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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  car - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By john davis - August 7 - 10:00 am

  this is a really great car.I love it a lot I love to drive soon

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  2008 Sable is a great car - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By JD - August 6 - 2:43 pm

  I have 17,000 on my 08 Sable, I purchased it new in Feb. 2009 and it has been trouble free. Only warranty service was to align one of the back doors better; if it was not for that my build quality rating would be 10. I wanted a big and smooth car and this one has delivered. It is a big, tall car with easy access to front and rear seating. Performance rating of 9 takes it for what it is, a big smooth car, not a sports car. If you are looking for a used family car this is a great choice.

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  My Last Car - 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By wozo - August 3 - 9:23 pm

  At age 84 I have parked my Explorer and purchased the Mariner Hybrid. I will still use the Explorer for towing my trailers. I have now driven the Hybrid slightly over 1500 miles. It has the premium accessory package including the moon roof. Fuel economy checks closely with the published figures. Overall I am getting just over 30 mpg. So far, I very much like the vehicle, it handles well on all types of roadway, it has excellent visibility, and gives a fairly comfortable ride. Acceleration is adequate. Being rather tall, I appreciate the headroom and easy access.

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  Great investment with 117,700 miles - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By bamagal - August 2 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car from a dealer with 27,000 miles mid-2001 (was formerly a program car). It is a V6 24-valve DOHC and have used regular gas since purchase. Good fuel economy, as it always averaged 23-25 mpg. The engine is a powerful V6, with faster take-off than the other V8 vehicle that I drive; it never hesitates. This car is comfortable for travel, and, has always been reliable - fun to drive too. The power seat and adjustable pedal controls make it easy to find just the right comfort spot behind the steering wheel. Have never had any regrets about this purchase.

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  Never though Id own a Mercury..... - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By JBR Merc Owner - August 1 - 10:53 pm

  I recently lemon-lawed a smaller foreign made van and began the long shopping process over the fall. I had read that Mercury had began selling a van again in 04, so I gave it a shot. Im glad I did. If Lincoln made a van this would be it, and mine isnt even the loaded one (Premier), quiet, great ride, good power. Its got everything you could ever want in a vehicle. I dont mind at all giving up a little gas milage for the convience and luxury the Monterey provides. I have recommended this vehicle to all of my family and friends. With the rebates L- M was offering the price for the incredibly equipped Luxury (mid-level) was unbelieveable. Looking forward to a Holiday roadtrip w/ the family.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fernley - July 30 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased with 48000 mi, after 3 years I have 126000 mi on the vehicle. The only repair needed to date has been an A/C hose at $500. This one has all the bells and whistles and they all work properly. It has plenty of power when needed, its very comfortable driving. I tow a 3600 lb travel trailer using a weight dist hitch. The V6 wont take the mountain grades too fast but it does a very good job of towing. Im amazed at the fuel mileage I get with this vehicle. 20-21 mpg is routine. Recently (gas prices) Ive been driving 55 mph on the freeway and I get 24.9 mpg. Not just once, but consistently. Great mileage and all this luxury, and I can tow with it. Whats not to love?

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  Wife Happy...Im Happy - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Wildkite - July 30 - 2:40 am

  I searched and drove vehicles for 14 months. No rush here. Ford stepped up on this one. Fit and finish is great. Same platform as the Ford Escape, just a step up on style. This Mercury Premier, AWD, possesses the options I wanted. Fully loaded. Ride is smooth, pickup surprises my wife continually, AC keeps you cool no matter the outside temp, SNYC works great, GPS/SIRIUS display situated on the console perfect, and our remaining two children have plenty of room on the back seats. My wife calls it the perfect Chic SUV. I ordered the wheel/tire upgrade...recommend you do the same because that option caps off the look. The vehicle rides quiet < 75 m/hr and takes road bumps unusually smooth.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Kessel - July 29 - 11:23 am

  I bought mine with 150000 mile on it it had a 197000 miles on it when it was invloved in an acident. I only thing i had to replace (other than fuilds) was a battery. the biggest problem i had was a flat tire.

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  Milage of a GeoMetro - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Newbie - July 29 - 9:56 am

  I get the Gas milage of a metro but the look of a cougar. I get a amazing 38MPG on the highway and 35 in town. You cant beat it. Stock as a rock with a homebuilt cold air intake. Using a K&N filter off of a V8 Mustang. Works awesome. I only have 80K and it runs great. Absolutely no complaints about the dravability.

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  Best buy on road - 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Bob - July 28 - 8:06 am

  Feel very safe. Had major accident with older model. Mileage very good. Over 25mpg at 80 mph. Good sound system as bonus. "Convenience group" great addition to style.