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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  Dont waste your money - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By WASTE OF MONEY - September 16 - 7:23 pm

  We were initially intrigued with the Villager because it is basically a cheaper version of the Nissan Quest, but it has been the worst investment of our lives. We have had nothing but repairs season after season, year after year. We thought we got if for a bargain, but the cost of the repairs makes this vehicle worthless. I hate this van and would not recommend it to anyone. It is noisy, has brake issues, ac issues and has slow acceleration. It eats gas as if it were an truck. Very very disappointing buy. I am looking for a replacement now. I would never recommend this van to anyone. It may be cheap in price only because it is cheap in quality.

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  Great Value - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Northern Exposure - September 1 - 1:36 pm

  Bought van used with 60k, now have 80k miles. The styling is great, still looks fresh. This is a loaded Estate with leather seats, very comfortable interior with luxury look and feel, rides, drives and handles like a car. Mechanically there are some disappointments. Had the sticky throttle problem, fixed it with $2 can of carb cleaner and spray silicon lube. Gas mileage is disappointing at 19/24, had a 98 Dodge Caravan that got 28 on the highway. Replaced one CV Joint and both ball joints on front suspension, cost was reasonable though at $450. Nissan V-6 is best feature, good power, smooth, quiet, uses no oil. Wish the 3 row seat was removable.

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  Villager Fan - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Villager Fan - August 26 - 2:00 am

  When in the market for a minivan a good friend suggested only one, the Mercury Villager or Nissan Quest. What a great decision. I purchased my 95 in 97 when it had 19000 miles on it. I now have 165,000 and besides replacing a high preasure fuel line (made it a lot harder than it was) the car has been repair free. I have only had to purchase tires.

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  OK I GUESS - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By 64FAIRLANESC - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought the van for my wife and she likes it. I however am 63" tall and can tell that it was designed by the Japanese (Nissan). I have to bend in half to get in and have no headroom or leg room and do not like to drive it for very long. My 2001 Ford Windstar that I drive is 10 times more comfortable for a taller person. Mechanically I have had no real problems but I am a stickler for maint, and do all repairs myself. Had to replace ball joints and a CV axle. Some electrical connecters in lights bad, I see this on Japanese designs alot though. It now has 75000 miles and is reliable and ok to drive if your not tall than 58"

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  Best of the dieing breed - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Shane - July 23 - 5:41 am

  Other then the darn goofy door locks. You will never find a better minivan. Mines 20years old. Its been beat, battered, and still deals with 4 children and a dog daily. The interior must have been made out of some space age stuff for 1995 because at 20yrs old and 250,000+ miles it still looks great. The body although bland still looks great, and as for getting down the hiway this vans been wonderful. Really going to hate to see the day the poor ol girl croaks. To anyone thats still looking at a mercury villager. Buy it. And keep it serviced shell run you forever

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  Look elsewhere - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Pillager - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I know minivans are by their nature boring vehicles. The Villager is especially so. I have also had a nagging squeak from the steering column that the dealer was never able to completely fix.

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  Villager 1999 - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By barnesville - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This van drives like a car, storage and cubby holes are great, dont really like drink holders. Would prefer bucket seats instead of bench seats in back. Back seats terribly uncomfortable particularly for long distances. Front seats great for distance and comfort. Little or no mechanical issues. Sticky gas pedal when first purchased but fixed easily

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  mercury villager - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By pedro - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall a great vehicle.

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  Best Purchase Yet - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Jasonwillhelp - March 23 - 3:20 pm

  I am thinking of buying another van and as I have been searching, I see these reviews. This is my 2nd villager. We had great luck with our first one and bought this one after our first one was totaled. Bought with 95,000 miles and we now have 150,000 miles on this one and actually just got back from a weekend get away from a destination that is 4 hours from us. We have slight issues, but normal for this many miles. Considering that the Odyssey and Sienna remain high priced when even used, this van is a great buy! By the way, there was 7 of us on this trip, 2 adults, 4 teenagers and one, big for his age, 8 year old. No complaints from them about room.

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  If they only made more.... - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By FamilyVan - March 8 - 1:00 pm

  Very pleased with the van now with 166,000 miles. Bought it in 1998. Just had to retire it today. The transmission is slippin away. Too expensive to replace. My wife and I wish they still made them. Many fond memories. Wed buy another. It doesnt owe us a thing. Many x-country trips with no problems.