Overview & Reviews

Back in the distant pre-SUV era, humungous gas-guzzling station wagons were the preferred mode of travel for growing families across America. The energy crises of the 1970s caused gas prices to spike and sparked seismic shifts in consumer preferences. In the years that followed, a growing number of American families chose to hit the road in more space- and fuel-efficient vehicles. Enter the minivan, and among them, the Mercury Villager. While those old station wagons were yacht-sized, the Villager was yacht-themed -- assuming you opted for the top-level Nautica trim that was, as its sales literature crowed, "inspired by the sea."

Mercury is, of course, a Ford subsidiary; the Villager wasn't Ford's first entry into the minivan market. Ford's initial answer to Chrysler's groundbreaking front-wheel-drive minivan was the truck-based Aerostar. Initially successful, its popularity dipped in of the wake of competition from the growing numbers of modern car-based designs from Japan and America. In 1993, Ford finally introduced a car-based van of its own with the Mercury Villager. The product of a joint venture with Nissan, the front-drive Villager attempted to inject a little pizzazz into the mostly staid minivan segment. The Villager was also intended to bridge the gap between Ford's aging rear-drive van and its forthcoming, freshly engineered Windstar.

Sharing its underpinnings and power plant with its Nissan platform-mate, the U.S.-built Mercury Villager differed mostly by exterior and interior styling details such as Mercury's signature light-bar grille, seen on early models. The Villager was available in three flavors of trim. The top-level Nautica Special Edition helped it stand apart from its rivals early on, with a classy two-toned paint scheme and leather-trimmed captain's chairs that certainly made it the minivan of choice for the preppy set. There was simply no Previa Tommy Hilfiger Edition or J. Crew Odyssey to compete with.

In an era in which many minivans had removable rear seats that were awkward to handle, the Villager was noted for its unique rearmost seat. This seat could easily be slid forward on integrated tracks to accommodate five passengers. The Villager also offered a sizable cargo area out back.

Another bragging point early on was its "in-between" size. The Villager was larger than a standard short-wheelbase minivan, but smaller than extended competitors like Dodge's Grand Caravan. Despite a freshening in 1996 and complete redesign in 1999, its size and seating configurations remained largely unchanged. Although second-generation vehicles provided a more balanced ride and handling, the Mercury Villager offered merely adequate power throughout its lifespan and was never a standout performer when pitted against its class-leading rivals.

Used minivan shoppers who find its size and amenities agreeable could consider a later-model Mercury Villager. However, we think there's greater utility and value for the money to be found in a Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna or in Chrysler's minivans. Budget-minded shoppers should also consider the Kia Sedona.

Most Recent Mercury Villager

The second-generation Mercury Villager spanned 1999-2002 and received few changes. Similar in size and appearance to its predecessor, it really didn't stand much of a chance, given its lack of refinement and compromised utility. At its dawn, the Villager featured a 3.3-liter V6 good for 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Ride and handling were improved from the previous van, as were interior ergonomics. Available in base, Sport and luxurious Estate models, the Villager offered new styling inside and out to complement the new second manual sliding door on the driver side. The Nautica model was scuttled during these years.

During this generation, there were a few minor additions and rearrangements of the equipment list. The only significant update occurred for 2001, when the exterior and interior were freshened.

Past Mercury Villager Models

The first-generation Mercury Villager debuted in 1993 for a six-year run through '98. It sat seven people, with a standard middle-row bench or available quad captain's chairs. Initially offered only in GS and LS trim levels, it was soon available in the popular Nautica edition. Although its body style lent utility and passenger space, the 151-hp 3.0-liter V6 offered only adequate power and lagged behind more powerful rivals as the years wore on. In an attempt to keep up, it was freshened for '96 with new exterior styling and an updated dash equipped with a passenger-side airbag. Automatic climate control and an integrated child seat were also newly available. Passenger comfort and convenience were further enhanced for '97 with rear audio and climate controls. Although it's attractive and comfortable enough, there are better alternatives from that era available. Still, a Villager in mint condition might be worth a look.

