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.
So far I have been very pleased with this car. I have read many reviews about the "under-sized" engine being the Achilles heel of the vehicle. This is not an accurate statement. I have had no problems accelerating into highway traffic and certainly no problems accelerating IN highway traffic. Unless you are Mario Andretti or you are going for a new quarter mile record, the engine power is appropriate. This is the most comfortable car I have ever ridden in. The high seating helps prevent your forward view from being totally obstructed by SUVs and small trucks. The car is also very well equipped even at the entry level.
Most problem is the reading the speedometer in the daylight, I believe they should have reversed the contrasts. Night is ok. The steering adjustment is awkward compared to the Lincon Town Car I had. It was a pleasure to drive.. The Montedgo rides fairly well and is comfortable. The side mirrors are difficult for my to see out of as they are very large and she is smaller than I even with the seat adjust, it does not help her. If they would correct the intrument lighting in day time I would be satisfied
Fun car to drive! love the radio/stereo controls on the steering wheel, high seating, heated seats, and two tone leather interior. Only draw backs thus far for me is the disappointing gas mileage. Unlike others that are claiming high 20s I only get 19-20 mpg for mixed city/hwy (I figure it with every fill up.) It handles well, is very comfortable, love all the cup holders too! Ford really got this one right!
All in all i would say this a very good vehicle.Slightly underpowered but not sluggish at all.
The Montego rides comfortably and quiet with a well designed interior and large trunk capacity. Much quieter ride than my previous Lincoln LS. Good visibility with its higher seat confiduration with ample room in the back. Very pleased with the vehicle.
Bought this 2005 with 90K miles on it, and have driven it 15K miles. Still looks and feels brand new. Excellent comfort, spacious interior, and good road manners make this car enjoyable to drive. Excellent build quality. Easily fits five adults. Engine performance very adequate for normal driving.
I bought the Montego Premier as a replacement for the Mercury Sable. The Montego is a larger car with a better interior and better ride. The engine is not a powerhouse but is adquate. On interstate driving, the mpg is around 26. Overall, I am pleased with the overall performance of the Montego and it is an improvemnet over the Sable.
Car has adequate power.Ride is very comfortable. Gas mileage is very good. Transmission shifts very smoothly. Adjustable pedals are a plus for short drivers. Air bags front,side and side curtain are great safety feature. Large rear view mirrors keep blind spots to a minimum. A fine car around town and on the road.
The base price is good, but you have too many extras which need to be include in the base price. Responsiveness of the steering is outstanding,which may cause the wider turning circle. The vehicle needs more power--a V8 or a direct fuel injection system. I like the improved responsiveness.
A laypersons assessment of the 2006 Mercury Montego Premier AWD. I was looking for a replacement for a 1999 Continental; felt the Montego came the closest and Im not disappointed. CVT transmission very smooth and satisfactory for passing. General driving --26.9 MPG after 2011 miles. User Reviews:
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