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:

• 

  Better than most - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By robandmarilyn - December 6 - 10:23 am

  I bought this van with 160,000 miles on it. Original owner had made no major repairs to it. It has almost 200,000 miles on it now and still running strong. Only problems I have is the front end components consistantly have problems (thanks Ford). Had it been totally built by Nissan it would probably be unstopable.

• 

  Great Car - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Hot Rod - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 95, after 7 years and 90,000 plus miles, we finally had our first repair and it was just a loose motor-mount and topping off coolant for the a/c. We love this car.

• 

  Been a good Van - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By trapfreek - November 25 - 5:36 am

  My wife and I have had this van for 8 years (second owner) and it has had no problems. My only complaint is that a strong wind will move it around a bit on the freeway and the seat will not go back quite far enough for me. All we have done in the past 8 years was front brake pads and a new battery. My daughter gets our hand me down cars and I hope this will keep going as well for her for a couple more years.

• 

  Looking for another - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By edmunds rules - October 11 - 10:00 am

  We like our villager so much, we are looking for a deal on another. Has 112,000 miles. Engine and trans have had no problems. Has been on 1400 mile (round trip) 4 times. Perfect every time. Side glass rattles were fixed by replacing the hinge on the glass. Most expensive repair was radiator fan. I did learn that most dealer parts can be bought cheaper from Nissan. The fan I mentioned earlier-- Mercury $264 Nissan $179. Getting ready to buy a newer van. After looking at and driving a few, (Chrysler, Chev, Olds, Toy, Hon) we decided another Villager will give us the best "bang for our buck"

• 

  1999 Villager from Mechanicville, NY - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Vermilyeas - October 8 - 6:33 am

  We are a Family of 5. Three growing boys, our Villager is great. We have bucket seats in the second row. We always keep one seat out for the added room, and put it back when we need it!Our Villager has served us well!

• 

  villager air conditioning system - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By valerina - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I am experiencing my first problem at 68000 miles and that is that the air conditioning system (which runs underneath the vehicle) has corroded. Unfortunately this is not an inexpensive repair. I was told by the shop that this is a common problem.

• 

  Reliable and cheap but has drawbacks - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By brian174 - June 30 - 6:33 pm

  Ive had the van for 3 years now. I bought it with 85K miles on it and have 140K now. I bought it because I got Nissan quality at Ford depreciation levels, so it was cheap. I like the Nissan engine and transmission. Only problems Ive had were the usual Ford electrical gremlins. It is a gas hog. Seating system is poorly designed. Van is noisy going down highway (wind noise mostly.) Im basically satisfied but cant figure out why this thing only gets 18-20 mpg when other bigger vans with bigger engines get 25 mpg. Its a good, cheap van, though.

• 

  Typical Merc Clunker - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By mrebate - June 25 - 2:37 am

  New from dealership the alarm was tempermental and had to be tweaked by a factory rep. You soon realize you are driving a "truck". Ours had annoying shimmy at highway speed. Although it had less than 60,000 miles when we decided to dump it. It needed an engine a knock sensor when sold. Starter motor, wheel bearings, electric window control panel (drivers door) and rusting exhaust were other repairs for mint condition vehicle. The clear lens cover for the turn signal popped off for no reason. AC needed recharged every year after 4 yrs. A stinko vehicle and inferior dealership do no make for a pleasant experience. Dealer damaged both rocker panels and blamed their new lift.

• 

  Happy owner - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By chas36 - June 10 - 12:04 am

  Bought the Villager new in 2000 as a leftover 1999 for a good price. You can put 7 people in the van, or their luggage, but not both at the same time. Its a little small. Its short on power too, but thats about all the negatives there are. The ride and comfort are great. Its been very reliable. I replaced the cvu joints at 80,000. The radio lights are intermitting. The throttle sticking is a very common problem. The solution is not that bad. Get a can of throttle body cleaner and spray around the edges of the flapper in the throttle body. Overall Im well pleased.

• 

  Great Van - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By C-man - May 27 - 12:16 am

  This is more comfortable and easier to manuver than the last 1998 Ford Arrowstar. Always tends to give plenty of warning before anything breaks or gives out so you can take it in and have it fixed before you are stuck. Could use more leg room for driver. A little better acceleration ability would be very nice, however it does seem to hold its own. Very nice manuverability and drives well in any weather. It is hard to do any of the work on your own under the hood as it is all compact and squashed together making it very difficult to do it yourself. It only has two key locks, one on the driver door, and one for the hatch. Would like to see one on front passenger door as well.