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2006 Mercury Montego Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Mercury Montego Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Mercury Montego Review
A navigation system and DVD entertainment are new options for Mercury's version of the Ford Five Hundred. Montego has a 203-hp V6 engine. It comes in Luxury and Premier models, both with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Front-drive versions have a 6-speed automatic transmission. AWD versions have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Traction control is standard on Premier, a no-cost option on front-drive Luxury models. No antiskid system is available. The Safety Package option includes front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. Xenon headlamps are standard, as are a fold-flat right-front seatback and split folding rear seatbacks. Leather upholstery and power-adjustable pedals are standard on Premier, optional for Luxury. The newly optional navigation system is exclusive to Premier, while DVD entertainment is available for both models. A sunroof and rear obstacle detection are optional. Montego's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Five Hundreds.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they also include the only 6-passenger cars. Large Cars offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and Toyota Avalon. At this time we have no Recommended picks.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, and Toyota Avalon. At this time we have no Recommended picks.
News
The 2008 Montego is expected to be freshened for an early debut in calendar '07. Also due for '08, probably as an option, is Ford Motor Company's new 3.5-liter V6, likely to provide around 250 bhp. A new-design 6-speed automatic transmission, developed with General Motors, will reportedly replace the CVT in the near future. Keep checking back with us for further updates.
2006 Mercury Montego Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Available all-wheel drive | Automatic-transmission performance |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
| Control layout | |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
Sofa-high seating with limousinelike leg room, generous head room. Three adults fit shoulder-to-shoulder. Easy ingress/egress.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2006 Mercury Montego Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| Luxury 4-door sedan | $24,430 | $22,532 | $700 |
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| AWD Luxury 4-door sedan | $26,280 | $24,197 | $700 |
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| Premier 4-door sedan | $26,880 | $24,737 | $700 |
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| AWD Premier 4-door sedan | $28,730 | $26,402 | $700 |
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
Luxury
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, fold-flat passenger seat, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, compass, intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, fog lights, 215/60R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), traction control.
Premier adds to Luxury:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage door opener, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/55R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Comfort Pkg.
|
||
|
Luxury
|
$795
|
$692
|
|
Driver-seat power recliner, 2-way power passenger seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Safety Pkg.
|
||
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Luxury, Premier
|
$595
|
$518
|
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Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment.
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Powertrain |
||
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Traction control
|
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FWD Luxury
|
$0
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$0
|
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Safety |
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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Luxury, Premier
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$295
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$257
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Premiere
|
$1,995
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$1,736
|
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Power sunroof
|
||
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Luxury, Premier
|
$895
|
$779
|
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Leather upholstery
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Luxury
|
$895
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$779
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Power-adjustable pedals
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Luxury
|
$155
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$135
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Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
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Luxury
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$995
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$866
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Luxury requires Comfort Pkg.
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2006 Mercury Montego Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercury Montego 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 61.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3656 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 21.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 203 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 21/29 |
| CVT automatic | 19/26 |
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 Montego 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| 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/-- | 8/100,000 on Mariner hybrid components. |
| 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:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Mercury Montego Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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