2005 Mercury Montego: Road Test
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2005 Mercury Montego ▼
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- MSRP: $24,365 -$28,590
- Invoice: $22,424 -$26,226
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Our road test for the 2005 Mercury Montego includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mercury Montego from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mercury Montego, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mercury Montego help you decide if a 2005 Mercury Montego is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Adequate and on par with most V6 rivals, despite one of smallest engines in class. Test AWD Five Hundred did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph, test front-drive Montego did 7.9. CVT's best trait is good highway-passing response, though some drivers may need time to adjust to behavior in rapid acceleration, where engine speed can race ahead of road speed until CVT reaches "right" ratio. Disappointingly, 6-speed automatic hunts between gears, particularly in hilly terrain.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test AWD Montegos averaged 19.2-22.9 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Front-drive Montego with 6-speed automatic averaged 15.9 mpg in test that included gas-eating acceleration runs. Mercury recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Generally absorbent and composed on all surfaces, though sharpest bumps can jolt. Little difference in ride quality between 17- and 18-inch tires, or between front-drive and AWD.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Good balance in turns, with only moderate lean, despite relatively tall body. Steering feel light at low speeds for easy parking, satisfyingly linear at higher speeds. Test AWD version furnished outstanding grip on wet or snowy surfaces. Good brake-pedal feel and stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Fine suppression of wind, road noise. AWD test versions' powertrain whined audibly in even modest acceleration and 6-speed automatic transmission's frequent downshifts means engine roars more often than with CVT.
CONTROLS
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Gauges clearly marked, unobstructed, though some testers say electronic display for audio, climate, vehicle-information settings not easy to read. Audio, climate systems controlled by multitude of buttons; some mounted too low, requiring long look from road to adjust. Takes practice to sort out steering wheel's array of auxiliary buttons for primary audio functions, plus cruise control. Little difference in interior materials quality between Montego, Five Hundred. The most frequently touched surfaces are padded, but ambiance is simple rather than elegant. Some testers complain that stalks for windshield wipers, turn signals are too far from steering wheel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7.6 |
Commanding driving position aided by standard height-adjustable seat, low cowl, tall windows. Head room ample, leg room fine, though tallest drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Seats comfortably supportive; high mounting eases entry/exit. Visibility unusually good to rear corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.5 |
Sofa-high seating with limousinelike leg room, generous head room. Three adults fit shoulder-to-shoulder. Easy ingress/egress.
CARGO ROOM
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Mercury claims trunk holds eight full-size golf bags. Strut-type trunklid hinges don't rob space or threaten cargo. Rear seats fold, but pass-through restricted at bottom by angled side supports. Standard fold-flat front-passenger seat is handy for hauling long items. Covered dashtop bin handy, but interior storage nothing special.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Montego and its Ford Five Hundred sibling earn our Recommended label for their generous passenger and cargo space, take-charge driving position, and great visibility. They're on par with most rivals for acceleration and road manners, and available all-wheel drive is a class plus. Ford and Mercury trust the new transmissions will be accepted by consumers despite their quirks, and will prove to be reliable.
Total Score
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 69 | 61.8 |
Total Score: 69
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