What Is It?
2005 Mercury Montego
What's Special About It?
In a continuing effort to create a lineup of vehicles whose names all start with "M," Mercury has resurrected one of its forgotten nameplates from the 1970s for its all-new sedan offering. But as this Montego is built on the Volvo S80 platform and will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, it couldn't be more different from its rear-drive namesake. Of course, like almost all Mercurys past and present, the 2005 Montego has a Blue Oval counterpart, that being the Ford Five Hundred introduced at last month's North American International Auto Show.
Sleek, shapely bodywork gives both the Ford and the Mercury a clean European profile, while a space-efficient cabin design assures maximum space for families of four or five. The Montego is about the same length and width of the Mercury Sable, but a longer wheelbase opens up more room inside — there's over 40 inches of legroom in the backseat (as much as you'd find in a full-size sedan) as well as 21 cubic feet of trunk capacity (by far the most of any midsize sedan). In addition, the new sedan stands nearly five inches taller than its predecessor, allowing designers to incorporate a high seating position not unlike that of a crossover SUV. Mercury paid more attention to interior ambience in the Montego, and its crisp, two-tone ensemble with tasteful faux aluminum accents is a welcome upgrade from the Sable's formless collection of plastics and vinyls.
Power comes from the same 200-horsespower Duratec V6 found in the Sable, but it picks up electronic throttle control and benefits from various refinements to ensure smoother, quieter operation, according to Mercury. In addition, a pair of new transmissions should provide a better means of getting at the Duratec's power: Buyers will have their choice of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a six-speed automatic. The CVT comes standard when you select all-wheel drive, and thusly equipped, the Montego makes use of Volvo's proven electronically controlled Haldex AWD system, which can anticipate wheel slip before it actually occurs.
Mercury will sell its new sedan in Luxury and Premier trim levels, and both come with a long list of standard equipment. Included on Luxury models are xenon headlights, LED taillights, 17-inch wheels, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a CD player, a trip computer and full power accessories. Step up to the Premier and you'll get 18-inch wheels, a power front-passenger seat, perforated leather upholstery, seat heaters, an upgraded MP3-compatible stereo with an in-dash CD changer and memory for the driver seat and mirrors. Options include a safety package with side-impact and head curtain airbags, as well as stand-alone items like power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors and a moonroof.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Attractive, spacious and well equipped, the Montego (and its Five Hundred twin) should give seasoned import buyers reason to visit the domestic lots, particularly with its Volvo-derived underpinnings. However, Mercury plans to market the Montego as a premium-grade family sedan, and with just 200 hp, it's going to be a tough sell to anyone looking at Chrysler's V8-laden 300C or Nissan's 265-hp Maxima. — Erin Riches
2005 Mercury Montego
What's Special About It?
In a continuing effort to create a lineup of vehicles whose names all start with "M," Mercury has resurrected one of its forgotten nameplates from the 1970s for its all-new sedan offering. But as this Montego is built on the Volvo S80 platform and will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, it couldn't be more different from its rear-drive namesake. Of course, like almost all Mercurys past and present, the 2005 Montego has a Blue Oval counterpart, that being the Ford Five Hundred introduced at last month's North American International Auto Show.
Sleek, shapely bodywork gives both the Ford and the Mercury a clean European profile, while a space-efficient cabin design assures maximum space for families of four or five. The Montego is about the same length and width of the Mercury Sable, but a longer wheelbase opens up more room inside — there's over 40 inches of legroom in the backseat (as much as you'd find in a full-size sedan) as well as 21 cubic feet of trunk capacity (by far the most of any midsize sedan). In addition, the new sedan stands nearly five inches taller than its predecessor, allowing designers to incorporate a high seating position not unlike that of a crossover SUV. Mercury paid more attention to interior ambience in the Montego, and its crisp, two-tone ensemble with tasteful faux aluminum accents is a welcome upgrade from the Sable's formless collection of plastics and vinyls.
Power comes from the same 200-horsespower Duratec V6 found in the Sable, but it picks up electronic throttle control and benefits from various refinements to ensure smoother, quieter operation, according to Mercury. In addition, a pair of new transmissions should provide a better means of getting at the Duratec's power: Buyers will have their choice of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a six-speed automatic. The CVT comes standard when you select all-wheel drive, and thusly equipped, the Montego makes use of Volvo's proven electronically controlled Haldex AWD system, which can anticipate wheel slip before it actually occurs.
Mercury will sell its new sedan in Luxury and Premier trim levels, and both come with a long list of standard equipment. Included on Luxury models are xenon headlights, LED taillights, 17-inch wheels, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a CD player, a trip computer and full power accessories. Step up to the Premier and you'll get 18-inch wheels, a power front-passenger seat, perforated leather upholstery, seat heaters, an upgraded MP3-compatible stereo with an in-dash CD changer and memory for the driver seat and mirrors. Options include a safety package with side-impact and head curtain airbags, as well as stand-alone items like power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors and a moonroof.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Attractive, spacious and well equipped, the Montego (and its Five Hundred twin) should give seasoned import buyers reason to visit the domestic lots, particularly with its Volvo-derived underpinnings. However, Mercury plans to market the Montego as a premium-grade family sedan, and with just 200 hp, it's going to be a tough sell to anyone looking at Chrysler's V8-laden 300C or Nissan's 265-hp Maxima. — Erin Riches
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