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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  Comfortable, but piggy - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Sue - November 25 - 8:36 am

  Big bang for the buck. Lots of incentives, and extras included. Most comfortable of all minivans, even the new HOnda. Poor on gas mileage in city. Hwy, ok, but city is more like 14 or 15, not 18 epa. Enough room for everything.

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  Monterey Experience - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Renee - November 9 - 2:30 am

  Beautifully designed minivan with great standard features. However with very poor gas mileage, much lower than what the sticker stated. Brakes also tend to be squeaky after van sits for greater than 6 hours. Drivers seat isnt very comfortable. Foot pedals need adjusting.

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  Great Van - 2006 Mercury Monterey
  By Shawn - September 23 - 8:16 pm

  The Mercury Monterrey is hands down better than the Town and Country that I traded in on it. The mileage is slightly better than the Town and Country and the van is of much better quality. I liked the T&C but I love the Monterrey. It has much more style, and is more appealing (interior and exterior.

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  A true luxury minivan - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By minivan lover - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I upgraded to the Monterey from a Windstar LX which I owned for 6 years. Love most everything about this vehicle but I miss the more comfortable captain chairs of the Windstar LX, the rear storage compartment, the coin holder and sunglass holder in the overhead console.

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  Greatest Van Out There - 2007 Mercury Monterey
  By Mark - September 19 - 9:36 am

  Ever since i purchased my 07 Monterey the more i drive it the more i love it because it handles extremely well and the ride is very quiet and smooth and the 4.2L V6 Engine is very powerful and can get up to 70 in just a few seconds and the interior is extremly roomy and comfortable and has tons of cargo room when the rear seats are folded down and everything is all power the rear doors are power the liftgate and the seats are dual power and the Montereys design inside and out is extremly classy and the quality of the materials are top of the line and the wood trim in the dash and chrome door handles and locks really set off the interior well as the wood in the steering wheel i love this van..

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  2004 Mercury Mini Van - 2005 Mercury Monterey
  By R. J. Herman - July 15 - 10:53 pm

  The electronics in this vehicle are outstanding. Very comfortable, easy to drive and handle with plenty of storage room. Gas mileage is not too good but is reasonable for car that weighs over two tons has a six cylinder engine and front wheel drive. Interior materials and upholstery are very good. Exterior body panel fit, trim and paint are also very good. Would like to see larger tail lights, more visable to the rear and more reflective material on the rear of the vehicle.

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  wonderful features - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Andra Capaci - July 3 - 10:26 am

  This is a great van. Lots of leg room in the front. I love the buttons 2 open side doors in front as well as rear. The ride is smooth. The rear seat folds in giving GREAT SPACE in the rear when not in use. You will not be disappointed if you buy this one.

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  great car - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By grfranchino - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Great Handlin g

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  great van - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By wal - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive van. The standard features are great. I have owned 3 vans prior to this one and this is the best one of all. I would recomend this van to any body It drives like a dream.

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  My Van - 2005 Mercury Monterey
  By BBking - January 31 - 10:56 pm

  The experience I have had with my van is it has been very reliable, I really like the two sliding doors with remote very conveniet.