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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  still happy - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By hinder customer - June 11 - 10:00 am

  we purchased the van used. we have had only one problem with the headlight wiring harness. the headlights would individually go out when driving over bumps. the problem was corrected by the dealer replacing the plugs at the end of the wiring harness. Over all, it rides/drives like a very controlable/predictable sport sedan. great for long trips. would buy another:)

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  Great Van - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By dpeerson - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my van. I can rearrange the seats to suit my needs. Been a great van. minor problems with minor recalls all taken care of by dealership. Do have problem with sticky gas pedal. Need to figure out what to do about that. Anyone have any ideas let me know!!

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  Mercury Villager - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By Steve - February 28 - 4:43 pm

  This is our second Mercury Villager. There great vans. We have always been pleased.

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  Great car for "nin com poop" - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By John Keller - February 9 - 4:16 am

  I have 216,000 miles on this vehicle. It was a plain jane for about $19,000. I have never had vehicle last as long. Perhaps I have had two water pumps and other various services. Unlike other cars, I have maintained this. I honestly hope to get another three years out of this. Wife put high end Michelin tires on it recently. My second set of mats bought at time I got vehicle are starting to show wear. Just ordered owners manual that I losta few years ago. Thought it was worthwhile investment.I would buy another!

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  Awesome van - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By nsandford - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable. The options are few but great. We did not add-on anything, as it is fine the way it is. It is very fun to drive. It is such a smooth ride and the seats are very comfortable. It is very easy for my 85 year old crippled grandmother to get in and out (verus a car, which is nearly impossible).

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  Reliable. - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By jaredh - January 10 - 12:33 pm

  Just rid myself of my old 95 Villager recently due to electrical issues that just werent worth the money for repair. At 17 years old I have nothing to complain about. This van has been reliable through out its life span. And the most major repair it ever saw; was a replaced water pump. Other then that this thing never saw any critical failures. The air vents for the back passenger seats gave out about 5 years in. But we managed with just the front ones. Heat was great, AC was great. But more importantly this van was sturdy. Even after being in a wreck a year ago it still ran like a champ. Im going to miss the old thing.

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  Going on 180,000 mi and still going stron - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Winder - December 17 - 4:00 am

  I have never had a Mercury product, and have been very pleased with it. Got it used in 2005 with 60,000 miles, and it was in like-new shape. I work in Real Estate, so I have put many miles on it, and it has been very reliable and fun to drive, and I have had lots of compliments on the look and comfort of it. I hope I can get another 50K miles on it, but if not, will definitely consider Mercury again. Would like something with a little better mileage, but I still get 29-22 mpg, so thats not bad.

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  good family ride - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By RB - December 10 - 2:00 am

  bought used in 1997 with 27000 miles on it.. now has 107000 miles & still going strong..has been very reliable with only minimum maintenance & few repairs required... worst problem would be that rear AC unit went out & had to be replaced a couple summers ago..

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  good family ride - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By rb - December 10 - 2:00 am

  bought used in 1997 with 27000 miles on it.. now has 107000 miles & still going strong..has been very reliable with only minimum maintenance & few repairs required... worst problem would be that rear AC unit went out & had to be replaced a couple summers ago..

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  love my minivan! - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By erkinkim - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this van. Ive had no problems whatsoever with it. Very smooth ride and easy to drive. Great with the kids and plenty of room. Highly recommended