Overview & Reviews

Mercury's Monterey minivan was born from the ashes of the previous-generation Ford/Mercury line of minivans, which were disappointing at best. Introduced for 2004, the Mercury Monterey and its twin the Ford Freestar attempted to offer more of what modern minivan buyers wanted. Features like a fold-flat rear seat, multiple storage bins and entertainment systems took center stage as Mercury tried to lure import van loyalists out of their Hondas and Toyotas.

The Monterey was an adequate family van and boasted an abundance of safety and luxury features. Still, in regards to engine power, ride and handling and interior design, it fell short of segment-leading minivans from Honda, Kia and Toyota.

Due to lackluster sales, 2007 was the last year for the Mercury Monterey.

Most Recent Mercury Monterey

The Mercury Monterey debuted in 2004 as a replacement for the Mercury Villager, a smaller minivan that was related to the Nissan Quest. The Monterey was powered by a 4.2-liter V6 making 201 horsepower and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. With an engine that size, we expected a lot more power. Even in its day, nearly every other van on the market had a smaller engine that made more power and returned better fuel economy.

Standard feature highlights included antilock brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, a power driver seat, front and center captain's chairs and a CD audio system. Among the Monterey's options were such niceties as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Changes were few over the short life of the Mercury Monterey. In 2005, heated and cooled perforated leather seats with suede inserts were added to the Premier trim level and a power rear liftgate became an option on Luxury models.

For 2006, the base Convenience and upscale Premier trims were dropped, leaving only the midlevel Luxury. Previously optional front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags became standard. A wood steering wheel was also made standard, and the heated and cooled seats from the previous year's Premier were converted into an option.

2007 versions benefited from Mercury's extended five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; this warranty is transferable, so it's a benefit to used shoppers as well. The 2007 Monterey also continued to be offered in one Luxury trim level.

In Mercury Monterey reviews, we found the minivan to be deficient in terms of ride, handling, comfort and value. And though the interior was very attractive at first glance, many trim pieces were flimsy to the touch and build quality is hit or miss. While recent minivans from Honda, Kia and Toyota are much better choices, nicely equipped Mercury vans on the used market sell for bargain-basement prices. If you find the Monterey to your liking, you'll probably be able to get one at minimal cost.

User Reviews:

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  Great Car - 2005 Mercury Monterey
  By Jay Fleming - December 26 - 9:16 pm

  I love this car! Although it doesnt get the most amazing fuel economy it is like driving first class around town. It has everything you could possibly want in a mini van. The leather appointed seats, with heat/air conditioned features is especially nice. It drives smooth and has lots of storage. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking to drive in luxary!

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  Great van- great price- love it - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By bsmith82 - November 24 - 6:06 pm

  Vehicle bought new- no warranty issues - runs very strong. everything still works as new some 4 + years later. Other vans were way too much money and this was a great value for sure. 3 kids, 14/12/9 and we have it loaded and can get 22 mpg at 65-70 mph all day long. City mpg is at best 18- but we have friends with an Odyssey who do no better and freinds with a Sienna who have had engine sludge problems and a door fell off of theirs. Oh yeah- affter 60K miles, we had to do rear brakes. Not bad in my book ! Overall I give this Merc a B+ / A-.

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  04 mercury monterey - 2006 Mercury Monterey
  By millerfam0128 - October 21 - 7:58 pm

  I just had my monterey for I think 4 years. It was on 04 loaded model. I loved it!! My kids loved it!! didnt have any major problems with it and drove it from NJ to Florida each year. I bought it used and it was in great condition. I recently just had a terrible car accident and rolled it and all. It was amazing my whole family of 5 walked away. No one could believe it!! That car saved our lives!! Im now trying to find another one used.

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  Third review, now at 80,000 miles - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Almon - October 21 - 1:23 am

  This van continues to be the best auto purchase I have made over 40 years of driving.I have had two repairs over the past six years. A door lock and an AC compressor last year. Total for both $900.00. This van is solid on the road and comfortable for my 62" 250 pound frame. Interior is very flexible. Pick up and passing performance seems to have improved over the years. I average 16 mpg city and 23mpg highway.

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  Mercury Monterey Great American Made Van - 2007 Mercury Monterey
  By Kyle - September 26 - 1:03 am

  My 2007 Mercury Monterey is awesome it has it all at the push of a button like dual power sliding doors dual power heated & cooled seats & dual climate control & a power liftgate the Monterey has a sporty exterior & a elegant interior with great looking wood and chrome trim accents & the little clock between the a/c vents look great & it has a great smooth ride & i really love going around sharp curves because the Monterey hugs them with ease & even going about 80 mph on the freeway the ride is extremely quiet & the powerful 4.2L V6 is really fast from the get up & go i love to floor it because i love that power and still get about 21 mpg i could not be happier with my Monterey i recommend it

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  Montery Luxury - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Fords4ever - April 17 - 2:00 am

  A nice step up from a Windstar SEL. Better featurers more power better trans. The ride is better and it is quieter inside. We are very pleased with the improvments.

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  2nd Mercury Monterey - 2006 Mercury Monterey
  By Love my Monterey - January 12 - 12:30 pm

  This is my second Mercury Monterey i got the first one in late 03 as a 04 model and it just keeps getting better so that why i purchased a 2006 Monterey it actually has more features than my 04 Monterey Premier and the 06 was cheaper in my opinion this is the best minivan out there its by far the best looking one outside and to me the best looking one inside to the interior materials are of great quality as well as the exterior the 4.2L V6 is very powerful it can easily get up to 70 in no time and the ride is great its extremely quiet and smooth and i love the colors dark red and black leather and i love the wood/leather steering wheel and everything else as well i highly reccommend this van

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  fun vehicle - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By imadriver - January 10 - 10:00 am

  great and fun to drive

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  Mercury Monterey Premier 2004 - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By geophysbh - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We tested the vehicle over the weekend and decided it was what we wanted. We drove it to CO in Nov. and it performed well. When we ran into snow and ice in Leadville, etc, the advance-trac system kept us from slipping. The gas mileage is not great but averages around 20 miles/gallon. The van weighs 4600 lbs and handles very well on curves. It is very quiet in the cabin and handles bad road conditions very well. We remain happy with the van now logging over 7000 miles of enjoyable driving.The heated seats have been a plus this winter. It is a little early to rate the reliability but everything gone well thus far.

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  Review - 2005 Mercury Monterey
  By RONALD FEINBERG - October 5 - 6:46 am

  Slight steering wander on highway. Noisy brake pedal. At around 5000 mi. Gas mileage only slightly over 19 mpg after driving 500 highway miles and a little city driving (50 mi.)