Marlin's success is due to several things. They have made a very high quality line of products that were never overpriced, their rifles were always dependable, reliable, rugged, and accurate and were available in a wide range of calibers for different purposes.
They were hunters' rifles, from .22 lr to .45-70.
They still are all of the above.
They are still American made, still a family business, still will last long enough to give to your grandchildren.
And they still make a great lever action in .35 Rem.
I own 2 Marlins right now, the newer one is about 30 years old, the older is 45, and I have no problems with either one.
Mark