1996 Mercury Villager Review

Great van!

Written by: Janis on 08/17/2009

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Villager 2 Dr Nautica Passenger Van

Review

Leased our '96 Nautica '95 for 2 years and then bought it. It has been the best designed car we have ever owned. My husband has a 2008 Highlander, which he is very happy with, yet, it cannot haul as much cargo, is not as versatile, nor as comfortable for 7 people as the Villager. MPG in new cars has barely improved over the Villager after 14 years. But after 150,000 miles, the transmission is going out and other expensive things (locks, CD player, possibly air bags-- since light goes on)I hate to see it go. Wish they would still make it with the quality they made it then (plus a second slide door not yet available in 1996). Nautica drives like a luxury sedan with a height that is safer.

Favorite Features

Luxurious ride, dependability, visibility, versatility, upgraded sound package is wonderful. Recommend captain chairs as it allows walk-thru design from front of car to third row.

Suggested Improvements

Chairs slide very little for third row access, and are heavy to remove, but there is enough versatility with fold- down and forward third row for plenty of cargo without removing them. Get the later models with two side-sliding doors.

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230,000 miles and running like new

Written by: Jonathan Brown on 02/12/2009

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Villager 2 Dr LS Passenger Van

Review

This has been a great van. I have only had it for 5,000 miles thus far but I have only had to replace a belt and I will have to soon replace the tierods, but the engine runs perfect, the tranny shifts perfect, the engine is quiet, and it starts perfect every time! The way this thing runs you would never know it has 230,000 miles. I go up to see my girlfriend and my baby over 50 miles away and it provides a comfortable and enjoying ride. I love this van and i will continue to drive it as long as it is running.

Favorite Features

I think the lights inside the vehicle are pretty and the radio sounds awesome! It's cool that it will not lock on you if you have the key in the ignition. The heat works great. I love how the seats move around in the back! They move so you have plenty of room for whatever reason you need more room.

Suggested Improvements

I would have liked a CD player but this is only a 1996.

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Good Minivan

Written by: Judge on 12/09/2008

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Villager 2 Dr LS Passenger Van

Review

This vehicle was a very good deal at $1000 even though it had 160,000 miles when purchased. The Nissan drive train is very good and the high mileage didn't scare me. It was fixed up as per state inspection requirements and on the road for $1500. The handling and ride are very good for a van, and even with a few quirks it is a good choice.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Outstanding Van

Written by: SteveB on 10/22/2008

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Villager 2 Dr GS Passenger Van

Review

Bought this van nearly seven years ago with about 50,000 miles on it. It now has 166,000. Other than regular wear items (tires, brakes, struts etc.) the distributor was replaced around 100,000 and the exhaust manifold bolts on the firewall side were replaced shortly before that. It's an outstanding van. I would buy one again given the chance.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage -- consistent 20+ MPG, size and handling for a van, exterior design, very comfortable to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Rear wiper hasn't worked right for most of the time I've owned it, the third row seat needs to be removable

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Beats Walking

Written by: jet2work on 08/28/2008

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Villager 2 Dr GS Passenger Van

Review

Bought this mini van used with 53K I have put over 110K on it and it has been relatively trouble free. Here are the things that I have replaced (mostly wear items) alternator, struts, shocks, brakes (rotors and drums), cap, rotor, plugs and wires. Note I have not replaced the timing belt yet (I thought it had a chain until recently). The rear heater/ AC went out. It is actually a common problem with the control in the dash. The relay for the rear control de-solders itself from the pc board and is an easy obvious fix (now that you know where to look). So if you find a Villager with the rear AC out don't be scared off. Also the doors do lock themselves. This is a con

Favorite Features

Drives well. Good in snow. Good visibility. Good mileage. Dependable. Flexible seating and cargo. After nearly 13 years it still looks good (styling, paint, interior). Absolutely no trouble with the tranny or engine (like I said 165K on original timing belt) This is a non-interference engine.

Suggested Improvements

Well, I think that Nissan/Mercury have figured it out without my help already. If you are looking for cheap wheels, you should feel pretty comfortable with this car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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