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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  A Good Family Car - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By marcopolocity - September 10 - 2:00 am

  A reliable fun to drive van with a unique style. Weve owned 2 and have been very please with the overall quality.

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  A good Villager - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By nstephen - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good van, commodious and reliable. It easily carries us, two dogs and luggage to Florida each year. It has been easy to maintain and has been back to the dealer only for routine service for the most part.

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  Great Van! - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Doug N - August 3 - 10:43 pm

  We have put over 100000 miles on our Villager. It is a great van and has been fun to drive. Like the commercials said when they were first introduced, "the mini-van that drives like a car". I would highly recommend a Villager to anyone looking to purchase.

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  Bad Ford DNA - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Alias999 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  We chose this used van for its Nissan drive train and better than avg. fuel economy. The Ford components of this joint venture vehicle are terrible. Brakes, front-end parts, wiper switch are all high-maintenance items. Buy it cheap and have the front-end made right and youll be OK.

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  The Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Steve - July 1 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this minivan 11 years ago and just love it. I have driven it across country several times with no problems including one trip towing a uhaul trailer through a snow storm. This is the best vehicle i have ever owned. I have only had minimal (and expected) maintenance issues. I am still getting 16 to 18 mpg. Still plenty of power from the engine but my a/c has recently stopped working and r-12 freon is rare and expensive. Ive kept it reasonably clean and well maintained and I expect to see another 80000 miles.

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  What a Sweet Car! - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By JBJ - May 24 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my Villager used with 20,000 miles on it, Sept 2003. Its a reliable Nissan Quest twin but better looking. A beautiful car. Just had it towed last week and had to say good- bye. Will miss all the bells and whistles. When I was low on gas, it told me how many miles I could still drive until empty. It has a roomy interior; bigger than you think. I had a Previa before, so it seemed small at first, but it really met our needs as the boys went through middle and high school. It had 154,000 miles when it died. With the diagnosis, a engine cooling fan that was freezing up, and the repairs with labor estimated at over $800, I decided it was time to say good-bye. Lots of fun family trips.

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  Still evaluating - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Ice - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the van from a private party. Had problems I was aware of at time of purchase. Replaced motor mounts, cracked windshield, brakes, plugs and rotor. Had a brief transmission slip. Air conditioning works great. Seems throttle body had some work done to it. Display on radio does not work, but radio does. Service Engine Soon light keeps coming on and off, Passenger rear window wont stay open. Driver window switch is intermittent on roll up. Driver floor mat wont stay flat. Driver rear view outside mirror seems to oscillate a bit while driving. Fuel econ is fluctuating between 17 and 19 in city. Havent taken on long hi-way trip yet.

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  OK vehicle over all - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By bobby - May 8 - 4:20 am

  This has been a pretty darn reliable vehicle. It has over 100,000 miles on it and it still runs real good. I wish i would have gotten a Ford Expedition 4x4 because this vehicle is too small for us, and it does pretty bad in the snow. It does real good on gas 14cty 19-21hw. There has been absolutly nothing mechanically wrong with it.

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By LivinOnGravel - March 21 - 7:56 am

  Driven daily for over six years. Have ~148K miles on it. Keep expecting something to force us to stop driving it, but it just keeps running. Amazing vehicle. Weve had a tiny cost of repair over the years. It is my rule against what I measure everything else now. Have had the throttle place stick, so I clean out the throttle body regularly. Gauges failed twice-tach sticks & stops moving. Great fuel mileage. We get 18-ish in town and up to 24 MPG hi-way. Couldnt afford a Honda or Toyota, but didnt need to -- this vehicle will be hard to say good-bye to when/if it ever dies.

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  2001 Sport Villager Minivan - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By subwayal - January 29 - 10:00 am

  A tight turning radius makes a U-turn possible rather than a K-turn. Easier control of the pedels is accomplished with the modification of the steering column and a deeper toe well.The windows located in the sliding doors have a tighter seal,I dont hear the wind/noise whistling through any gaps. The back bench seat is not easily accessible from the right side. The middle bucket seat folds foward and slides but, the space isnt very large. Entry from the left side is easier and roomier by climbing over the bucket seat and scooting down the center isle.