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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  Loved My Villager - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By 1122ldr - November 9 - 2:40 am

  Have been driving Villagers for 15 years--my 99 was my second one and Im very sad to be selling it and moving on. It was so easy to drive, a comfortable ride, and Ive loved the versatility and ease of reconfiguring the space for the load (even for a woman!). It carried my Girl Scouts and their gear camping and on troop trips--and as the "cookie van", it held over 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies without removing any seats!

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  Should have bought the extended warranty - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By lkbdczy - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Although most like this van both my wife and I are very dissapointed. since the warranty expired, we have replaced - Struts, Strut plates, 1 fuel injector, rear A/C, ball joints, breaks and Throttle plate. all Ford had to say was that we were on our own. WE will not buy from FORD again.

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  My Villager - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Carfan57 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Great handling and ride for a van. A little in the small side but good enough for my familiy.

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  not a toyota but..... - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By mrproduxn - July 31 - 3:16 am

  we purchased this van with 60k miles in near perfect shape for $8500.within 30 days was hit hard in rear at stoplight.tailgate and both quarters replaced.2 weeks later was hit in side.new side panel and complete paint.at 71k miles head gasket blew 2 blocks from home.water into engine. hydrolocked and broke cam and head bolts.repaired. mechanic said get rid of it due to bottom end engine trauma. also have found where was in accident on left front-shock tower replaced and weld seam noticeable under van.have replaced driver axle twice.replaced a/c compressor. now have 115k miles and starting to leak oil- possibly rear main seal.considering the history this has been a great van.

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  Reliable family car - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By GS Leader - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved having this car for our family. It has travelled on many vacations, Girl Scout camping trips, carpooling the kids, etc. It drives like a car but has the room of a van. At 137000 miles, weve had a few repairs, but that is expected with high miles -- nothing extraordinary. Rattle that developed in passenger side middle window was solved with a little spray lubricant on hinge.

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  Great Minivan....We have had 2! - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Bill R. - May 2 - 3:30 pm

  This van has been wonderful and very reliable. We couldnt afford a Honda Odyssey, and we were looking for reliability. This one has been reliable and the storage/hauling space is amazing....We cant believe all the stuff we have brought home in this. And our import vehicle mechanic still repairs it.

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  Great Van - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By big guy65 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Love this van. The only problem with it was the rear main seal started leaking oil at about 75,000 miles. Had it repaired and still going with no leaks of any kind at 160,000 miles.

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  Great Family Van - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By amaroa - March 15 - 12:13 pm

  We drove this vehicle as our primary travel car for 5 yrs excellent with kids. No major issues, car currently has 126K, just had to replace the battery and a/c compressor.

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  Not a bad van - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By shaglaptop - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad liitle van. Must say that I do not care for American vehicles and only bought this van because I needed one, this was the only van available in my price range. Havent looked back since. Couple of trips across the US, plus the half-dozen to grandmas house. Wish there was a little bit more cargo space, but moving the rear seat up one-notch does the trick.