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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  Monterey Van Review - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Susan H. - March 27 - 2:43 pm

  Overall we are very pleased with our Monterey Van and would recommend this van to others. It drives smoothly and is wonderful to take on long trips. The interior design of the van is what we like the most. It is easy to move around and the front passengers have lots of room for storage. We like all of the extra features, there are so many. We love this van!

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  Good Mercury so far - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Barnett - January 1 - 7:20 am

  The van has been good for the 1st year. I had to put new tires and found not a tire usually everywhere. The MPG is not the best. So far I really like the room (3 grandkids) comes in handy, good acceleration when moving into traffic, etc.

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  Smooth ride with peppy engine - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By ME - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Monterey new and still have it! Replaced AC @ 50K. Replaced brakes @ 85K and now have 86K. Very smooth ride, good acceleration in traffic and extremely comfy on the road trips. Lots of room for people and cargo. Overall, very very pleased. Esp like the peppy engine in metro traffic. Easy to see out of and feel safe. Good sound! Handles well. Never broken down. Reliable.

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  twice the stuff for 1/2 the price - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Gweller - July 1 - 3:23 am

  Had this van for 1 year. Bought used w 12k on it. Really shopped around. The good news is they depreciate from new like lead. 35k new paid around 17k So theyre a bargain used. Ive had one repair, heated seat stopped working. Wouldnt have had this problem w others models because at this price they wouldnt have had the option on them. Great bang ( leather, power sliding doors, dvd, front/rear parking sensors, stability control) for the same buck that will get you a base used Toyota or Honda.

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  Outstanding van - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Sam Master - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This is simple the best well thought out ideal by a manufactor, in the mini van class. We drove the Quest, Sienna and Town and Country. But the Monterey is a wonderful vehicle. And i think now Mercury owns the standard in mini vans..

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  Upside Down in Missouri - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By yelsew - April 9 - 12:23 am

  Purchased to replace 2000 Grand Caravan. We purchased over other makes because of great style. Drove Honda, both Dodge and Chrysler, looked At Nissian, and Freestar. Window sticker claims 23 mpg. We have yet to get close. Our best fuel mileage, just over 19 mpg on the interstate with cruise control set @ 70mph. Back to dealer several times. Power sliding doors out of adjustment (way out) took two trips. Arm rest fell of front seat. Rear wipper wiped body not glass. A/C compresser locked up at 10,000 miles, dealer replaced complete A/C system. Ask Dealer to note poor fuel economy on every work order, they reported it would get better with more miles. It hasnt YET!!!

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  Really Like This Mini-Van ... But! - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By SJ Piney - March 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I really like this minivan. Its very comfortable, well appointed and rides very smooth. We like the dash arrangement and the analog clock. We also compared this to a loaded Freestar Limited and the Monterey is actually about $2000 cheaper with the same equipment. Ok now for the BUT. For a $34000 vehicle the amount of plastic is mind blowing. A little leather on the sides of the doors would have been a nice touch and befitting a Mercury. The other thing is the lack of a lockable glove compartment. Even my Jetta has that! If you can wait, we recommend getting that power tailgate.

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  Better than expected after 6000 miles - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Almon - February 10 - 1:50 am

  Tested the Honda and Toyota competition. The Merecury ride, comfort, safety, performance are very competitive. The price is much better with incentives. I am over six foot and 240 lbs and I am very comfortable. Rides great at 80 mph on the interstate. Gettting 18 mpg in town and 24+ highway. Terrific interior and dash design. No defects or problrms at the 5000 mile service. Very satisfied with dealer service so far. So many features and good quality for the price. Rear seat flips and folds easily with one hand. I recommend this vehicle

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  Its good enough for me - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By wattaguy - January 22 - 2:03 am

  Im the unusual purchaser. My main car is a 2002 Bentley Arnage. Im spoiled, and I know it. We bought this car, a Premium model to schlep the dogs and visitors. It has comfort for 7. We got every option, and then added an after market moonroof and wood trim package. Its now 4 years later. The Bentley sits, and we drive the van. Its comfortable, dependable, and has never had a mechanical issue once. I know if I get into this car Im going to get to where Im going. Some of the plastic trim items were cheesy, and they could improve on that, but for the price this is a really nice car, and at 3000 miles a year, were now retired, this car will be with us forever. Its good enough for me.