Acceleration

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
6	6	5.6

Adequate and on par with most V6 rivals despite one of smallest engines in class. We timed AWD Five Hundred at 7.5 sec 0-60 mph, FWD Montego at 7.9. Smooth, no-gears CVT furnishes good passing response, but can allow engine rpm to race ahead of road speed, which takes getting used to. Disappointingly, 6-speed automatic hunts between gears, particularly in hilly terrain, and includes neither manual-shift gate nor gear positions between Drive and Low.

Fuel Economy

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Test AWD Montegos averaged 19.2 mpg in a city/highway driving mix, 23.3 with more highway use. A FWD 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	6.7

Generally absorbent and composed on all surfaces, though sharpest bumps can jolt. Little difference in ride quality between 17- and 18-inch tires or with front-drive vs. AWD.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
6	6	5.9

Good balance in turns, with modest lean despite relatively tall body. Steering effort light at low speeds for easy parking, firms up as speed rises for accurate control. AWD furnishes outstanding grip on wet or snowy surfaces. Good brake-pedal feel and stopping power.

Quietness

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Wind and road noise well contained. Test AWD with CVT suffered audible powertrain whine even in modest acceleration. V6 a bit rowdy a high rpm, more noticeable with 6-speed automatic transmission's frequent shifting.

Controls

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
7	7	6.5

Clear, simple gauges contrast with button-filled audio and climate panels--the latter set too low for easy use while driving. And their electronic readouts can be hard to see. Steering wheel's lookalike audio and cruise-control switches take learning too. Despite upscale image, Montego differs little from Five Hundred in cabin decor and assembly. Soft-touch surfaces abound, but overall effect pleasant, not elegant. Some testers say stalks for wipers and turn signals are too far from steering wheel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
9	9	7.8

Standard power driver's seat enhances elevated positioning. Low dashtop, tall windows contribute to unusually good all-around visibility. Head room ample, leg room fine, though taller occupants may want more rearward seat travel. Seats comfortably supportive; high positioning eases entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
8	8	7.1

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	5.8

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 right-front seatback allows hauling long items. Covered dashtop bin handy, but interior storage nothing special.

Value within Class

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
9	9	7.1

Montego and Five Hundred are Best Buys for their generous passenger room and cargo space and take-charge driving position.Transmission behavior isn't flawless, but acceleration is on par with most rivals, as are road manners and build quality. And only the Chrysler 300 in this class matches their available all-wheel drive.

Total Score

Premier	AWD Premier	Class Average
70	70	63.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		63
High Score		70