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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  Great van for the money - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Mark - April 24 - 8:36 pm

  Ive owned my Mercury Sport for nearly 6 years and feel certian its a better choice over Chrysler or Ford products due to the Nissan Powertrain. I now have 110k + miles and it still runs as strong as the day I purchased it. Maintenance is key to long engine life! Brakes, tires and other replacables are only items put on our black beauty. I would highly suggest putting on a great set of tires to match engine zip. Im currently running yokohomos. OEM tires were,of course replaced after 30k seating of 5 is no problem especially on long trips. Did I say I also pull a 2,000 lb. boat? Great van, purchased with very few regrets!

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  Fix to headlights - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By rlhslw - March 11 - 10:00 am

  My passenger headlight has had the wiring harness replaced by me 3 times now, it is a underrated ground on the plug @18 guage wire. I stapped a 12 guage from 1 inch behind plug w/ a strap and attached it to the fire wall due to its under rating to handle the current. Local dealer says ther are no known issues. Have had all 3 engine senors replaced, rear window switch broken(still) and now struts seem to be gone as it handles badly @ 100k.And radio controls on steering wheel shorted out. And my gas pedal sticks- How do you fix it!! Will buy Honda or Toyota next time!

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  Great Dependable Van - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Catg - March 5 - 6:36 pm

  We purchased our villager new 10 years ago. We have put 137,000 miles on it and it has been very dependble. We had to replace the CV joint as some reviewers have said and have had a problem with the gas pedal sticking but other than regular maintenance we have had no major problems. Gas mileage is really not bad for a v- 6 van. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a van. It also has tons of room (more than any SUV) when the seats are pushed up.

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  Hate minivans but respect Villager - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Hadi - February 23 - 10:43 am

  Bought my villager estate at 94K miles. Had to replace front CV Joints at 100K. Has 110K with no problems. As such a very reliable small van. Hate minivans but have to grudgingly respect the villager for quality and style. Wouldnt have bought it if it wasnt for the Nissan technology. My only gripe is that its very bad on leg room both front and middle. Captains chairs are heavy to remove and pain to put back. Like the front and rear AC feature...wish it was also the same for heat. Could have been more powerful and definitely could have been much better on gas. Gives me a measly 17 in the city and around 24 on the highway. All in all would recommend this small minivan.

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  Excellent Mini Van - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Drew in MA - February 13 - 7:30 pm

  I have had this van for only 2 years, and bought it with 50K on it. Other than having to do brakes, the van has been great! Goes well in the snow with the Eagle LS radials, and the mileage is decent as well! I would buy another low mileage one f these in a New York minute! I am sure the Monterey is a great van, but the Villager Estate has the moon roof, and awesome mini-van option!

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  My villager - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Pochi - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Villager I own is one of the best cars I ever purchsed. I am so disappointed when I heared this model would be dropped after 2002.

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  Mercury Villager Estate - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By RHenry - February 1 - 10:00 am

  My Mercury Estate is underpowered and has a difficult time achieving any fuel economy. My best highway fuel average is 24 mpg. It is also difficult to fuel completely. When the pump shuts off indicating it is full I can still add an additional 3 gallons or more. The ride is comfortable and it handles well. The body is prone to scratches.

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  Good Car To Own - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By paul - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have put over 70000 miles driving this van. It handles nicely on the road. Average mileage in town 17.4, highway 21.2. Maintenance has not been a problem. Great family car and large cargo area.

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  Good Car To Own - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Paul - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have put over 70000 miles driving this van. It handles nicely on the road. Average mileage in town 17.4, highway 21.2. Maintenance has not been a problem. Great family car and large cargo area.

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  A GOOD VAN - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By ACEIT - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I NOW HAVE 80000 ON MY VILLAGER. IT HAS NOT HAD ANY MAJOR REPAIRS. I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SWITCH REPAIRED (WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP, TOTAL BILL $75.00. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE STICKY GAS PEDAL SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE VAN. ANY IDEAS HOW TO FIX?? THE CUP HOLDERS ARE LACKING (LARGE CUPS ARE A PROBLEM). I USE MY VAN FOR WORK (COMPUTER REPAIR) AND FIND THE SEATING OPTIONS PERFECT FOR HOW I USE IT (HAULING PCS, MONITORS, AND LOTS OF PARTS). I LIKE THE GAS MILEAGE, 24 MILES PER GALLON, AND THE 3.3 IS A SNAPPY ENGINE. I PULL A 16 FOOT BASS BOAT WITH NO TROUBLE.