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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Typical Merc Clunker - 1999 Mercury Villager
By mrebate - June 25 - 2:37 amNew from dealership the alarm was tempermental and had to be tweaked by a factory rep. You soon realize you are driving a "truck". Ours had annoying shimmy at highway speed. Although it had less than 60,000 miles when we decided to dump it. It needed an engine a knock sensor when sold. Starter motor, wheel bearings, electric window control panel (drivers door) and rusting exhaust were other repairs for mint condition vehicle. The clear lens cover for the turn signal popped off for no reason. AC needed recharged every year after 4 yrs. A stinko vehicle and inferior dealership do no make for a pleasant experience. Dealer damaged both rocker panels and blamed their new lift.
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Trust the Editor rating - 2001 Mercury Villager
By Luck - May 15 - 5:20 pmThis 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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Nissan Quests body not soul - 1995 Mercury Villager
By pgmap - December 12 - 2:00 amI bought this vehicle because it is the sibling of Nissan Quest which I know is the best choice of year 1995. One of my friend bought a Quest but I wanted to save some bucks. Got more trouble comparing with my friends Japanese one. Have sent back to dealer five times for variety reasons. Electrical problem is very bothering. Still love the car very much.
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Dont waste your money - 2001 Mercury Villager
By WASTE OF MONEY - September 16 - 7:23 pmWe were initially intrigued with the Villager because it is basically a cheaper version of the Nissan Quest, but it has been the worst investment of our lives. We have had nothing but repairs season after season, year after year. We thought we got if for a bargain, but the cost of the repairs makes this vehicle worthless. I hate this van and would not recommend it to anyone. It is noisy, has brake issues, ac issues and has slow acceleration. It eats gas as if it were an truck. Very very disappointing buy. I am looking for a replacement now. I would never recommend this van to anyone. It may be cheap in price only because it is cheap in quality.
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Look elsewhere - 2000 Mercury Villager
By Pillager - May 12 - 2:00 amI know minivans are by their nature boring vehicles. The Villager is especially so. I have also had a nagging squeak from the steering column that the dealer was never able to completely fix.
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Time for retirement - 2002 Mercury Villager
By Pmpepsi - July 11 - 10:00 amRetirement for the villager comes none too soon. It lacks the features and refinement of other minivans. Reliability has been the biggest shortcoming. This is a perfect of Fords fall from grace in recent years. Problems include a loss of breaks, transmission issues and relentless rattles and squeaks. Interior materials have that cheap look of and economy car, certainly not what you expect in a upscale Mercury.
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dONT RECOMMEND - 1995 Mercury Villager
By stod band - June 22 - 6:53 pmi DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE AT 94OOO MILES THE CRANK BROKE EVEN AFTER ALL PROPER MAINTANCE HAD BEEN DONE. iNTERIOR THEY WERE NOT THINKING WHEN THEY PUT THE CUP HOLDER IN THE FRONT.
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Not A Keeper - 1995 Mercury Villager
By Tom Rademacher - April 3 - 11:36 amThis car performed well for us the first 80,000 miles or so, but dont plan on owning it for the long run unless you enjoy poor workmanship that fails over time. The engine is a champ, the same they install in the Nissan Quest. But weve had trouble with cargo door alignment, power lock failure, power mirror failure, AC, rear heat and a handful of other electronic elements -- niggling things that we wish ahead of time wed known were going tolet us down. The car just isnt built for the long haul.
