The Mercury Monterey is an extremely competent minivan. It shares much in common with the Ford Freestar, which generally carries a lower list price than does the Monterey. However, depending on the trim level and content package, a Monterey with all of its standard fare could represent a better value than a Freestar that has to be loaded up with options. And Mercury offers features that the Freestar does not, including a seat-cooling system and perforated suede upholstery in the first and second rows.
-With Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Mercury Monterey Convenience ($29,010); Luxury ($32,610); Premier ($34,910)
Engines:
201-hp 4.2-liter OHV V6
Transmissions:
4-speed automatic
Safety equipment (standard):
dual-stage front airbags; anti-lock brakes
Safety equipment (optional):
side airbags and Safety Canopy side curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, self-sealing tires
Basic warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Mercury Monterey Premier ($34,910)
Standard equipment:
dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control with rear seat controls, leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede perforated inserts, driver and passenger heated-and-cooled seats, front-passenger lumbar adjustment, folding third-row-cloth bench, power liftgate, unique split-spoke design aluminum wheels and satin aluminum roof rails, forward and reverse park assist; leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, power-adjustable pedals, driver and passenger heated/memory mirrors, anti-theft system, first-row floor console storage, third-row reading lamps, black roof rails and power sliding doors
Options as tested (MSRP):
AdvanceTrac stability control with traction control and Brake Assist ($395 w/discount); self-sealing tires ($195); roof rack w/crossbars ($75)
Destination charge:
($685)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$36,595
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
4.2-liter OHV V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
201 @ 4250
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
265 @ 3500
Transmission:
4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
17/23 mpg
Wheelbase:
120.8 in.
Length/width/height:
201.0/76.4/70.8 in.
Track, f/r:
64.7/62.8 in.
Turning circle:
39.5 ft.
Seating capacity:
7
Head/hip/leg room, f:
38.9/58.4/40.7 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
39.7/66.4/37.9 in.
Head/hip/leg room, r:
38.1/48.1/30.6 in.
Cargo volume:
131.5 cu. ft.
Payload:
131.5 Lbs.
Towing capacity:
2000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
twist-beam axle with integrated anti-roll bar, coil springs, Panhard rod
Ground clearance:
N/A
Curb weight:
4434 lbs.
Tires:
P235/60R16 self-sealing
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc w ABS and Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
26 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of June 21, 2004.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
1-800-392-3673 -
www.mercury.com
