Used 1996 Mercury Villager Consumer Reviews
Used Villager for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Villager, so we've included reviews for other years of the Villager since its last redesign.
The BEST bang for the buck!
carecarpro, 08/24/2010
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is underrated and the Nissan/Mercury name has been badly ridiculed. I have owned my Villager for over 14 years and all I can say is $21,000 for this LS model and all is well. My wife owns a Lexus SUV and I paid over $53K a year ago and it has been in the shop 7 times. The Villager we own has 267k miles and has never seen major repair. My cousin and my good friend both have 95 Villagers and all I can say is 289k and 212k miles and the same results. That is a real review.
10 Years - No Regrets
Rich Duffy, 04/12/2006
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Owned the Villager for 10 years. Still drives and handles very well. Still in good condition after all of these years...no rust. I'd give it a 9 out of 10.
1996 Mercury Villager for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- GS Passenger MinivanMSRP: N/A1,063 mi away
Amazing Car!
Anne, 10/16/2005
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car back in 1996, and I have never had any problems with it! It served as a family (of 4 kids) car, and even with that destruction, it has survived, and it's still amazing! Of course we had a few problems throughout the years, but we never put more than $200 into it.
Bad Ford DNA
Alias999, 08/19/2004
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We chose this used van for it's Nissan drive train and better than avg. fuel economy. The Ford components of this joint venture vehicle are terrible. Brakes, front-end parts, wiper switch are all high-maintenance items. Buy it cheap and have the front-end made right and you'll be OK.
Better than most
robandmarilyn, 03/17/2008
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this van with 160,000 miles on it. Original owner had made no major repairs to it. It has almost 200,000 miles on it now and still running strong. Only problems I have is the front end components consistantly have problems (thanks Ford). Had it been totally built by Nissan it would probably be unstopable.
Best of the dieing breed
Shane, 11/05/2015
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Other then the darn goofy door locks. You will never find a better minivan. Mines 20years old. Its been beat, battered, and still deals with 4 children and a dog daily. The interior must have been made out of some space age stuff for 1995 because at 20yrs old and 250,000+ miles it still looks great. The body although bland still looks great, and as for getting down the hiway this vans been wonderful. Really going to hate to see the day the poor ol girl croaks. To anyone that's still looking at a mercury villager. Buy it. And keep it serviced she'll run you forever
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned
Steve, 07/24/2009
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this minivan 11 years ago and just love it. I have driven it across country several times with no problems including one trip towing a uhaul trailer through a snow storm. This is the best vehicle i have ever owned. I have only had minimal (and expected) maintenance issues. I am still getting 16 to 18 mpg. Still plenty of power from the engine but my a/c has recently stopped working and r-12 freon is rare and expensive. I've kept it reasonably clean and well maintained and I expect to see another 80000 miles.
290,000 miles, going strong!
GiGi, 09/19/2015
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Cargo Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This van has been past around our family since one of our family members bought it new in 96. Original everything. Cruise still works. All the amenities stiill function. Best vehicle I ever owned. Replaced normal wear items that is all. Great in snow.
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
Mercury Villager Minivan
CT at ablaze, 11/05/2002
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Enjoyable vehicle. Ride is smooth with lots of room. Having electrical problems. Seems to be reliable overall with exception to electrical problems.
better than most
myquest, 10/25/2004
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Working as a courier, it is imperative that I have a reliable vehicle. One that I can run the heck out of and still count on for tomorrow. I had to replace the transmission at 190,000 and currently have almost 230,000. This includes carrying loads of up to 2000 lbs. Starting to have some issues now, so I just bought another one. It's a Nissan Quest- built Ford tough.
