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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  2nd Villager - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By drdong - November 28 - 1:38 pm

  Totaled the 1996 LS with 210K on it. Bought a "cheapie" donated 1999 for short term but love it inspite of the intermittantly sticky gas pedal. Have decided to keep her and put in new: irridium spark plugs and wires, rotor, cap, CV joints, front struts, rear shocks, Michellin Hydro Edge tires w/life time balance, timing belt, radiator hoses, thermostat, trans service and regularly change oil and filter. I want to put disk brakes in the back and looking for a "chip" to increase horse power. Am I a little nuts? Cheaper than new car payments yes?

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  COMFORTABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By tedsmom - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Estate Villager for a little over a year, and it has been very dependable, comfortable, fun to drive, and good looking too. My kids love the rear a/c and rear floor heater. They also like to use the rear plug-in for their portable cd players. I love the comfortable leather seats, the digital dash, and the radio controls on the steering wheel. I have no complaints with my Villager Estate.

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  Mercury Villager #2 - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By dede - September 28 - 12:36 pm

  This is our second Villager, the first one has been great, we still have it and it has 177000 miles on it, but this newer one has problems. The accelerator sticks. We have had it fixed once already and in less than 3 years need to have it fixed again. We were charged almost $400.00 the first time. It also bounces a lot. Even with new tires it is not the smooth ride our other older villager has. It rattles, windows pop open on even small bumps.

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  Best Ive owned - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By b0bbyj0nes - September 17 - 1:33 pm

  Bought Villager used with 22,000 miles. Only problem was sticking gas pedal and normal maintenance until 110,000 miles. Since then have replaced front ball joints and drivers side window control unit. Currently the tachometer is sticking. Get 20 mpg around town and 22 mpg on the highway with the 6 cylinder engine. With over 120,000 miles still runs perfect, burns no oil, and passes smog with flying colors.

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  No surprise here - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By KooolRider - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I wish I had reviewed others reviews before buying this van. Had rebuilt engine one year after purchase -- the extended warranty we bought saved us. Had to have the transmission repaired because started slipping. Now, of course, that the extended warranty has expired, the mechanic tells me the noise I have been hearing is a "valve tap"... just like the other reviewer said. And, of course, also no surprise, the middle, right-side window rattles and whistles like theres no end. Ongoing electrical problems. Tried to trade it in recently to get a Chevy Venture -- insulted me with the trade-in offer. Leave this van alone.

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  Wish I Never Sold It - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Harry Nuccio - June 20 - 11:53 pm

  Bought this van used and put 75000 miles on it in 3 years. Sold it when it reached 115000 miles, and replaced it with a 2005 Chrysler Touring. The Mercury was a much better vehicle - especially in the ride comfort department. The Mercury rode quiet and solid. The Chrysler is noisy and you feel every bump in the road. The only complaint with the Mercury was that it was underpowered with a 3.2 (?) engine.

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  great vehicle - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By ericbnewman - May 28 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle, 9 yrs now and still going I want more!

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  Trust the Editor rating - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By Luck - May 15 - 5:20 pm

  This is a third set of front brake already; the vehicle has less than 40K miles. EOM brake pad will last up to 20- 25K miles in normal driving condition. Cost $350 plus for the brake service each time. After the car being parked for more than eight hours at work (in the Winter time) Temperature gauge showed the engine is over heated right after the ignition was turned on. Now, I often seeing the temperature gauge jump from normal range to hot range and back and forth from normal driving condition. Water gets in headlights assembly. Two rear tires have radial crack. Rushed Roof rack track on Driver side. A/C light switch

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  So far,so good... - 2001 Mercury Villager
  By lawlady - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have is how hard it is to take out the seats, and that the third row seat does not fold flat--but that was not an option in minivans when we purchased this vehicle. The handling is great, and I love the way the interior looks.

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  Best minivan ever! - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By john - April 13 - 11:13 am

  Love the comfort this van has to offer. Very safe for my children. My family really like the vehicle but we had to upgrade because of resale value. Great on long trips! We will miss this vehicle greatly. It has had its wear as we had bought it used also. Just afraid it will not last as long as we need it to. My children will miss this vehicle greatly.