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.
I bought this automobile to get a car with space. My wife and I travel alot and the roominess is a strong plus. The large trunk gives us space for golf clubs and 2 large bags and four medium size bags. six speed trans mission, 18 inch wheels are a real plus. We get 29 miles/gal on the highway. 6disc changer, moon roof leaves plenty of head room in this car. So far, 65000 miles and only general maintenance has been done.
Main reason to switch from the Aviator was to get a high performance car that would get me more miles per gallon. Montego does just that from 10 mph to 21 mph city and 27 mph. Just the way one drives gets that. I did not want to give up many extras but are satisified with what the features have. The seating is quite comofortable and like the way the recliner is at best. Even my gas station asks me where Ive been so this definitely was a solid decision I made when selecting the car, also a Ford man. The smoothness with which the car performs is impressive to me. Firm and glides beautifully on the roads. Like the structure and more important the safety devices attached to the car.
I recently bought a 2006 Mercury Montego.
I am a senior lady and was on my own as far as finding a car and doing my own research.
I used this website often.
I drove 8 cars.
The Mercury was the first car I drove and after considering all the others, it is the car I bought.
I am no expert, but I do know quality and recognize performance in cars.
This car is a lovely car.
Good looking, big comfy interior, a heavy weight which drives and feels good.
Corners great.
You could live in the trunk.
On the downside, undersized engine and some peculiar gadget arrangements inside.
But overall, a wonderful buy.
If you find one with low miles, buy it.
This is a fantastic vehicle. Combination of AWD and CVT is a great package. Acceleration is smooth, strong, and swift. I have a 60 mile daily expressway commute - Montego is a great highway cruiser as well as an excellent stop-and-go city vehicle. Very comfortable. HUGE trunk. Extremely roomy interior with very classy styling. 18" spoked wheels, HID headlamps, LED tail lights, waterfall grille, and nicely placed chrome are all very attractive features that add luxurious and stylish touches to the car. The "Command Seating" is a GREAT design - the higher seating position gives a great view of the road. Smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Give this one a test drive. Enjoy!
I love my 05 Montego but it has a loud hesitant start. I just recently experienced another loud noise when steering left or backing up. I took it to the dealership and they told me the strut bearing on the drivers side needed complete replacement. I though this was a little unusual at 22,710 mi.
On 1-17-05 traded a 03 TC for a new Montego. On 1-18 left on a 3 wk. roundabout trip to AZ. Returned with 6,500 miles on the clock. Cold, hot, desert, mountains, snow,and ice. Driving was a pleasure, AWD was great. My wife is 5 tall and she could see fine. Had no problems whatever with the vehicle. Ford has finally got it about right. The engine is strong but it does work getting up to speed. but with the CVT it is an adequate performer. Averaged 26.2 MPG on a new vehicle and we both have heavy feet. CVT is same unit as Audi uses, AWD is Volvo. More comfortable and enjoyable to drive than the TC. Handling is more positive and it dosent have the TC seat from hell.
Loaded with nice touches: All steering wheel mounted controls lighted, exterior temp on dash, lighted clock remains operative with radio controls, interior rearview mirror magically dims following lights, ground lights from side mirrors, able to control duration of exit lights lag, keyless entry pad permits trunk and 4 door unlatch.
I bought this car after the 2006 models had come out. The car is roomy, comfortable and has all the features I want. The dealer discounted the AWD with the CVT transmission. The transmission is very smooth but I only get 25 MPG on the highway and about 20 in town. My guess is that the MPG would be better without the AWD. Its a great car and Id buy another one. I like the name Montego much better than Sable. I had a 1992 Sable and it fell apart at 50,000 miles.
Just purchased a 2007 sedan and drove on a trip for 5,000 miles. Impressed with the interior comfort and ability to adjust the pedals as both my husband and I are rather tall. City driving is fine but accelerating uphill or to pass another car takes planning with the engine size. Back seat is very roomy but I wish they would have made the front seat go back farther for taller drivers and have the ability to adjust the steering wheel higher up to accommodate knees and high heels when entering the car. The rear auto-adjust mirror feature at night is great with the bright lights of vehicles coming up behind you. Overall good value with the quality and end of year price for us!
I switched from GM products to Ford products way back in the 80s when I had to work on different cars. I had a 2001 Sable and wanted a car with warranty for my wife. This car blows me away. The AC controls that allow balance side to side or front to rear, the auto seat setting that sets per which remote control is used, the backup sensors, the big mirrors make backing up a pleasure, the radio that adjust sound level to speed, the fold down back and front passenger seat that allows long packages, the message center that tells all about the car, the steering wheel controls for cruise and radio, plus the 5 star safety rating...plus buying it used, what a deal and I got 100K of warranty! User Reviews:
Showing 121 through 130 of 186.00
By Bob Saintdad
- August 6 - 11:16 am
By Mr. Heckmann
- July 15 - 7:53 pm
By oleander1
- July 4 - 7:54 am
By Jim
- June 17 - 6:56 am
By Sandy
- April 18 - 6:16 am
By JerryL
- March 10 - 6:30 pm
By jjenny
- March 4 - 11:20 am
By Jim
- February 15 - 8:33 am
By LaurelD
- January 13 - 10:30 pm
By Dan
- September 10 - 1:40 am