No surprise here
KooolRider, 12/27/2003
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wish I had reviewed others' reviews before buying this van. Had rebuilt engine one year after purchase -- the extended warranty we bought saved us. Had to have the transmission repaired because started slipping. Now, of course, that the extended warranty has expired, the mechanic tells me the noise I have been hearing is a "valve tap"... just like the other reviewer said. And, of course, also no surprise, the middle, right-side window rattles and whistles like there's no end. Ongoing electrical problems. Tried to trade it in recently to get a Chevy Venture -- insulted me with the trade-in offer. Leave this van alone.
good family ride
RB, 10/28/2002
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
bought used in 1997 with 27000 miles on it.. now has 107000 miles & still going strong..has been very reliable with only minimum maintenance & few repairs required... worst problem would be that rear AC unit went out & had to be replaced a couple summers ago..
Lesson learned
William Betts, 06/16/2003
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We liked it when we bought it but only a month later middle right-side window began to rattle. That was the beginning. Two years ago (2001) we learned from our mechanic the engine posessed a "valve tap" and would have to be rebuilt for $7000. We elected not to and it should only live another 3 years. Recently the automatic tranmission has been shifting bumpily and sometimes starts with a jolt. We know now not to get another automatic.
Good Minivan
Judge, 12/10/2008
1996 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Not A Keeper
Tom Rademacher, 10/09/2006
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car performed well for us the first 80,000 miles or so, but don't plan on owning it for the long run unless you enjoy poor workmanship that fails over time. The engine is a champ, the same they install in the Nissan Quest. But we've had trouble with cargo door alignment, power lock failure, power mirror failure, AC, rear heat and a handful of other electronic elements -- niggling things that we wish ahead of time we'd known were going tolet us down. The car just isn't built for the long haul.
SUPERCAR
fecports, 03/30/2002
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
While it is not the prettiest car on the road, it is the most reliable car I have ever had the pleasure of driving. Purchasing this car 6 years ago was a very sound investment. My wife and I have taken scores of trips from Virginia to NY and Pennsylvania and it has never let us down. The tires lasted 50,000 miles while the brakes lasted 70,000 miles. Most everything in the car is indestructible.
Villager Pros & Cons
BertBert, 11/03/2002
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The good thing about the early Villagers is that they all have the same shortcomings so when something goes wrong, it's easy to diagnose. We have 104,000 miles on it, so we can't complain too much, but every couple months it needs some sort of repair.
Reliable family car
GS Leader, 08/19/2003
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've loved having this car for our family. It has travelled on many vacations, Girl Scout camping trips, carpooling the kids, etc. It drives like a car but has the room of a van. At 137000 miles, we've had a few repairs, but that is expected with high miles -- nothing extraordinary. Rattle that developed in passenger side middle window was solved with a little spray lubricant on hinge.
Great car for "nin com poop"
John Keller, 08/12/2007
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have 216,000 miles on this vehicle. It was a plain jane for about $19,000. I have never had vehicle last as long. Perhaps I have had two water pumps and other various services. Unlike other cars, I have maintained this. I honestly hope to get another three years out of this. Wife put high end Michelin tires on it recently. My second set of mats bought at time I got vehicle are starting to show wear. Just ordered owners manual that I losta few years ago. Thought it was worthwhile investment.I would buy another!
We Love Our 1996 Villager!
Stem-2, 08/17/2002
1996 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wonderful vehicle! I certainly would buy another one if they were still made! I was SO SORRY to see them discontinued.
Good Van
phenique, 06/16/2004
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought the van used with 37K miles in 1998. Have been driving it for 6 years and it is still running strong. Van has been very reliable despite a few problems. Problems include door locks locking automatically, rear air blower went out, and oxygen sensor had to be replaced. It has lots of interior room and is flexible despite the middle seat being difficult to remove (rear seat slides up to create extra trunk space).
Did I get a lemon?
Indygal59, 02/09/2003
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Problems from the day I bought it with emissions: Rotten egg smell, burning smells, etc. Had it into dealer many times-no fix has worked. Have had fuel pump replaced twice (per dealer recommendation). Front AND rear windshield washer pumps have also been replaced. Too many expensive problems for a low-mileage car with faithful maintainence by owner.
