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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  If only the AC was trouble free - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Al D. - May 10 - 4:20 pm

  My 2008 MGM is my fourth one in fourteen years, except for a 05 Lincon LS (what was I thinking?) the have been my only choice. What can I say, I like the car for all the same reasons aforementioned, but mostly for comfort and reliability. The only exception to this is that I have encountered a AC problem in three of the four Ive owned. A 94, 98, 04, 08, and only the 94 was trouble free. But then again it is the only problem. If Merc. could get this right its a Peach.

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  Lovin My New Ride !!!! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By tigger66 - May 8 - 10:47 pm

  I purchased my 08 Mariner after my "00 Tacoma was recalled due to a safety issue. I love the blue dash panel,the 6 disc CD changer and the MP3 port.The climate controls and the sound system controls are nicely located and easy to use. The console shift makes it look sporty which I love.The center console is roomy and has a removable tray that can be used elsewhere in the vehicle. The seats are very comfortable which was a concern of mine. My only issue is the silver painted plastic which is used on the console and on the door panels...They scuff and look old and cheap.I did buy my vehicle pre-owned so I didnt expect perfection however for a three year old vehicle,this shouldnt be an issue.

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  Love my hybrid! - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
  By Dian - May 5 - 1:23 pm

  OK so its not a high priced sports car (I have one of those as well) and it isnt high powered monster SUV (My husband drives one of those). However, for what it is: economical, comfortable, nimble and reliable (so far) I love it! Yes, it was high priced, but packed with every option, so thats not so horrible. The one down side is that the nav could be better. Im not asking it to compare to the ones Ive had in my luxury cars, or the aftermarket in my husbands Suburban, but I would really like to see some improvements there. Still, it;s fun to drive, easy to park, and very practical. I get 30 MPG without the AC and 27 with AC. Cant complain about that!

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  The Good, Bad and Ugly - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Jakesmommy1 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car on October 31 2001. I loved this car until the engine, in 2003, decided to blow up on me going down the freeway. I had the oil changed every 500 miles and it still blew up. Now $5500.00 later, they took the cougar off the market to put in a mustang engine to replace the old one. The steering column came apart, the back seat is not meant for taller people. The trunk doesnt open unless you lift up on it, as you turn the key or push the button.There was a recall on a fuel pump part, which causes the hesitation in the get up in go! NOT A GOOD CAR IF YOU HAVE A BABY!!!

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  drifting - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By Earl - April 26 - 6:16 am

  It feel good but then there was drifting to the right and you had to keep pressure on the steering wheel all the time to stay on the road. they have worked on it and also lied to me what had been done and basically have told me live with it. Some of the work that was done was not told to me and when I question them different stories. the real problem is that they showed me letter that some of Ford and Mecury front wheel drives will drift to the right and states no correction needed. ( my point is that they didnt tell me about any drifting before I purchased this vehicle or I would have got a Chevy. Ford is not up front with there customers.

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  Nearing End of 1st Year - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Roosterman - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like the Mountaineer better than its cousin the Explorer. Its a shame, though, that Fords cost accountants seem to be "driving" the quality of Fords products down because of cheap materials. This is a well- designed vehicle that could be alot better if the quality was higher. I dont think Ford is capable any longer of delivering a vehicle anywhere close to the quality of the Toyotas and Hondas. I checked the resale value on this vehicle recently and was amazed at how it had plunged, far greater than normal first year depreciation which, for most American vehicles, is pretty lousy anyway.

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  Initial impression exceeds expectations - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By E. Keck - April 18 - 7:13 am

  This is my first Ford (L-M) product in twelve years. I wanted an SUV for the hauling capability, yet didnt want the mileage penalty. The 4 cylinder is quite peppy, and provides decent mileage (23-24 MPG overall in the break-in period). I cant wait to see what it finally settle into. Styling is by far the nicest of all of the SUVs on the road. Interior is well laid out, and has plenty of room for tall individuals. The only criticism is that the seats are a bit narrow, but at least they are forgiving and provide decent comfort. For a base convenience, this vehicle comes well equipped. The base CD system is very nice. Id recommend a test drive, you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  1999 V6 Cougar - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Jav - April 15 - 8:00 am

  When I first received the car, it felt nimble and quick, with time the car has settled in and doesnt feel as nimble; after 8 years, Ive decided to begin making it a more sporty car again by replacing the suspension with a european BAT suspension kit, put 18" wheels, and a new 20 mm rear sway bar, which after 8 years, all were pretty- much at the end of their service-lives, the nimbleness has definitely come back. The transmission comment made on your follow-up test posted 01-01-1999 hit it on the head about the car missing a low speed powerband and I would add a high-speed powerband when in fifth-gear for passing. Overall Im happy with my vehicle and look forward to continued fun with it.

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  99 Sable LS - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By giuseppe - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a great value and a good, solid performer.

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  Sorry theyre gone - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By lolakitty - April 10 - 3:53 pm

  I love my cougar and if they had one today just like it - I would buy it on the spot. Never had a problem until recently with emission. That is almost 13 years trouble-free. 1997 was last of the big cats and now mercs will be gone all together. There is no match for a cougar lover! I loved owning this car and the interior - for the money - all leather and so comfortable. Love the feel of a heavy car, the way it cruises along. Good bye sweet kitty.