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 as an used car while looking for a variety of mid-size sedans.
While not initially on up for consideration, I was sold on it after driving it.
While Mercury is generally associated as a car for "old people", I was pleasantly surprised by this.
Although the Montego is also a full-size car with large trunk, the similarities with the Grand Marquis end right about there.
Although not sporty or fast, the Montego drives light on its feet and feels well-connected to the road.
While understated, it still looks like something special.
Cant beat the Mercury Montego. AWD, spacious interior, comfortable, all the bells and whistles, loaded "to the gills" for around $30K. Its the poor mans Audi A8 but Audi doesnt offer 6 years with zero interest loans.
After 2 winters of Chrysler 300 RWD, I wanted an AWD vehicle. Liked the value of Mercury Montego. Added a spoiler and chrome trim on doors, side molding and trunk to spruce up the looks. I am very pleased overall with the car. Very comfortable.
The Montego is a great car for the money, it has all the options you want included in the price. The car handles great in town or on the highway. Gas mileage in the twenties . Power seat on passenger side is only two way. No key lock for the trunk. Side veiw mirrors are large, already have broke one. Visibility is great front and rear.
This is a car with really big value. I have the Luxury which has nice leather, wood and some brushed metal accents (plastic). Overall, very snazzy car, HID headlights, premium cd, etc. I cant even emphasize enough how roomy this car is inside. Was very happy. Downside - they used the old Taurus transmissions in a new car! What a scam! Only 200 hp, very low low-end torque. Build quality showed thru at the end of my lease. Rear drivers side door became water-logged from car wash, rear sway bars and bushings are shot. Power steering pump is shot, dealer insists theres nothing wrong, all Fords make that loud whining sound when turning a corner. And thats why Im buying a BMW next!
The Mercury Montego is a great family sedan with loads of interior and trunk space.
The elevated seating is a very nice feature which is not only comfortable but allows easy entrance and exit from the vehicle.
The instrument panel is attractive and functional, and the leather seats have a nice look to them.
After the first 13000 miles, we have yet to experience our first problem of any kind. The ride is very comfortable and the handling is very controlled. Mileage seems to be about what they claim for the car which is 21/29mpg. Performance is sufficient for a car this size unless you really need to be the first away from every light. Overall....a great car.
Ford has come a long way in producing a quality vehicle, owned this mercury from March 2005 never had any problems with it, put almost 17,000 miles on it until I got rid of it November 2005. This was/is HUGE car, lots and lots of room, great features and content. However, the darned thing just could not get out of its own way. Ford made a drastic mistake with the powerplant, its a shame because otherwise a great vehicle!!!
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.
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.
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. User Reviews:
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