Great Van
big guy65, 05/05/2003
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love this van. The only problem with it was the rear main seal started leaking oil at about 75,000 miles. Had it repaired and still going with no leaks of any kind at 160,000 miles.
Nice but...
Lin, 09/05/2010
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought new...very dependable for many years but started breaking down constantly after 10 years and only 75K miles. Great for transporting small children and doing some light hauling. Middle and rear seats too heavy and hard to move. Window vent openers cheaply made and broke constantly even with little use. Engine OK but lacks punch, and transmission fine. Great visibility a plus. Rear A/C fan squeaked and emitted damp odor which dealer couldn't identify and fix.
good family ride
rb, 10/28/2002
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought used in 1997 with 27000 miles on it.. now has 107000 miles & still going strong..has been very reliable with only minimum maintenance & few repairs required... worst problem would be that rear AC unit went out & had to be replaced a couple summers ago..
Good Car To Own
Paul, 10/08/2002
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put over 70000 miles driving this van. It handles nicely on the road. Average mileage in town 17.4, highway 21.2. Maintenance has not been a problem. Great family car and large cargo area.
Good Car To Own
paul, 10/08/2002
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put over 70000 miles driving this van. It handles nicely on the road. Average mileage in town 17.4, highway 21.2. Maintenance has not been a problem. Great family car and large cargo area.
Made on a Monday
Poppa Bear, 02/12/2003
1995 Mercury Villager Nautica 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We decided to spend a little more and get a higher quality mini-van. Unfortunately, this particular one must have been assembled on a hangover Monday morning. We had oil leaks, coolant leaks, power steering leaks, two blower motors, and the rear AC/heater went out. On it's good days, it ran well on the highway. Nice ride and easy to handle, and back seats that kept fussy kids apart.
Villager Fan
Villager Fan, 12/19/2003
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When in the market for a minivan a good friend suggested only one, the Mercury Villager or Nissan Quest. What a great decision. I purchased my 95 in 97 when it had 19000 miles on it. I now have 165,000 and besides replacing a high preasure fuel line (made it a lot harder than it was) the car has been repair free. I have only had to purchase tires.
Reliable.
jaredh, 10/31/2012
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Cargo Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just rid myself of my old '95 Villager recently due to electrical issues that just weren't worth the money for repair. At 17 years old I have nothing to complain about. This van has been reliable through out it's life span. And the most major repair it ever saw; was a replaced water pump. Other then that this thing never saw any critical failures. The air vents for the back passenger seats gave out about 5 years in. But we managed with just the front ones. Heat was great, AC was great. But more importantly this van was sturdy. Even after being in a wreck a year ago it still ran like a champ. I'm going to miss the old thing.
great vehicle
ericbnewman, 06/12/2004
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great vehicle, 9 yrs now and still going I want more!
Body almost back in style
Mark, 07/18/2018
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It lasts a long time
I like it.
jetskeemama, 05/25/2004
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put 100K mi on this van since purchase in 1997 ($32,000 when purchased). I have replaced a fuel pump, sliding shoulder harness belt twice and just repaired ac ($350) Otherwise, it has been perfectly reliable and trouble free. Lady ran a red light last night and totaled it. I'm not happy about trying to find a replacement. I would have kept this car for as long as possible.
Outstanding Van
SteveB, 10/23/2008
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Beats Walking
jet2work, 08/28/2008
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Saying Goodbuy
Saying Goodbuy, 06/25/2004
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it based on it's good reviews and can honestly say it was worth every penny. I enjoyed it's usability carrying my family, radio control airplanes, or computers for my job. It now has just over 120k mi and I hope to help out a family in need. Repairs were wear and tear for the most part, except for a fuel pump (twice).
