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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Villager by choice - 2002 Mercury Villager
By alanstern - December 28 - 8:53 pmMy second Villager. Editors think this is a junker, I like it better than the Sienna and Odyssey plus a lot cheaper. Seating configuration works for me..Im a musician. Power and gas mileage are more than adequate. What about the falling rear window wiper blade? Mines the fourth one Ive seen. Shouldnt this be a safety recall Issue? No serious problems.
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So far So good - 1999 Mercury Villager
By Aaron Lowry - October 4 - 2:00 amI have had this van for only a year. Bought it with only 36K and now has 46K. Has not been in the shop and dont plan on it. IMy wife drives it daily for basic around town errands and hauling kids. She loves it for what we use it for. It would be a little cramped for adults in the back for long trips, but great for small families and hauling small ones around. Just took the familiy on a trip and covered about 1,000 miles, the van was a solid performer. I would have to say that I would rather own a Sienna or an Odyseey, but these are both well overpriced. Overall, this van is the best bang for your buck as far as price, ride quality and reliability.
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Good Mini-Van - 2002 Mercury Villager
By kcowboy - September 27 - 10:00 amExcellent mini-van with all the bells and whistles that wont break the bank. You can get a great deal on one because its the last year their making it. Its the type of vehicle that you dont have to pay sticker on! unlike some brands. This is our second Villager our other was a 93 and it never had any problems.
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Great Van with few problems - 2002 Mercury Villager
By 86bmw325i - September 3 - 9:23 pmThis van is great. This is my 7th year of owning it and had a previous 1995 model Villager. I love the performance and semi sporty handling, better than the other minivans I test drove. The interior is well designed, except that it has so much plastic used. The dashboard rattles when it idles, so I took it too the dealership, but of coarse they said they couldnt hear it. Had an exhaust leak at about 90k, the mechanic couldnt order the right part because they quit making it, so he had to weld the old one. It still whines a little when you accelerate, nothing big, though. Also, I can feel engine vibrations through the steering wheel. But, other than that, its a great mini-van.
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I Love My Villager! - 2000 Mercury Villager
By godzgirlprayz - August 25 - 9:47 amThis is the best vehicle Ive ever had! It has nearly 150k mi, I got it with 39k mi. It handles well. No major problems, have only had to do regular maintenance until just recent. Now its starting to run rough, like its going to stall out. Shimmy in the steering when I go over 70 mph. Replaced timing belt at 100k. repaired ac switch (front & back) around 120k. No probs with windows, radio, doors. Oxidation and paint peeling but its 11 yrs old & we live in FL! Otherwise its beautiful! We are gonna try to get it repaired bc I love this van!
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Perfect vehicle for imperfect families - 1999 Mercury Villager
By spencersdad - August 21 - 10:00 amA handsome package, flexible, capable and about the only "mini" van that can comfortably carry SIX passengers in comfort up&down I-5 without a mutiny.
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Dog on the highway. - 1999 Mercury Villager
By lugnutzz - May 4 - 9:08 pmBought this van thinking that i might get better gas mileage than my old Olds Sihlouette. Boy was I wrong. 18 on the highway, 14 in the city. I thought a tune up would help... Nope. did it myself the first time and figured I messed something up. Took it to a reputable shop and had them do it... nope. Took it on a long trip. Great on the straightaways, but if you climb a hill, you have fully loaded tractor trailers up your butt trying to pass you. Also have had to replace the knock sensor TWICE. Having said that, this is the most comfortable car I have ever had. Bells and whistles work great and cargo is good.
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Great powertrain, but poor assembly - 1999 Mercury Villager
By VG - March 7 - 6:23 pmJust sold after 9 years. Nissans design and the solid and reliable Nissans powertrain were the other reasons why I bought it and they surely stood up strong. However, my first years under warranty have been spoiled by constant trips to the dealership to have a dozen of minor assembly items fixed. It just seemed that the van was put together in a hurry and things were constantly falling apart - CDs skipped on minor bumps, headlights had leaks and failed, windshield cracked from an edge, speed steering rattled at high speed, etc. Once all those things have been fixed, the van has became fun and proved to be a real work horse.
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Great van - 2001 Mercury Villager
By joe cobra - March 2 - 6:43 amI bought this new. Now have 111,000 on it with no major problems. Very reliable. Took many long trips with the family, never let me down
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Perplexed - 1999 Mercury Villager
By Kevin - January 25 - 5:06 pmPurchased used from local dealer with 68000 miles. The gas pedal sticks and the headlight harness burned out near the lite socket. At about 85,000 miles on a hot summer day about 200 miles from home I experenced a sudden loss of oil pressure. Indicated by the light and noisy lifters. Continued to drive as I had no other choice for 200 miles with intermittent oil pressure. Changed to a heaver oil and no problems for 1 year then the same story. Changed to a heavier oil again then no problems. Now have Over 111,000 miles. I do not understand what is going on with the oil pressure but the vehicle has been very reliable and uses no oil between changes of 12000miles.