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:

• 

  99 SPORT - 93K Miles - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By 47IHC-KB - January 16 - 9:33 pm

  Had and fixed myself most of the usual problems (Lower than expected mileage, sticky throttle valve, CV JOINT boots failed after 80K-not hard to replace, Bad Headlight socket,dimmer switch intermittant, Rear fuel Injector- Difficult to remove upper intake manifold to access, broken passenger door lock actuator, Bad road vibration-- Bad orig. tires were the cause, front rotors get very hot & warp easy,rear shoes still original, left sliding door seal pops out, waterleak in rear door, paint peeling off cargo rack, squeaky belts, some minor coolant leaks). Engine is still strong, quick acceleration, handles well. Still using 2nd set of tires, but vibration increasing. Horn difficult to activate

• 

  Best Car Ever Made - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Randy - January 15 - 11:30 pm

  After 10 years of faithful service, I am selling my van today to make way for a sporty new SUV. Based on reading other reviews, I obviously was lucky to purchase the best-built Villager ever. The original engine and tranny are still strong after 10 years, electrical works perfect, ride is smooth and quiet. This has been a noble, reliable friend to my family.

• 

  It has been a good car. - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By MercMan - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this new in 1995...now have 103,000 miles on it. The only "out of the ordinary" repairs have been a broken hinge on the sliding door, a small fuel leak under the hood, and a broken rear AC/heat motor (seems to be a common one). The ride remains good. I have never kept a car this long. Overall it has been an excellent car to own.

• 

  good van - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By -=$PEED=- - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this van used at 80,000 KM and have put on 5000ks already, it was well worth the 10 grand and it has nothing wrong at all with it. The audio system could use some work, and the back speakers are almost impossible to change, but the rear sliding seat it perfect for my families lifesytle of allways being on the move.

• 

  Mercury Villager - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By C Smith - October 26 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased my van in 2004. It had 58,000 miles on it. I like it, have had no trouble with it, except that the gas pedal sticks. It would be nice if they would do a recall on it. I have taken it in to be fixed....it was better for about 2 weeks and went right back to doing the same thing.

• 

  Solid car for 8 years - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Scott - October 23 - 9:36 pm

  A very nice looking van with a bulletproof engine, very luxurious fully loaded van with leather, trip computer, moon roof, front and rear AC, power seats,

• 

  Quality Van - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By saa3567 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I have loved this van. We bought it used with 47k miles, and added a 60k warranty to it that I never used, and I looked hard for a reason. Had the sticky throttle problem, fixed it myself with some carb cleaner on the throttle body (less than $5 and 10 minutes). Replaced struts and CV boot at 112k. Only $750 in repairs in 65k miles, cant complain about that, includes brakes, battery, tail lt, shocks and struts. Probably run another 30-40 before other normal repairs are needed, at least I hope! It never leaks oil or anything. Dont use a cheap battery, and I recommend the midgrade tires (not the cheapies) for a smoother ride. Great car and much better price than Honda/Toyota.

• 

  Great Driving - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Roisin - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The van has been an exceptionally great vehicle. Just before the warranty expired we had to replace both headlight harnesses because of electrical faults. The radio & clock display just failed as well as most of the instrument lights on the ETC air conditioner control. The bulbs for the A/c control are not available at the dealer. The radio display has not been repaired because of the great cost.

• 

  Did I get a lemon? - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Indygal59 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Problems from the day I bought it with emissions: Rotten egg smell, burning smells, etc. Had it into dealer many times-no fix has worked. Have had fuel pump replaced twice (per dealer recommendation). Front AND rear windshield washer pumps have also been replaced. Too many expensive problems for a low-mileage car with faithful maintainence by owner.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle, great value - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By MercuryFan - August 27 - 10:53 am

  This was our first Mercury purchase and its been an excellent vehicle. We purchased it new and it has 136K miles on it now. Excluding maintenance items, its never in the shop and has never let us down. Make sure you use Motorcraft oil. Ill probably drive it another 100K or so but Ill definitely buy another Mercury/Ford product. I have an F-150 with 160K miles on it and no problems for it either. Ford makes a great product. My father has one with 400K miles on it. Buy American....Buy a Ford!