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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  Mercury Monterey is the best van - 2005 Mercury Monterey
  By Thomas - May 31 - 2:13 am

  It has a smooth ride very comfortable seats and very roomy and has a lot of conveniences and a quiet ride

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By jdpower - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I was disappointed that Mercury had discontinued the Villager, and was hesitant about the Monterey. But now after 1200 miles, I enjoy it more. Highway gas mileage is better than Villager, but not quite as good around town.

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  Upscale Quiet & Adequately Powered Mini - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By R. Herman - April 23 - 1:36 pm

  We have taken ours on 6 hr trips & it is very quiet, very comfortable, & adequately powered for traveling & passing at 80MPH on the turnpike. Every amenity is available except a few of the gimmick options that each manufacturer exclusively carries. We love this vehicle! It is a new platform for Ford/Mercury so we had a few recalls, which were promptly fixed. Really dont know how anyone would say Dodge/Chrysler is better & looking at specs on Japanese brands size, power, mpg, etc. are all w/in same ranges w/only slight differences. We highly recommend this vehicle for a family. FYI: Mercury comes w/more options for the $ than Ford.

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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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  Great value - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By Lynn - March 10 - 10:50 am

  Vehicle has given excellent service with good gas mileage. Average 19.4 around town and as high as 25 on the highway. Great to drive both in town and on highway

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  Ultra Luxury = Mercury Monterey - 2006 Mercury Monterey
  By Chris - February 27 - 10:43 pm

  My 2006 Mercury Monterey it absolutely awesome it has a smooth shifting powerful 4.2L V6 with 263 pounds feet of torque it really moves this van and it get about 23 MPG which is great for such a heavy van and it has great safety rating all 5 stars and one 4 star and this is wonderful but that doesnt surprise me Mercury has always done great in the crash tests and everything is all power on this van you just press a button and the doors open and it has a luxurious interior a stylish exterior with some sporty features and i just love this van its great i highly recommend this Mercury to anyone who wants a highly refined reliable minivan with so many luxury features

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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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  My new van - 2004 Mercury Monterey
  By lswhow - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed Mercury Monterey Van. I have been driving vans for years and have had 5 different makes. This one tops them all for comfort ride and design. Gas milage is about 17 in the city a little less than the other vans but the extras make up for it. The comfort is that of a sedan. I highly recomend this van for a family luxury van. We even have had people stop us and ask to look at the van. The style is attractive to young and old alike.

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  The name says it all Montery Luxury - 2006 Mercury Monterey
  By Greg - January 22 - 11:43 am

  All i can say is its the best Van out there it is loaded up with luxury features and a powerful 4.2L V6 it is absolutely the best if youre smart youll avoid all the rest because i tried them and they all stink in my opinion like i said before Monterey is the Best