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.
Wow!! this car is amazing. it is built
on a Volvo body , and has tenacious all-wheel
drive. The interior is like a Benz. If
they made this car any better Bmw would
be out of the market.
Great interior. Very roomy for a car this size, needs a more powerful engine, great paint quality. I got sideswiped, dented the quarter panel pretty substantiallly but never broke the paint, needs a longer warrenty to compete, alternator went at 41,000 -- $500 ouch! 27 MPG (that will work)
What a fantastic car!! It is so comfortable and fun to drive. We had the spoiler, clear bra, window tint, Eclipse navagation system and locking gas cap added aftermarket. It is very sporty and has all the features that more expensive cars have. The CVT transmission is very smooth. We could have bought a more expensive car, but this car has it all for a great price. It handles very well on corners and excellent braking. We were going to get a Lincoln Zephyr in 2006, but the Montego has more room and AWD with almost Lincoln luxury. Ford kicks GMs butt with this and many other fine cars and trucks. Chrysler 300 is no match for this car either. Compare any sedan to top notch Montego.
One of the best handling automobiles I have ever driven. The way this transmission and revolutions of the engine work together is really great. This gives you the horse power you need and keeps the engine RPM turning where your most HP is generated. You never feel or hear any shifing inside the car.
Just got my Montego a month ago. Nice family car, lots of room for the kids. While people have complained about the acceleration I think it is adequate however the CVT gives you the impression the car is not accelerating. Interior is very comfortable for a 6 driver. The perforated leather is a little cheesy. Drives and handles nicely and the Merlot color turns heads, nobody even knows what kind of car it is.
I have had the Montego only a couple of months, however I find this to be one of the best vehicles that I have owned. The ride is comfortable with plenty of storage inside and trunk area. The gas milege is terrific.
car is fine, dealership outstanding,lot of room, not enough horsepower for cvt transmisson, light very good, out side antenna no good. car frame weak. noisy ride, center transmisson should be put back on steering column
I am so glad that I chose the right car. I looked at several cars and did not like them. When I saw Silver Montego I fell in love with it and bought it right away. Still happy with it. Its 10 in rating.
About 2 weeks ago i bought a Mercury Montego Luxury AWD i am very happy with my car it has many features that a Lexus ES 330 didnt even have and at about $7,000 dollars cheaper i like the way the car handles and rides its very smooth and quiet and acceleration is good but should be a little bit more powerful due to the cars size i am also glad the Montego has command seating which gives you a much better view of the road and the big side mirrors make it easy for getting in and out of tights spaces and so does the Parking Asst. and i like the black leather interior and the nice Silver Birch Paint Color and in my opinion this car should put Mercury back on track because it ia a wonderful car.
First off I work where they build the Merc. That said, this is not an ad to sell more but my real opinion of this car. It is what it is, a well built economical. (read really good milage for a big car)It isnt a hot rod but youre there at the next stop light with the rest. I see over 17 mpg in town driving and 28 and change on the road with three and a half folks inside and stuff in the trunk. I never have to ask; Hey you got enough room back there?, theres plenty, even the Shack might not complain. If you like more power its coming soon in 08 from what I read. I drove out through the mountains of CO. and did it without strain. Try one. Ok I do work there:) User Reviews:
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