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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  Gas mileage actually stinks! - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By GSDx3 - August 2 - 5:23 am

  We are very happy with the way the van drives. It drives much smoother and quieter than our Ford Explorer did. Only thing that we dont like is that our gas mileage is much worse with the Villager than our Explorer. We are only getting 17 miles per gallon! Also, my show dog Chaos, doesnt like the van at all. He is use to riding in the front seat in my Explorer, and the seat in the Villager is not big enough for him in the front seat beside me. He instantly jumps to the middle seat when we get in the van. Otherwise, I do like the van a lot.

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  Great reliability - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Carol - June 5 - 3:23 am

  Have had this vehicle since new and have had no problems...Ive changed the timing belt every 110000 miles as suggested in my care booklet. Have had only 1 set of brake pads and 4 sets of tires. I routinely get 21 in the city and close to 26-27 highway. Really sorry they dont have any more!!

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  My second Villager - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By Blondie 2003 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This 2002 Sport is my second Villager. I just picked it up yesterday. My 94 Villager LS had 123,000 miles on it at trade in and was a wonderfully reliable and comfortable vehicle.So far I am very pleased with the looks, design and comfort of my new Villager.

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  Wow - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By villagermom - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Van had 23K miles on it when purchased 6 years ago, now it has 172K. We have only changed the oil and brakes and brakes. The AC went out 2 years ago but the van just keeps on running. Its been great! Have NEVER replaced the spark plugs, wires, hoses, or belts!

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  A good 2nd car - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By JEFFtheGodofBiscuits - February 19 - 1:00 am

  Bought at 90,000 miles and drove for 4 years. Pretty good experience overall, although we did get the clogged carb/sticky throttle problem that some have complained about. A simple $40 fix at our local mechanic. Removable pilot seats were great, as was the 6 disc CD player. The fuel economy was not great, at about 17- 18. Have sold it due to age and impending repair bills being more than the TMV.

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  I like it. - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By jetskeemama - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I have put 100K mi on this van since purchase in 1997 ($32,000 when purchased). I have replaced a fuel pump, sliding shoulder harness belt twice and just repaired ac ($350) Otherwise, it has been perfectly reliable and trouble free. Lady ran a red light last night and totaled it. Im not happy about trying to find a replacement. I would have kept this car for as long as possible.

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  werferer - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By doe - January 12 - 10:00 am

  good

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned! - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By giftofgod - January 9 - 4:26 pm

  This van has been great for me and my wife. It does seem to average 22 mpg, but this is through the hills in north-central Arkansas. It seems to have plenty of power for zipping up and down the hills. The reviews about lack of power seem unjustified. I also love the cupholders in ours. They adjust to fit any size drink. I do not understand the complaints there either. As far as drivability, this van corners well, and has no squeaks or rattles yet, even though it is now 7 years old. The engine runs like a top and does not miss. All of the features work great. Cruise control is a little jumpy for this area, but works well on the highway. Overall, I would say this is a great vehicle!

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  great family car but after 10 years swap - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By KT - January 8 - 4:23 pm

  I have loved my Villager ever since we got it used ( with 17000) miles on it back in 2001. But this year has been a nightmare.It has 89000 miles on it now. Everything has gone wrong & we have dumped over $5000.00 in it over the last 8 months ( towed 4 times) and thinking that "hopefully this will be the last repair". My advise...when any car first produces a $1500. repair bill...sell it & get something else because chances are it will be the beginning of a long line of repair bills. cant afford it anymore but cant afford anything else either-ha !

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  A great mini van - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By Katie - November 28 - 8:03 pm

  This is my third minivan and second villager. I have only had to do normal maintenance, no major repairs. It is a very reliable car, comfortable to drive. Gas mileage ~18 mpg.