Looking for another
edmunds rules, 08/03/2004
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We like our villager so much, we are looking for a deal on another. Has 112,000 miles. Engine and trans have had no problems. Has been on 1400 mile (round trip) 4 times. Perfect every time. Side glass rattles were fixed by replacing the hinge on the glass. Most expensive repair was radiator fan. I did learn that most dealer parts can be bought cheaper from Nissan. The fan I mentioned earlier-- Mercury $264 Nissan $179. Getting ready to buy a newer van. After looking at and driving a few, (Chrysler, Chev, Olds, Toy, Hon) we decided another Villager will give us the best "bang for our buck"
230,000 miles and running like new
Jonathan Brown, 02/13/2009
1996 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great van
baseballmom, 11/20/2002
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this van in 98 with 54,000 miles it has been very reliable. It now has 126,000! Very few repairs have been needed. I don't like the cup holders though!
Want to get another before they're gone!
forestphil, 06/02/2002
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We're very happy with this "Just Right" size mini-van. It's been nothing but reliable. Engine runs very smooth, slightly under powered. Handles great in snow and ice.
Great van!
Janis, 08/17/2009
1996 Mercury Villager Nautica 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Car
Hot Rod, 10/01/2002
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 95, after 7 years and 90,000 plus miles, we finally had our first repair and it was just a loose motor-mount and topping off coolant for the a/c. We love this car.
Nissan Quest's body not soul
pgmap, 02/08/2003
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle because it is the sibling of Nissan Quest which I know is the best choice of year 1995. One of my friend bought a Quest but I wanted to save some bucks. Got more trouble comparing with my friend's Japanese one. Have sent back to dealer five times for variety reasons. Electrical problem is very bothering. Still love the car very much.
The Best
Randy, 02/07/2010
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went from an 83 F-250 to this minivan after having to be in a wheelchair everyday and I could not have picked a better unit. It has been the best vehicle we have ever owned in every category used to test a family vehicle, so much so that we also purchased a 99 Villager Estate. Even today with 193k miles it runs & looks as well as the day we picked it up used as a lease return inside and out even the drivers seat shows very little wear. Other than normal service we have had to replace the floor mats as the drivers side one finally wore thru. It is just the best daily driver vehicle I have had in 45 years of driving period. Ford needs to bring this back updated for our times.
Solid car for 8 years
Scott, 01/25/2005
1995 Mercury Villager Nautica 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A very nice looking van with a bulletproof engine, very luxurious fully loaded van with leather, trip computer, moon roof, front and rear AC, power seats,
Not bad for the price...
ronaldj, 08/21/2002
1996 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Van now has 155,000 miles and has had only minor problems... but some worth mentioning. O2 sensor has been replaced twice, transmission has been extremely jerky at times. Interior quality is poor, with trim cracking or fading in many locations.
Mercury Villager
Kevin Ingle, 09/24/2003
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Villager has been fault free since purchase. I have replaced the shocks and struts. The strut mounts and some of the rubber components on the front end needed replacement. This is the only work I have had done over its life. The repair shop claimed he does a lot of Nissan suspensions of this vintage. The body & interior integrity are superb after this time and miles.
reliable family car
barley, 07/02/2002
1996 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had purchased this vehicle 2 years old and have been pleased with the outcome. Minor problems include rear wiper never works, the hinge to open and close the window on sliding door the pin keeps coming out, had to have oxygen sensor replaced. I am currently having problems with the electric door locks. They like to lock and unlock unexpectedly. It can be a challenge to unlock the door and try to open the door before the locks lock again. Middle seat is not easily removed. I find the vehicle easy to manuever. Overall I am happy with the vehicle. I would purchase another.
If they only made more....
FamilyVan, 10/25/2006
1995 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very pleased with the van now with 166,000 miles. Bought it in 1998. Just had to retire it today. The transmission is slippin' away. Too expensive to replace. My wife and I wish they still made them. Many fond memories. We'd buy another. It doesn't owe us a thing. Many x-country trips with no problems.
Best Car Ever Made
Randy, 11/02/2006
1995 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 10 years of faithful service, I am selling my van today to make way for a sporty new SUV. Based on reading other reviews, I obviously was lucky to purchase the best-built Villager ever. The original engine and tranny are still strong after 10 years, electrical works perfect, ride is smooth and quiet. This has been a noble, reliable friend to my family.