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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  The da!~ gas pedal - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By K Logie - August 30 - 10:26 am

  Purchased 99 Villager w/ 46,000 miles last year, seemed like a great used vehicle (clean, good shape, no accident history). Brought back to dealer b/c the gas pedal was stuck. "Supposedly" it was fixed, when I picked it up, after them having for a week, I had to drive from MA to MO and realized the tachometer stopped working and the gas pedal was still sticking! The vehicle has 79,000 miles on it, pretty much everything on the dash has stopped working, except the speedometer works about 50% of the time. Getting rid of it now before something else goes wrong! Previously owned a 96 Villager, other than gas pedal it was a great van!

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  2nd Village a disappointment - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By Phydo - June 29 - 9:16 pm

  After a phenomenally dependable and satisfying 97 Villager, my 99 Estate model has been a real lemon. In one year, $600 in suspension parts, $800 to replace throttle body, $1100 to repair A/C, and there are several switches not working. No sticky accelerator though. I am dumping it after 1 year for a Honda or Mazda.

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  Villager Pros & Cons - 1995 Mercury Villager
  By BertBert - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The good thing about the early Villagers is that they all have the same shortcomings so when something goes wrong, its easy to diagnose. We have 104,000 miles on it, so we cant complain too much, but every couple months it needs some sort of repair.

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  Great Van - 2002 Mercury Villager
  By C-man - May 27 - 12:16 am

  This is more comfortable and easier to manuver than the last 1998 Ford Arrowstar. Always tends to give plenty of warning before anything breaks or gives out so you can take it in and have it fixed before you are stuck. Could use more leg room for driver. A little better acceleration ability would be very nice, however it does seem to hold its own. Very nice manuverability and drives well in any weather. It is hard to do any of the work on your own under the hood as it is all compact and squashed together making it very difficult to do it yourself. It only has two key locks, one on the driver door, and one for the hatch. Would like to see one on front passenger door as well.

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  Fix to headlights - 1999 Mercury Villager
  By rlhslw - March 11 - 10:00 am

  My passenger headlight has had the wiring harness replaced by me 3 times now, it is a underrated ground on the plug @18 guage wire. I stapped a 12 guage from 1 inch behind plug w/ a strap and attached it to the fire wall due to its under rating to handle the current. Local dealer says ther are no known issues. Have had all 3 engine senors replaced, rear window switch broken(still) and now struts seem to be gone as it handles badly @ 100k.And radio controls on steering wheel shorted out. And my gas pedal sticks- How do you fix it!! Will buy Honda or Toyota next time!

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  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.

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  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.

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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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  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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  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.