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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  Loved it! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Tlover - December 28 - 10:30 pm

  Well this car was given to me by my parents as my first car. It was a great first car! Very sporty and got alot of attention. The only problem I ended up having with it was the sunroof broke and was going to cost a fortune to replace! Next problem...I dont drive it anymore is that I was rear ended at 50mph which in turn made me slam into the car in front of me. The car was absolutely crushed like a little can and guess what...no airbag deployment. Dont crash and the car is great!

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  Why did they stop making the Cougar? - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Teresa - December 28 - 2:16 am

  In 2002 I bought a used 1999 Cougar, this proved to be one of my best decisions! I have put thousands of miles on this car. I have popped down the back seats and hauled more than in those toys trucks that are so popular. I have dressed up and taken my girlfriends out on the town in this sporty little car. I have saved so much on my gas bills, with my mileage ranging from 29 to 31 mpg. So I ask why did they stop making this car?

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  Oldie but a goodie!!!! - 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Brian - December 27 - 7:23 pm

  134,000 miles and counting! I have not lost a drop of oil or have a spot of rust! And they said American cars are no good. Ha! I average 23 mpg 80/20 highway/city. Still as smooth as the day I bought it and by the way for those who are curious about repair costs...it literally is the cheapest parts of any car made in the last 10 yrs. So its a low cost commuter too. The wheels will have to fall off before I let it go!

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  Impressive - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tgroen - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The all wheel drive options is great, alot of people look at price such as the sister car the Explorer however once you take into consideration that the Mountaineer comes with the 3rd row seat standard, plus the all wheel drive which are both options on the Explorer, the vehicle handleing and suspension are even a larger upgrade over the Explorer. If you are looking for a sensible, reliable SUV that fits function and style look no futher than the Mercury Mountaineer.

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  Been a Great Car - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jrho - December 26 - 9:30 pm

  This has been a great car for us. Its safe and reliable, comfortable, and Ive been happy with fords free oil changes they offered us for the time we own the vehicle. Its a very nice car and great up in the mountains.

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  A fine automobile - 2006 Mercury Montego
  By MANNY - December 26 - 3:46 pm

  Having owned 7 Mercurys in the past 18 years I am impressed by the constant quality and reliability of the marque. The 2006 Montego, although not an impressive looking style, is right up there with most vehicles in its class. The comfort is absolutely superb for both driver and passengers. The roominess is superior to most cars, even those costing thousands more. Tall seating is almost as good as most SUVs.

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  1998 Mercury Mystique LS - 1998 Mercury Mystique
  By Ridgerunr - December 25 - 2:00 am

  The 1998 Mercury Mystique LS has been a joy to drive. It has good power from the 2.5L 24 valve V6 Duratec engine. Handling is nimble & agile, cornering very well. The interior design is pleasant in appearance. The front seats are comfortable, well proportioned & provide good support. The major drawback is the lack of room in the rear seating area. While the Mystique has room for four adults, the fit is tight. This car is best suited for the individual, couple, or small family with young children. P.S. An interesting fact: While the Mystique is no longer available as a Mercury, it is still available. It is the basis for the new (2000+) Jaguar S-Type compact sedan.

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  Good value functional car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Daniel1499 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for its intended buyers. Its good-looking without being flashy. It is powerful with relatively good gas mileage. It handles well except when going over large bumps or washboard pavement, when it loses its direction. Its quiet inside and has a tastefully done interior. Ive only found a few faults. The door-checks are useless. The front power windows are under-powered. I wonder how long theyll last past the warranty. Although its billed as a six passenger car, its really only good for five passengers. The middle front "seat" is only good in a pinch. Overall, though, its a great car for the money!

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  Loved the Villager, tried the Monterey - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Sara - December 24 - 2:00 am

  We have a 95 Villager with 291K & still love it, even without AC. Bought this Monetery after my husband totaled 2002 Villager & ended up with a scratch. Love it but many repairs. Now Drivers heated seat is out, Drivers side heat blows cold, replaced transmission at 135K, replace brakes on regular basis, expensive to replace tires, and windshield wipers work intermittently

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  New Montego - 2005 Mercury Montego
  By Dave - December 21 - 9:20 pm

  So far I have been very pleased with this car. I have read many reviews about the "under-sized" engine being the Achilles heel of the vehicle. This is not an accurate statement. I have had no problems accelerating into highway traffic and certainly no problems accelerating IN highway traffic. Unless you are Mario Andretti or you are going for a new quarter mile record, the engine power is appropriate. This is the most comfortable car I have ever ridden in. The high seating helps prevent your forward view from being totally obstructed by SUVs and small trucks. The car is also very well equipped even at the entry level.