Ride is very smooth. Stereo sounds good. Has excellent pickup when you need to merge onto the expressway. Love having the left passenger sliding door.

lower than listed gas mileage, a/c system has problems, lumbar seat for driver is not that comfortable, difficulty entering and exiting 3rd row seats, interior plastic scratches very easily, cup holders have not worked right for most of the time we've owned car

I was somewhat disappointed in the cargo room when we put this vehicle to daily use. I was told that I would never miss the little bit less space than the Ford Windstar--yeah, right! Overall, the ride is very smooth and it does frequently hold 7 people, but getting into the 3rd row of seats for 14 year old teen boys is a bit of a challenge. Really would have preferred 2nd row bucket seats, but that was only an option on the top of the line vehicle. Moving the back seat forward is a big pain. You have to pick up the carpet panel lift the bottom portion of the seat, and then pull it toward you from the side right door. It would have been so much smarter to make this seat moveable from the rear, since that is where I find myself needing the extra room when loading supplies. Gas mileage hasn't lived up to its sticker rating of 17mpg. I find that the weather has to be just right (not too hot or cold) in order to come close to that. We get more like 15 mpg. Ventilation system is not good. I was instructed by manual to always leave the system in on position so air can move and not grow stale. I get a rotten cheese smell when a/c is first turned on by the button. If I leave the button on and don't use ordinary vent air, the smell doesn't come out. If I turn it from vent to a/c, I can't breathe for about 5 minutes. Also, when using vent air the temperature of that air is about 20 degrees warmer than outside air. Not bad on a 40 degree day, but uncomfortable on a 60 degree day when you are not wanting the a/c on. Dealer mechanic told me there was nothing to do since the engine is so close and it picks up heat from it. My husband does hvac for a living, and he disagrees, but needs a manual to work on the thing. Besides, its still under warranty. Lots of little frustrations with this vehicle have us shopping around for something better. Oh, and the belts squeal even though they have been replaced under warranty once already. Humidity seems to increase the noise.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Aerostar, Ford Windstar

Good Handling. Winter driving is good. ABS works well. Good front seat support. Mechanics is ok except for the EXHAUST MANIFOLD

THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD DESIGN IS A PIECE OF JUNK. THE STUDS ARE BREAKING IN THE ENGINE. EXPENSIVE TO FIX.

Villager is a compact minivan that drives more like a car than a van. Have too remove the third seat to have cargo space. Starting to rust at sliding door. Engine is smooth at cruise speed but noisy in acceleration. Could be more powerfull if the car is loaded.

Similar Products Used:

None

Has been very reliable so far, considing that it has done 98,000. Hsd normal maintanance work done, like oil change every 3,000 miles, 3 air filter changes so far. Brake shoe and pad replaced twice.

Drives like a car.
We like the power seats, Power window, Power locks, front and rear AC. Hand rest on the door is at the same level as the indicator lever. Like the rear AC feature that was a major additional option in 96 for all vans.

Good Van in my opinion. Ideal if this is the first van move from a car.

Not happy with some dealers. Especially the once I experiencied in San Jose,CA.

Parts are expensive and the ones that are only available from the dealer are daylight robbery prices.

When you have an engine light ON. Mercury dealers can plug in a tester and can tell what is wrong in less then 5 minutes. They charge $120 dollars to tell you what the fault code is . AutoZone sells a fault code decoder for $120. This is daylight robbery.
The part I need replacing will cost me $120 for the Mercury dealer to tell me the fault code and then the parts like a rubber tube cost $100/$200. Labour $200.

Bottom line is that dealer only parts(Ones that you cannot buy from autozone) be prepared to get ripped off.

Based on complaints from folks with Ford Winstar problems, I would say our experiance has been,its very reliable.

Two dealers that I was not happy about. First was a Mercury dealer in San Jose,CA(I think he is the biggest), the sales guy made me sign a loan agreement without my knowledge by folding over that section and saying it did not apply to me. I would never recommend that dealer. I cannot understand how Ford gave this dealership that franchise. This is the place I bought it new.Once I bought it, I notice a plastic cosmetic screw missing, before I drove out of the dealership I asked the sales guy, and the sales guy did not care anymore. He told me to arrange work with the service dept. Basically no care attitude once they had my money

Then within 3 months the car wouldnt start on two occassions and AAA junp started it and told me the battery need replacing. I went to another Mercury dealer in Sunnyvale,CA hoping for better service and they told me the battery could not be replace unless they tested it for hour and half, I sat there while they tested ot and they told me nothing was wrong.....
You guessed it,the battery let me down third time. So I gave up the dealership and I bought a new battery for $70 and the guy who replaced it told me the battery cable was not the right size also, so I replaced it also. Since then no problems.

After 3 years one recall , minor work ,a dealer in Richardson,TX did it.

Only recently I have had the engine light come at 98,000 miles. I understand from dealer that it is something to do with EGR valve the work will cost me from $200/500 dollars. I had an Autozone tester connected and it came up with Code0400. I called Quest since it is the same Van and they told me it was a known prob. Apparently a tube dealing with Fuel fails.
So I need that work done. IF you have this problem also, let me know what the fix was k1ranp@aol.com






A fiend of mine whio has a Nisan Quest has been happy a well and his car is 95,000. I mentioned Quest, since the Quest and MErcury are the same Van ,inside guts.

I don't know if the quality is still the same or better then my 96 Van. I would buy another Mercury. The deciding factor was the features and Japanise transmission

Similar Products Used:

Nissan Quest = Same Van different body cost more for brand name
Toyata Previa = Way to expensive for the features you get
Ford Winstar = Did not consider beacuse I keep on hearing about too many Transmission Problems from folks around me at work.
Mazda MPV = came close but did not like due to the some interior features
Dodge = Really liked it but it not provide me that same features for my money, plus I did not have the extra money.

comfortable ride.
easy to drive

Brake fade.
manifold bolts break
too heavy for the motor
gas mileage never has been what was indicated on sticker
shocks and struts don't hold up, rattle and creak
A/C compressor clanks way loud!
rear A/C works when it wants too
lousy towing even 2000 lbs. under powered.
Way too small for even 5 people

Have 100000 miles on the van. Has been somewhat reliable up to about 60000 miles. Then A/C compressor clutch started clanking and dragging on the motor. It is loud enough for people to stop and stare. Been told by two dealers that this is normal. Manifold bolts broke at about 70000 miles and need a recall on this! Rear A/C fan works intermittant for no apparent reason? Have four children now and this van is extremely too small for children and luggage. Would never buy another and plan to return to but a Honda Odyssey or GMC Savannah. Recommended for no more than tow people who are mechanically inclined.

Similar Products Used:

First and only merc. minivan

Reliability, design and well thought out drivers side/dashboard

Could use a little more storage space in the front. Tire pressure light is a little annoying.

I am very pleased with this vehicle. I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever with anything other than the tire pressure light and a few minor rattles. I had a Ford Aerostar and this vehicle is by far better. Gas mileage is fine, design is sleek and their is no engine sludge. I have spoken with many owners over the last year. They are all satisfied also with their van. This in my mind could be fabricated. This is an excellent vehicle. It is a shame others have to jump on a bandwagon and slam a worthy vehicle.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Aerostar-As mentioned, this vehicle is by far better.