going to do. Decent ride and handling for a car this size, pretty darn comfortable. For the money and 0% interest could not beat it. If you are looking do your a favor and check this car out. Plenty of room AWD and safe.

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  My 2006 Grand Marquis LS - I Love It!! - 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Carl S. - December 8 - 10:53 am

  Love the ride of my new 06 Merc Grand Marquis LS. Handled well on trip from Phx to Las Vegas after I drove 500+ local miles first. Did not realize I was doing 98 mph on the way up. The ride was flawless and handled the road and curves very well. The turning radius is excellent for such a large car and like the other comments fuel consumption is better than stated. I found it to be the best value for the large car market. Luxury w/o the price tag. People think this is your Dads / Granddads type car, but once they get into it they love it!! Big and roomy.

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  2003 Mercury Marauder excellent rating - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Nuggy - December 8 - 12:06 am

  Excellent car overall from powerful engine performance to luxurious features. Terrific handling capability. Thanks to the rear air suspensions. Best value for the money. Cool looking and true American muscle sedan. Thanks Mercury and Ford.

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  Shocked - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By Brad S. - December 5 - 2:40 am

  I was searching out a new car and tried Altimas, Accords, Auras along with a few others. I never really considered trying a Milan because Ive never been a real big fan of Mercury. I was blown away after stumbling on a used one at one of the dealerships. I went out the next day and bought one and have no regret. I dont know what these stupid editors or "car experts" get their info from, but this is a great car. I have the I4 premier and have no complaints. It gets great gas mileage, has a terrific interior and the class and style is top of the line. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  What a dream - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By bobbyveee99 - December 3 - 4:16 pm

  Purchased this car 2 weeks ago, what a dream. Had an Audi A6 before. Car cost 38000 this one cost 26000 and this Milan is just as nice riding as my Audi was. Power front seats are only on drivers side not passenger and there is no garage door transmitter, otherwise it has everything

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  1999 mercury cougar - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By f duarte - December 2 - 2:16 pm

  The 1999 mercury cougar is a good car to show off, but it runs too slowly. I have an v4 with 120hp when there are many other cars with v4s that have lots more hp.

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  Mamas Hot Rod - 2003 Mercury Marauder
  By Stoney Steve - December 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted a V8 rear wheel drive cruiser, so being a blue oval guy I bought her a silver Marauder. This car rocks! From 50 to 90 it nails you to the seat. It handles very well for a large sedan. The interior is very comfortable, heated seats are great. Love the tire & wheel combo. If you think it rides too rough, go buy a Town Car. Fords best kept secret!

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  Big and beautiful - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By PWILLIAMS - November 30 - 7:30 pm

  Love comfort and trunk space. Antenna should be in windshield. No space to store "stuff", cell phone, cds, etc. Lousy, lousy interior noise-at interstate speeds the noise is very annoying. Great mileage considering size of car. No problems to report other than lousy interior noise. Two Ford dealers have been given opportunity to correct noise problem--both have failed, in fact, I dont think they knew how to fix problem. Will not consider buying another Mercury or Ford product until noise levels have drasticall been improved. One dealer told me the Michelin tires could be the culprit. Pay $700 to $800 for new tires and problem could be resolved. Should have bought Honda or Toyota

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  Luxury you can afford! - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By Steve - November 30 - 3:03 pm

  Ride is wonderful, yet still tight & sporty. Power is great with really good mileage for a V6. Interior is classy, yet sporty with Burlwood Dash. Love SYNC, Navigation, Bluetooth Phone & Stereo all working together. Plenty of room for everyone. Best car Ive owned to date. FORD Motor Company has been and always will be my CHOICE for a new car. Made mostly in America, but American owned company is the only way to buy!!!!

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  Outstanding Car - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By company car - November 30 - 9:03 am

  I have owned the AWD Sable Premier for two months and absolutely love it. If you are looking for a sport sedan - look elsewhere, but if you are looking for a great ride, high safety, and a great value - buy this car. The AWD system is great for snow and ice. Passenger comfort is exceptional - More room in the back seat than the 300. For both city and highway driving, we have averaged 20 mpg.