2005 Mercury Monterey Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Mercury's minivan shares its design with Ford's Freestar. Monterey comes in a single body length that matches in size the extended-length versions of rival minivans. Convenience, Luxury, and Premier trim levels are offered. All have 7-passenger capacity. Two 2nd-row bucket seats are standard; they flip and fold forward; a 2nd-row bench is a no-cost option. The 3rd-row bench folds into the floor. The 3rd-row bench also flips backward for rear-facing seating under the open liftgate when the vehicle is parked. Power operation for the sliding side doors is available. A power liftgate is standard on Premier, optional on luxury. All Montereys have a 201-hp 4.2-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is not offered, but traction control and an antiskid system are available on Luxury and Premier. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front and rear park assist are standard. Front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows are standard on all but Convenience, where they are unavailable. Power-adjustable pedals, rear DVD entertainment, and heated/cooled front seats are also available. Monterey's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Freestars.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.

News

Despite lackluster sales, Monterey and Ford Freestar probably won't change much through 2008. At that point, sources say, Ford will introduce new minivans patterned on the recent Fairlane concept, likely as 2009 models. Expected features include boxy styling with a much lower and wider stance than the minivan norm, plus standard three-row seating. Contrary to earlier reports, the replacements will be based on a reengineered Volvo platform rather than a Mazda-sourced design. Reports say Ford and Lincoln versions are planned, but there's been no word yet about a new Mercury minivan.

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

Luxury	Class Average
57	57.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		45
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2005 Mercury Monterey Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/06/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Convenience 4-door van	$29,030	$26,397	$710

Luxury 4-door van	$32,655	$29,623	$710

Premier 4-door van	$34,955	$31,670	$710

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Convenience

Powertrain

4.2-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, rear climate controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 7-passenger seating, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, cupholders, 2nd-row bucket seats, 3rd-row stowable bench seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, conversation mirror, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, 235/60R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Luxury adds to Convenience:

Safety

Front side airbags, curtain side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, center console, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sliding rear doors, keypad entry, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails.

Premier adds to Luxury:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls w/manual rear controls, heated/cooled front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, power liftgate, cargo-management system.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
AdvanceTrac Stability Control System
Luxury, Premier	$730	$621
Traction control, brake assist, antiskid system.

Comfort Pkg.
Luxury	$690	$588
Dual-zone automatic climate controls w/manual rear controls, 6-way power passenger seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Class II Trailer Tow Prep Pkg.
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$335	$285
Trailer-tow wiring, self-sealing tires.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Luxury, Premier	$1,395	$1,186
Deletes rear climate controls. Luxury requires Comfort Pkg.

AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Convenience	$105	$89


2nd-row bench seat
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$0	$0


Power liftgate
Luxury	$400	$340


Cargo-management system
Convenience, Luxury	$125	$107


Smoker's Pkg.
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$30	$26
Lighter, ash tray.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
Luxury, Premier	$290	$247


Roof rack
Luxury, Premier	$75	$64


Class I Trailer Tow Prep Pkg.
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$95	$81
Trailer-tow wiring.

Self-sealing tires
Luxury, Premier	$195	$166

2005 Mercury Monterey Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mercury Monterey 4-door van

Wheelbase, in.	120.8

Overall Length, in.	201.0

Overall Width, in.	76.4

Overall Height, in.	70.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	4434

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	131.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	26.0

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.7

Rear Head Room, in.	39.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.2 /256

Horsepower @ rpm.	201 @ 4250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	263 @ 3500

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	17/23

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mercury Monterey 4-door van

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Mercury Monterey Photos

Also in the 2005 Mercury Monterey Review:

Mercury Monterey

Mercury Monterey Road Test

Mercury Monterey Prices & Equipment

Mercury Monterey Specs & Safety

Mercury Monterey Photos

Mercury Monterey Full Review

All Mercury Montereys

All Mercurys