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.
The 2005 Mercury Montego has it all; style (inside and out), roomy interior, comfort, economy, safety, enormous trunk, handles well on the road, a pleasure to drive with its quiet ride and ease of handling, has power when needed. It is an all around GREAT car. I am proud to be an owner.
1st of all, I traded an 04 F150. great truck needed something that didnt drink the gas as fast. I love the car, style, comfort, sound system everything about it. I purchased the all wheel drive Premere edition with that CVT transmition. Took the car on a ride over route 2 in Ma. it handled the mountain rd with no problems. For those of you who are thinking of buying the Montego or the Ford 500, GO FOR IT. Mike D.
I have been driving my Montego about six months ago and continue to enjoy it every time I drive it. The CVT transmission took about a week to get used to and now when I drive my wifes 5 speed automatic Honda I find my self missing the CVT. I have been getting between 23-27 mpg depending on the amount of highway/city driving that I am doing. Seats are very comfortable and the cabin is very quiet again better than my wifes Honda. It is a little slow off the start and could use more power but that is the only real complaint. Handles well, love the HID headlights, plenty of room in cabin and in the trunk (can fit my skis in with out folding down the seat). Great performer for the money.
Performs very well. My only complaint is that it didnt come with a retractable antenna as an option. I guess if thats my only complaint, it must be a good car!
I was looking for a replacement for my reliable 2000 Mercury Sable LS with 225,000 and saw this car on the the net. The car had 6000 miles on it and was like new,from a Lincoln Mercury dealer, in Mertlot with a tan interior. The car other than the rear brakes replaced under the TSB there have no service other than maintenance. This car has been a joy to own and on long drives. This car is the best secret in the auto business with great features, great gas mileage 32-38 mpg expressway and 22-25 city drivung with an average of 27 mpg overall and great comfort. The car is in made in Chicago with great fit and finish.
My problem has to do with the rain, water and leafs, pine needles, sand, anything that touches the windows goes into the door. The seal that is normally against the window in most cars, making it waterproof is not present on the Montego, in fact in discussing this with the few people that I was allowed to talk to at Mercury it was noticed that all of their cars except one, is now built this way. The seal that does touch the window is too far down, what doesnt go into the door with normal wind or vibration of the car goes into the door when the window is lowered. My car is not garage kept, I have mulch that is falling out of the bottom of the door, until it plugs up. Then what ice, rust....
Just purchased 1 mo ago. Ride very good, quiet With all the cold winter weather it is too soon to appraise gas mileage. In limited short trip city driving averge mpg so far about 16. Acceleration has been more than adequate. Went from van to Montego and am pleased with the drivers seat height and visibity - much better for me than most sedans (too low). Front passenger space seems a bit confining. Leg room in back is excellent.
Just bought our silver, 11,000-mile 2005 Montego Premier with full safety package and were delighted with its performance on 2k-mile trip. Power is adequate, if not inspiring, but handling is nimble and sure-footed and it makes a great road cruiser. It is comfortable, pleasant and a pleasure on the road - versatile enough for a family with teens, classy enough for clients. Fuel economy is fair at about 24 mpg. Our Lincoln-Mercury dealership is quite good. This is Calvinist luxury; it has the amenities of a luxury car, but interior feels more sturdy than buttery. In other words, it works on a dinner date, a client drive or a trip to the vet.
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.
I traded my Lincoln LS in for a roomier car and I got it! Its only 6" longer but has ever so much more room. I went for the Premier AWD because my Lincoln was soooo bad in snow. I got used to all the nice amenities though so I went for it in the Montego. I have not been disappointed and with the CVT transmission, I dont find any lack of power when I need it. So far, I think its a great car for the money! User Reviews:
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