User Reviews:

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  Good vehicle - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Herb Sharp - February 5 - 10:00 am

  My experience has been very positive. Yes, it is shorter than the Chrysler and the Windstar, but it fits in my garage and they dont. We have found it to be a pleasure to drive and have not had any negative concerns in the 2 plus years we have owned the vehicle, and it fits our needs nicely.

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  Good Van - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Bransonbuff - January 24 - 8:13 am

  We bought our 99 Villager Estate used in 2002. It has served us well. I did have the accelerator problem, and Ford wanted a small fortune to fix it. So I took the car to a local shop with experience with Villagers, and they fixed the sticky accelerator by cleaning the assembly. No problem, cheap fix, works fine. We took this van to Yellowstone last summer, and it performed flawlessly. I did order a used digital radio/player from a salvage yard and had it installed when the lights faded and went out on the old one. Its nice to have somebody to work on these minor fixes who knows the vehicle. We especially like the bucket middle seats (all leather) and the reclining seats. Good van.

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  Most comfortable and efficient Van - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By Kim - January 8 - 5:36 am

  This is the first minivan I have owned and am very pleased with the comfort and the fuel economy. I have gotten 23- 25 mpg highway miles. Also, the leather seats are very comfortable with a lumbar support for the driver. I have to travel long distances to work and the comfort is great since I have a bad back. The sound quality is great especially with the video system. The only compliant are the tires; Michelin Symmerty tires are already worn badly at 60,000 miles and are very rough. Overall this is the best car I have ever owned. Unfortunately they (Nissan) dont make this van anymore. It is basically a Nissan Quest.

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  Nissan Quests body not soul - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By pgmap - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because it is the sibling of Nissan Quest which I know is the best choice of year 1995. One of my friend bought a Quest but I wanted to save some bucks. Got more trouble comparing with my friends Japanese one. Have sent back to dealer five times for variety reasons. Electrical problem is very bothering. Still love the car very much.

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  a van for comfort - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By arigan - December 2 - 11:30 pm

  This minivan is really comfortable for a bad back. It doesnt drive like a truck, which is one thing I dont like about vans. It does really well on curves. The mileage is great for on freeway driving. I drove approximately 240 miles on the freeway and I was very pleased with the use of fuel. Less than a half a tank of gas.

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  1999 Villager Sport - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Teresal - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for a small family. Compact sport styling and good low end response make driving around town a pleasure. Comfortable ride and well appointed interior. Removable second row buckets and sliding rear seat make it easy to create a larger cargo volume. Very satisfied with choice to date.

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  Mercury Villager Minivan - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By CT at ablaze - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Enjoyable vehicle. Ride is smooth with lots of room. Having electrical problems. Seems to be reliable overall with exception to electrical problems.

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  Very Pleased with my Villager Estate - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By samsdad - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my Villager for about a year now, and I love it. The leather seats are very comfortable. The passengers like the dual a/c controls, and the rear floor heater. The interior is designed well, and its not bad on the outside, either. The 7 passenger seating allows space for everyone, and the quad seating is very comfortable. I average about 20 mpg, and I do a lot of city driving. Highway mileage is better. It is smaller than some other minivans, but it is big on comfort, so that makes up for any size difference. Overall, I think it is a very good value.

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  The BEST bang for the buck! - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By carecarpro - October 7 - 4:00 am

  This vehicle is underrated and the Nissan/Mercury name has been badly ridiculed. I have owned my Villager for over 14 years and all I can say is $21,000 for this LS model and all is well. My wife owns a Lexus SUV and I paid over $53K a year ago and it has been in the shop 7 times. The Villager we own has 267k miles and has never seen major repair. My cousin and my good friend both have 95 Villagers and all I can say is 289k and 212k miles and the same results. That is a real review.

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  its been good to me - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By readany - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have nearly 100,000 miles and have never had to do any mechanical work other than routine maintenance.... It still drives and looks like a new car!