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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  Great until you hit 80k - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mommy to 3 - October 29 - 10:03 pm

  We bought this car in 2004. I loved it for the first two years or so. The it started falling apart. We have had to replace the transmission and it needs to be replaced again now. Other replacements, power window motor and switch pannel, window regulator, back glass, wheel barings, door hinges, cracked running boards, air compressor, power seat motor and various timing belts. I have just been advised the ABS is out and my rear end may or may not be going out and the doors no longer lock. Interior wise its comfy. Some of the paint on the steering wheel and radio started peeling and flaking at about 50k. Basically this car is junk. We are trading in tomorrow on a Land Rover LR3 tomorrow

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  This Cat is Puuurrfect!!! - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By Physicusman - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased this 30th Anniversary Cougar in July of this year. Its been great! The V8 is smooth and reliable. I already have an 1988 Cougar LS 5.0, so I LOVE these cars. One of the best ones theyve put out. The independent rear suspension just coasts over the bumps and the automatic tranny is responsive. The paint is beautiful as well. It has some Flowmaster mufflers, so she sounds (and performs) just as good as a Mustang! Tinted windows and all came with the car already! I am very happy with this purchase and hope to get many good years with it.

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  I like my Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Andrea - October 28 - 7:40 pm

  This car handles very well, has excellent acceleration, and is basically fun to drive. The base model includes all the essential features (auto.,A/C,CD,cruise,p/w,p/l,etc.), and the gas mileage is very good. Personally, I dont like giant gas- guzzling SUVs, so the economical and compact Mariner was a good choice for me. It gives you the utility, seat height, and road view of an SUV without being cumbersome and wasteful. Also, a lot of people have complimented the looks of the vehicle.

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  Mercury Villager - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By C Smith - October 26 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased my van in 2004. It had 58,000 miles on it. I like it, have had no trouble with it, except that the gas pedal sticks. It would be nice if they would do a recall on it. I have taken it in to be fixed....it was better for about 2 weeks and went right back to doing the same thing.

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  Wish my Dad could have enjoyed this car - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Lennis - October 26 - 5:53 pm

  I cant say enough good things about this beautiful car. I bought mine in February 2009 with only 56,000 miles on it and lots of garage time, so it is immaculate. What a pleasure to drive. Mine is the LS with the billboard size digital dashboard readings and all the bells and whistles. Though it is seven years old, everything works perfectly. Never and oil leak or a squeek or a squak. The ride will nearly put ya to sleep. My worst MPG is 21.6 mpg and my best is 25.8. Nuttin wrong with that. Love this car, and just wish Daddy could have seen it, as he loved Mercs! This is my first one after owning Dodges, Buicks, Olds, and Pontiacs.

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  My ultimate dream car! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Shannen Wirgau - October 26 - 3:03 pm

  My Mariner drives like a dream, in fact it is my dream! I feel as though I am extremely secure and am at the utmost safety while I drive. The leg room and space it provided is incredible. I feel extremely comfortable while in unsafe conditions outside because my car is sturdy and rides like a cloud!

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  Good Car...Could Be Better - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By u26255 - October 24 - 9:26 pm

  I get around 30+ mpg. on highway. I drove 300 miles on a trip and averaged 32 mpg. with air blasting and speed average of 70-75 mph. Thats good for a v6. The sound system is good. I like the mp3 outlet. There is plenty of storage space and great trunk space. The city mpg is terrible. I average 17 mpg. in city driving. The dash and doors rattle terribly and I drive very carefully as to not hit large bumps hard. The dealer cant fix it. The cloth seats are cheap, period! It needs a digital clock in the radio. There is a storage compartment on top of the front dash. I cant wait for that to also rattle. What a stupid place to put a storage compartment.

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  Solid car for 8 years - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Scott - October 23 - 9:36 pm

  A very nice looking van with a bulletproof engine, very luxurious fully loaded van with leather, trip computer, moon roof, front and rear AC, power seats,

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  LOve it! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By FrankiesMommy - October 23 - 10:00 am

  The whole truck is AWSOME! Even though gas is a bit much with city driving, it is well worth it. The extra space you get by lowering the 3rd row seat makes traveling and shopping a breeze!!!

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  Quality Van - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By saa3567 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I have loved this van. We bought it used with 47k miles, and added a 60k warranty to it that I never used, and I looked hard for a reason. Had the sticky throttle problem, fixed it myself with some carb cleaner on the throttle body (less than $5 and 10 minutes). Replaced struts and CV boot at 112k. Only $750 in repairs in 65k miles, cant complain about that, includes brakes, battery, tail lt, shocks and struts. Probably run another 30-40 before other normal repairs are needed, at least I hope! It never leaks oil or anything. Dont use a cheap battery, and I recommend the midgrade tires (not the cheapies) for a smoother ride. Great car and much better price than Honda/Toyota.