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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  Sticky gas pedal - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By abinitio - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great family vehicle, which we got after trading in a 1993 that had over 100,000 miles with only warranty and recall repairs. However, one real problem developed - the gas pedal began to stick when I went to accelerate (fortunately it never stuck while depressed). This could have been hazardous if I had been trying to accelerate in an avoidance move or something similar. My dealer fixed what he called "carbon buildup" which he said he rarely sees. However, I see in another post here that someone else has had the same problem, so Im thinking it may be more common that were lead to believe.

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  Dependability - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Eli De La Torre - January 23 - 3:10 pm

  Driving comfort for this vehicle is without measure. It drives like a town car and very quiet inside. Even after 75000 miles the engine is smooth and quiet and quickly responds when you press the accelerator. Its a vehicle you can trust to get you around town and the long halls.

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  1999 Mercury Villager Estate - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Barb - December 10 - 10:53 am

  Purchased used in 2002 with 30K. My first Mercury. Ive always owned Nissans. Ive had a lot of problems with this van. The gas pedal sticks, the sliding door windows rattle and wont stay open, rear wiper doesnt work, rear auto windows dont work, A/C doesnt work. The transmission jerks going from 1st to 2nd gear. Had the valve-body replaced twice. Had the box that controls trasmission twice. The transmission still jerks. The Check Engine light has been on for the past 5 years. Took it to 2 dealerships, no one can figure out why the light stays on. Battery and oil lights have been on for the past 6 mo even though I had both checked. I would never buy another Villager again.

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  Old reliable - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Speedwell - November 13 - 2:56 am

  Bought new in 2000, my wife uses it daily and I cant talk her into something else. Its a shame they stopped making this van because I would probably buy another one.

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  Still the Best - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By JimC - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve had four Villagers since 95, and the 2002 is as wonderful as its forerunners. Its sad to know that the Villager becomes a victim of "progress" after this model year. Fords inferior Windstar or variations thereof are altogether unsatisfactory alternatives as far as were concerned.

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By Stevenff - September 19 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2002 Villager Sport ussed with 11,000 miles on it for about half the sticker price. Like buying a new car for half price. We had a 98 Windstar but wanted a smaller van. The Villager is perfect. Large enough to be comfortable, small enough to be easy to manouver. It is a shame they discontinued it. The Villager filled a niche that is fast disappearing as most minivans keep gaining weight and size. Sometimes "bigger is not better" for everyone.

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  Love the Van - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By David46 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  We have had the van for couple of months, but we are very pleased with it. While we have had to take it to the dealership for some minor "tuning" (back hatch door didnt raise all the way, squeaky passenger side window) we dont feel this is a big deal since it is simply laughable to expect perfection from a machine with thousands of moving parts. The van drives well . . . good pickup . . . carries everything we need . . . looks great even when compared to Hondas allegedly fantastic minivan. This is our fourth mini-van, but first Villager, and we are upset we didnt try it before. They are making a mistake discontinuing it.

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  Thanks for the knowledge - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By SMOOTH - August 12 - 5:56 am

  I read this web sites reviews on this vehicle before deciding to purchase. I must say so far everything good and bad have been true. I just purchased this vehicle yesterday. It is nice so far. Im looking forward to a good 2 years in this vehicle without any major problems just minor hopefully. It was really helpful to read this website on information from previous owners of this vehicle. Happy driver so far.

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  Survived Interstate Crash In Our Villager - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By 412scott - August 11 - 1:36 pm

  We drove one starting in 2007 with 90,000 and would have gone far past our 120,000 this year if not for an awful crash that totalled our car. We were cut off by a clueless, self-involved Kia Soul driver who didnt even stop after our accident. My wife swerved to avoid them, the back wheels kicked out and we spun backwards across four lanes. Thankfully, after two hard bumps against the guardrail, we were blessed with no major injuries (my wife, my 3 year old and me) but a totalled minivan. It ended four years of dependable driving in all seasons. Gas mileage was OK, comfort was great, AC/Heat superb. Breaks locked up in our accident, and we werent speeding...but overall, a great car.

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  Best Van...or maybe vehicle Ive owned! - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By David - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what the editors were rating when they rated this vehicle but obviously they were sports car enthusiasts or something, lol. Its no Porsche or Corvette, its a van. This is the second Villager Ive owned, the first one being a 1997. I have had great luck with both of them. Absolutely the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I do not know why they stopped production so early on. I have owned my current 2002 model for almost 6 years now and have put about 80K miles on it(it had 25K when I bought it) Outside of normal maintenance I have done nothing to this van except I had to replace a CV Joint. thats it in 6 years. Reliable, roomy, comfortable...what else do you want!