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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  I love this van! - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By ImJustaGirl - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I have NO CLUE why the editor ratings arent better for this van! We recently bought one, and before purchasing it I asked tons of Villager owners (that I spotted in parking lots, ect) what they thought of their van, and NOT ONE PERSON had a bad thing to say about it! We bought ours and absolutly LOVE it!

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  2nd Village a disappointment - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Phydo - June 29 - 9:16 pm

  After a phenomenally dependable and satisfying 97 Villager, my 99 Estate model has been a real lemon. In one year, $600 in suspension parts, $800 to replace throttle body, $1100 to repair A/C, and there are several switches not working. No sticky accelerator though. I am dumping it after 1 year for a Honda or Mazda.

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  Villager Pros & Cons - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By BertBert - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The good thing about the early Villagers is that they all have the same shortcomings so when something goes wrong, its easy to diagnose. We have 104,000 miles on it, so we cant complain too much, but every couple months it needs some sort of repair.

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  Dog on the highway. - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By lugnutzz - May 4 - 9:08 pm

  Bought this van thinking that i might get better gas mileage than my old Olds Sihlouette. Boy was I wrong. 18 on the highway, 14 in the city. I thought a tune up would help... Nope. did it myself the first time and figured I messed something up. Took it to a reputable shop and had them do it... nope. Took it on a long trip. Great on the straightaways, but if you climb a hill, you have fully loaded tractor trailers up your butt trying to pass you. Also have had to replace the knock sensor TWICE. Having said that, this is the most comfortable car I have ever had. Bells and whistles work great and cargo is good.

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  Great mini van - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By John - April 24 - 9:13 pm

  Our Villager is now 7 years old and has 124,000 miles without any major problems. Only work done was two sets of front brakes. Great looking and riding mini van.

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  Great powertrain, but poor assembly - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By VG - March 7 - 6:23 pm

  Just sold after 9 years. Nissans design and the solid and reliable Nissans powertrain were the other reasons why I bought it and they surely stood up strong. However, my first years under warranty have been spoiled by constant trips to the dealership to have a dozen of minor assembly items fixed. It just seemed that the van was put together in a hurry and things were constantly falling apart - CDs skipped on minor bumps, headlights had leaks and failed, windshield cracked from an edge, speed steering rattled at high speed, etc. Once all those things have been fixed, the van has became fun and proved to be a real work horse.

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  Great van - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By joe cobra - March 2 - 6:43 am

  I bought this new. Now have 111,000 on it with no major problems. Very reliable. Took many long trips with the family, never let me down

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  Perplexed - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Kevin - January 25 - 5:06 pm

  Purchased used from local dealer with 68000 miles. The gas pedal sticks and the headlight harness burned out near the lite socket. At about 85,000 miles on a hot summer day about 200 miles from home I experenced a sudden loss of oil pressure. Indicated by the light and noisy lifters. Continued to drive as I had no other choice for 200 miles with intermittent oil pressure. Changed to a heaver oil and no problems for 1 year then the same story. Changed to a heavier oil again then no problems. Now have Over 111,000 miles. I do not understand what is going on with the oil pressure but the vehicle has been very reliable and uses no oil between changes of 12000miles.

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  I traded in my 93 for a 2000 (both red)! - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By br - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is our second red used Mercury Villager. We couldnt be more pleased. The value/price is great!

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  Please bring them back - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By KForringer - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Mercury Villager for 2 1/2 years now and love it. We test drove many minivans and while this was one of the smaller vans, it handled very well and felt more like a car than a van. In the time that we have had it, we have only had to do minor maint. items. Which is more than I can say for the Caravan that we had before!! It was well worth the money we paid and I wish they would bring them back.