2005 Mercury Monterey Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Mercury Monterey includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mercury Monterey from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mercury Monterey, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mercury Monterey help you decide if a 2005 Mercury Monterey is right for you.

2005 Mercury Monterey Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Luxury	Class Average
5	4.2

Montereys have sufficient power for most driving situations. Transmission delivers smooth, prompt shifts.

Fuel Economy

Luxury	Class Average
4	4

Test Monterey averaged 16.6 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Engine uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Luxury	Class Average
5	5.5

Long wheelbase provides stable ride, though sharp bumps and ruts pound through. Body structure transmits unpleasant vibration on coarse pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Luxury	Class Average
4	4.4

Handling is merely competent, with noticeable body lean in turns. Smooth, progressive brake-pedal feel, but stopping power is unexceptional.

Quietness

Luxury	Class Average
5	5.4

New 4.2 V6 sounds coarse when cold or under full throttle. Very little wind noise at highway speeds. Road noise modest in front but much louder in back. Despite upscale positioning, Monterey seems only marginally quieter than Ford Freestar overall.

Controls

Luxury	Class Average
6	6.1

Monterey and Freestar share dashboard design. Instrument layout clear. Most controls handy and well-marked, but those for climate system mounted too low for easy driver access. Mercury version has more bright interior trim than Ford model and some slightly richer-feeling materials, but in general, both Freestar and Monterey cabins abound with budget-grade plastic.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Luxury	Class Average
7	6.3

Height-adjustable seat with lumbar support and available power-adjustable pedals allow ample seating adjustment. Very tall drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel, however. Optional cooled front seats exclusive to Monterey and work quickly for added comfort in hot weather. Outward visibility good to all directions. Monterey comes with front and rear obstacle detection vs. Freestar's available rear-only system.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Luxury	Class Average
7	6.7

Seats nicely padded, supportive in both 2nd and 3rd rows. Second row seating slides fore and aft a few inches, but leg room is limited for tall adults. Fold and tumble 2nd-row seats make 3rd-row access easier. Third row best suited to children and small adults. Rear-folding "tailgate" capability a fun feature.

Cargo Room

Luxury	Class Average
9	9.4

Lots of space even with all seats in place, thanks to deep floor well required to house folded 3rd row. Second-row seats remove or can tumble forward without need to remove headrests. Third row folds easily into floor well, but doing so exposes two metal sidewall brackets that intrude into load space. And many rivals offer split 3rd-row sections that can be folded independently. No excess of interior bins and pockets. Usefulness of center console between front seats undercut by intrusive parking-brake lever.

Value within Class

Luxury	Class Average
5	5.8

Monterey can't match such rivals as Honda Odyssey or Dodge Caravan for driving enjoyment, or Toyota Sienna for refinement. On the upside, these revamped Mercury minivans boast some laudable safety and convenience features, base prices are competitive, and discounts should be available.

Total Score