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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  2002mvilliager - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By stephen - April 7 - 2:00 am

  The Villager is an easy mini-van to drive. Plenty of room for kids and gear. Lots of options for the money. Needs the heat for the rear to be couple in eith the a/c controls. Vehicle is well laid out, all controls are easy to reach. Plenty of leg room. Good looking vehicle.

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  mercury villager - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By Levi - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second villager purchase. My 93 with 85kmiles has never let us down. we decided tp keep it for my 16 year old son. The new villager with all the bells was only 18300 which I feel is a great deal for this van

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  #3 - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By jimd - March 30 - 6:00 pm

  This is our third Estate. The first one went 260K before we traded for a 98. That went 190K before I demolished it. Car was toast but wife and I walked away. Interesting note. Injuries in accidents are roughly half of those in other vehicles.Just bought 02. Expect the same great reliability. Only problem was Ford CD changer which went south at 140K on both previous cars Newer one has simple player. I guess well have to hang on to this one.

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  A great family mover ! - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By dnugget - February 13 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a best "used" reliable van for the money, consider this and you wont be disappointed. For well under 14K now, you get style and reliability from both American and Japanese automakers. Owning it is just like finally getting that Bose stereo you wanted...at 50% off!

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  better than most - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By myquest - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Working as a courier, it is imperative that I have a reliable vehicle. One that I can run the heck out of and still count on for tomorrow. I had to replace the transmission at 190,000 and currently have almost 230,000. This includes carrying loads of up to 2000 lbs. Starting to have some issues now, so I just bought another one. Its a Nissan Quest- built Ford tough.

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  Loved to death - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By John - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We ran our Villager into the ground; 278k from 97 to 2010. Had it in the shop a few times with normal wear and tear. When it finally died no one could figure out why, we spent more than it was worth at the end to try and get it running again. In the end we had to let it go. Currently looking for another one to drive till it drops.

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  Great Van - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By TJ - December 13 - 7:56 pm

  We purchased this van new and it has been an excellent vehicle. We currently have 173,000 miles and all original equipment. Its never been in the shop except for maintenance items. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one if we still needed a van. We purchased a new 2008 Ford Edge and love that too. Ill probably sell the van at 200K just so I can get a new car.

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  Great van - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By baseballmom - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought this van in 98 with 54,000 miles it has been very reliable. It now has 126,000! Very few repairs have been needed. I dont like the cup holders though!

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  Made on a Monday - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By Poppa Bear - November 24 - 2:00 am

  We decided to spend a little more and get a higher quality mini-van. Unfortunately, this particular one must have been assembled on a hangover Monday morning. We had oil leaks, coolant leaks, power steering leaks, two blower motors, and the rear AC/heater went out. On its good days, it ran well on the highway. Nice ride and easy to handle, and back seats that kept fussy kids apart.

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  2000 Sport Villager - 2000 Mercury Villager
  By Not Eric - November 9 - 4:50 pm

  A sporty fun-to-drive minivan. Shorter wheelbase makes this the best- handling van Ive driven. Solid build and dependability alone would lead me to buy another, but alas, service from my dealer is well below par. A/C has leaked since new and three trips to dealer have failed to fix it. They just squirt in some more coolant, call it a fix and send me on my way:(