Overview & Reviews

Mercury's Monterey minivan was born from the ashes of the previous-generation Ford/Mercury line of minivans, which were disappointing at best. Introduced for 2004, the Mercury Monterey and its twin the Ford Freestar attempted to offer more of what modern minivan buyers wanted. Features like a fold-flat rear seat, multiple storage bins and entertainment systems took center stage as Mercury tried to lure import van loyalists out of their Hondas and Toyotas.

The Monterey was an adequate family van and boasted an abundance of safety and luxury features. Still, in regards to engine power, ride and handling and interior design, it fell short of segment-leading minivans from Honda, Kia and Toyota.

Due to lackluster sales, 2007 was the last year for the Mercury Monterey.

Most Recent Mercury Monterey

The Mercury Monterey debuted in 2004 as a replacement for the Mercury Villager, a smaller minivan that was related to the Nissan Quest. The Monterey was powered by a 4.2-liter V6 making 201 horsepower and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. With an engine that size, we expected a lot more power. Even in its day, nearly every other van on the market had a smaller engine that made more power and returned better fuel economy.

Standard feature highlights included antilock brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, a power driver seat, front and center captain's chairs and a CD audio system. Among the Monterey's options were such niceties as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Changes were few over the short life of the Mercury Monterey. In 2005, heated and cooled perforated leather seats with suede inserts were added to the Premier trim level and a power rear liftgate became an option on Luxury models.

For 2006, the base Convenience and upscale Premier trims were dropped, leaving only the midlevel Luxury. Previously optional front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags became standard. A wood steering wheel was also made standard, and the heated and cooled seats from the previous year's Premier were converted into an option.

2007 versions benefited from Mercury's extended five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; this warranty is transferable, so it's a benefit to used shoppers as well. The 2007 Monterey also continued to be offered in one Luxury trim level.

In Mercury Monterey reviews, we found the minivan to be deficient in terms of ride, handling, comfort and value. And though the interior was very attractive at first glance, many trim pieces were flimsy to the touch and build quality is hit or miss. While recent minivans from Honda, Kia and Toyota are much better choices, nicely equipped Mercury vans on the used market sell for bargain-basement prices. If you find the Monterey to your liking, you'll probably be able to get one at minimal cost.

User Reviews:

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  Sure beats the Dodge and Chrysler - 2005 Mercury Monterey
  By Eaugalle1 - May 21 - 5:56 am

  I have owned both Dodge and Ford mini vans in the past and this is a great improvement over my previous Ford Windstar vans and a world of difference over over the Dodge which was the worst vehicle I have ever owned. My friends like the new Hondas and Toyota mini vans but I find them way to expensive and the Honda is far more noisy, the power is not as good as the Mercury and the milage is about the same. Also I was able to buy the Mercury for over $3000. less with the same features as the Honda. I for one cannot justify the higher prices for the Honda and Toyota.

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  Monterey - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By TJonesMfs - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Quite an improvement over the Mercury Villager. More features, better pickup and more comfortable.

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  Still doing great! - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Almon - March 28 - 8:46 pm

  My van now has 52,000 and the only problem was to replace a lock on a sliding door. Just replaced brakes and tires this month. Getting 21 mpg over all. About half of my driving is highway miles. My wife and I still love the looks and the comfort on roadtrips. The engine has a lot of torque and is fast off the line and good at passing in the 45-60 mph range. The advance trac feature really keeps it solid on the road.

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  EXCELLENT VAN - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By rr - November 26 - 5:06 am

  HAD the chev venture and pontiac before this both were in the shop steady bought the mercury van and it now has 101000 on only problem was 120 bucks very reliable gets from 19 to 24 mpg very comfortable

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  Transmission/egr headaches - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By famster - November 16 - 10:36 pm

  My 04 monterey transmission went too, no warning! Cost $2000. 84,000 miles. Also having problems with engine light. Looks like egr valve. Cost about $350. Love the car, but the excessive repairs are bleeding me dry! With the transmission complaints abundant, why wont Ford do anything? From a large family of Ford owners, I may not purchase another due to lack of support of their owners and their own lack of accountability. How sad.

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  Worst Vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By bspagnolo - October 16 - 11:28 pm

  Had a 2000 Windstar that had three transmissions in 36,000 miles. Foiund it had silent recall. Got this with concessions from Ford. Many service issues. Just had the third row seat restraints break loose from the frame. Whole underside of drivers side is rusted underneath . NTSHA has an investigation on this vehicle for safety issues regarding seat mounts breaking free because of rust. I have a 12x12 hole in a wheel well and Ford wont do anything. Only 67,000 miles, Wife drives it. Garage kept. This is the second vehicle ford let us down on. I have owned fords all my life and never again. They dont stand behind what they sell. I suggest everyone with this vehicle check the wheel wells row

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  Never though Id own a Mercury..... - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By JBR Merc Owner - August 1 - 10:53 pm

  I recently lemon-lawed a smaller foreign made van and began the long shopping process over the fall. I had read that Mercury had began selling a van again in 04, so I gave it a shot. Im glad I did. If Lincoln made a van this would be it, and mine isnt even the loaded one (Premier), quiet, great ride, good power. Its got everything you could ever want in a vehicle. I dont mind at all giving up a little gas milage for the convience and luxury the Monterey provides. I have recommended this vehicle to all of my family and friends. With the rebates L- M was offering the price for the incredibly equipped Luxury (mid-level) was unbelieveable. Looking forward to a Holiday roadtrip w/ the family.

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  Excellent Choice for us - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By stevensample - July 8 - 10:46 am

  Our family bought a Monterey to help move my college bound daughters. We were sold on its design and functions, especially the huge area of cargo space. we fit in a 88" couch and moved kids from central Illinois to Wisconsin with easy. The ride is superior and the features are wonderful. We are currently downsizing and this vehicle is doing the job again. Beat any pick up truck, and can be quickly converted into a seven passenger van with little effort and luxury appearance and feel.

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  Long trip comfort - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Robert Miller - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Taking a trip from Florida to New Jersey ,to Connecticut, to Massachusitts, I found the ride very comfortable, and considering the load I was carrying, I averaged 20 miles per gallon. Upon returning I averaged 22 mpg on a trip to Orlando, and back. My wife and I found it a very comfortable ride.

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  My Mercury Monterey - 2006 Mercury Monterey
  By Ryan - March 12 - 5:46 am

  My Mercury Monterey is absolutely fantastic. i love it it is the best minivan out there. there are so many features that i cant even mention them all. the van has everything you need. it has a smooth quiet ride. it has the features of a $50,000 dollar luxury car would have. i love the wood in the steering wheel and in the doors and in the dash and around the radio and the leather seats are just as comfortable as can be and it has plenty of cargo room and alot of cargo room when the rear seats are folded down and anyone who says Mercury is for older people you are sadly mistaken but 10 years ago i would have agreed but now Mercury is for the young and middle aged and i think there great vehicles .