Overview & Reviews
When the Mercury Montego first showed up in the late 1960s as a replacement for the popular Mercury Comet, it was meant to compete with the rising tide of imports. These Mercury sedans and coupes were larger than the Comet and offered additional performance and luxury variants. The Cyclone version was the division's entry in the then-popular muscle car segment. Under the skin, the Montego shared its platform with sister Ford division's Torino.
But by the mid-'70s, the Montego had grown considerably in size and was eventually discontinued. However, the Montego name wasn't without its successes; in the early '70s a Mercury Montego won several NASCAR races.
The Montego name was MIA throughout the 1980s and '90s. Then Mercury resurrected the Montego nameplate for the 2005 model year. It was still a clone of a Ford, however -- in this case the Five Hundred -- but with a different grille and taillights. Alas, this latest Montego revival was short-lived, as Mercury dropped the name and returned to the more well-known Sable moniker beginning with the 2008 model year.
Before its name change, the Mercury Montego didn't exactly light the large sedan segment on fire. However, it offered a roomy cabin and trunk, available all-wheel drive and an unusual elevated driving position, and its Volvo-derived underpinnings imbued it with a solid feel from the driver seat. If you find the Montego appealing, you're in luck -- low resale values make the Montego a bargain on the used-car market.
Most Recent Mercury Montego
The Mercury Montego large sedan remained largely unchanged during its brief existence. The Montego and its Ford twin, the Five Hundred, were built on a modified Volvo platform. Though it was never a segment leader, the big Mercury did have some interesting features. For example, it offered a notably high stance, which gave the driver a commanding view of the road similar to that of an SUV. The car also boasted a spacious rear seat and a large trunk with 21 cubic feet of storage space.
All Montegos came with a 3.0-liter V6 good for 203 horsepower. A six speed automatic was standard. Acceleration from this powertrain was adequate at best. Front-wheel or all-wheel-drive models were available. All-wheel-drive Montegos came with a constantly variable transmission (CVT). The six-speed automatic transmission performed decently, but the CVT was smoother and did a better job of keeping the engine in its power band.
What the Mercury Montego lacked in pure power, it partially made up for by offering engaging handling dynamics. It delivered both a comfortable around-town ride and a moderately sporty demeanor when the road turned twisty. The Montego's interior was also spacious and attractive. However, the quality of the materials was somewhat lacking when compared to the car's Japanese competitors.
Offered in two trim levels, Luxury (base) and Premier, this full-size Mercury was nicely equipped right out of the box. The Luxury came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, foglights, dual-zone climate control and full power features including a six-way power driver seat.
The Premier added heated leather seating, wood-grain trim, an upgraded audio system and a two-person memory feature for the driver seat and mirrors. Exterior changes to the Premier included 18-inch wheels and perimeter lighting. Many of the Premier's upgraded features were available as options on the base Luxury trim.
Standard safety features included ABS, traction control, front and rear head curtain airbags, and front and rear side-mounted torso-protecting airbags. Stability control was not available on any Mercury Montego.
Past Mercury Montego Models With just a few years in production, the Montego received only minor changes after its 2005 introduction. For 2006, the Montego was endowed with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and a DVD entertainment system and a navigation system were added to the options list. Bottom line: If you're looking for a used large sedan that prioritizes spaciousness over performance, there are worse choices. Moreover, the Montego's low resale value certainly adds to its appeal for shoppers on a budget. But if you're looking for a car that offers plenty of room along with spirited acceleration, you might want to consider other large sedans.
Car gets great comments on the looks. Interior and trunk is very spacious and well laid out. The driving view from all sides is good. smooth ride. The transmission and engine output needs work.
I enjoy my 2005 Montego. The vehicle is very roomy and storage space is more than adequate. Gas mileage is good, the ride is firm yet comfortable and responsive, and construction quality is above average. Two problems encountered to date have been one failure to start immediately which self-corrected and has not been experienced since it occurred and acceleration from a "dead" stop is, in my opinion, below average. Also, the recall concerning the straps holding the gas tank was disturbing but was handled quickly and professionally. Overall, I rate the vehicle above- average and would consider buying another.
This is a nice car but IT IS PAINFULLY underpowered. Its one thing if the Premier AWD model is under $25,000. Its another when its close to or over $30,000 fully loaded. For that amount of coin, I should be getting a V-8 with close to 300 hp. Or at least a much more powerful V-6....maybe supercharged. Dont pay $28-30,000 for Premier AWD model. Realistically, its worth the $24-26,000 range and supply will catchup with demand and resale value WILL plummet. The price wont go down on these but you will be able to get them cheaper with rebates in a few years.
This car has loads of room and fits car seats well but the 6 speed automatic doesnt perform as expected. Also fuel economy is not on par for a 210 hp small V6 that moves the vehicle along brisk enough I guess...
No regrets purchasing this vehicle after 3 months of ownership. Handles very well and has a solid, safe feel to it. Not too impressed with the "audiophile" system - seems to lack midrange. Would prefer a 12V outlet in the backseat instead of inside console. Overall a great value for a better than average vehicle.
Mileage not as good as expected Like the large windshield Would like to have a digital dash (totally) Seatbelt placement is good Very quiet ride
The transmission went out on my 2007 Montego! The car is serviced every 3000 miles and babied! I was totally shocked by this unexpected issue!
As a previous owner of vehicles by Mazda, Saab, Toyota, etc., I was pretty much conditioned to believe that American cars were inferior. My experience with my Montego FWD Premier has changed all of that. This is a very nice car!!! The exterior appearance speaks for itself; it exudes class. The interior is very elegant as well; I particularly like the two-tone leather and audiophile radio. The safety features (I have the safety package option)are world class. I traded in a Pontiac GTO (built by Holden in Australia) on this car. Coming off a 350 HP car and reading the stinging criticism of this car being underpowered, I havent found anything to be concerned about! Its a non-issue
I am happy with it, but it is now my
wifes car. The lack of get up and go
after pushing the accelerator just
wasnt worth it. I need more power than
that, and with it coming with Pirelli
Tires and 18" rims, I was deceived at
first sight. The Montego is a nice
vehicle to look at and is ultra roomy.
Ive never been in a Ford/Mercury
vehicle with this many features for such
a low price. The price was obviously
put into the interior/exterior over the
performance. I was told that the AWD
model has even less torque. The wife,
who doesnt mind the lack of power,
enjoys it though, as will many that
dont have a huge need for horsepowers.
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. User Reviews:
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