Used 1998 Mercury Villager Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Villager, so we've included reviews for other years of the Villager since its last redesign.
Good Roomy Van
Leo, 03/17/2010
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've owned this van for about 3 months. No problems so far except the door locks only seem to work when they want to. It has 105,000 miles and all I've heard is good things on this site. The later models 2000 and above seemed to be getting dogged by consumer reports. What's up with that? I wonder what they changed.
Use and Abuse
salserourbano, 10/12/2011
1998 Mercury Villager Nautica 3dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Wow, this is a real awesome minivan. my ex-girlfriend 2 years ago put water in to the oil, and she filled totally the engine until the measure stick did pop out due to the immense pressure. By that time it has 140,000 miles. After 8 oil changes and a complete labor to remove the water, the van stills running with no problems. Today it just pass the 180,000 miles, still have the original rear brakes, and the air conditioning that freezes anyone. It seems that the power locks are definitively one common issue in this vehicle, mine are sometimes crazy, the car locks without touching it. This was a unavoidable gift from a friend that left the country, and it was definitively a bless.
1998 Mercury Villager for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- GS Passenger MinivanMSRP: $2,495176 mi away
- LS Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,9001,783 mi away
Over 315,000 km...and still going!
ashalicious, 09/13/2012
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The body is starting to rust away so I imagine the body will be gone before the engine gives out. My parents bought this van used and then gave it to me in 2009 and it has been a huge help with commuting to work/school and moving furniture etc. I honestly cannot believe that it's still running! Just recently the freaky power lock problem started, but it's just a little quirk of an overall great vehicle!
Mercury minivan
Familyguy, 02/27/2010
1998 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I got this van in 99' with about 10,000 miles, 11 years later and 180,000 more miles still runs and drives like a champ. Only major issue was steering arm which warranty covered. This has been the best minivan Ive ever owned. By the way I still drive it everyday.
Love me Villager
Oscar Alvarez, 10/17/2010
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I now have 165,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Best Mini van I bought. As long as you maintain it well it has not caused any problems whatsoever. Mileage for long trips mostly New York to Florida has been and is still great. Only had to replace wear and tear items here and there. Still drives smoothly and with power. This one American/Japanese venture did pay off only to be stopped few models later as a no money maker. No wonder the company stopped making it. They were losing money on it on parts. Would love for the manufacture to start building them again. But that would never happen. Kia minivans now in my opinion seems to be getting the same direction.
Good vehicle for the bucks
coolvadad, 11/12/2010
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After an accident in our Grand Caravan that was totaled, we purchased the Mercury Villager as it's replacement. It has been a great vehicle for our son but does have a slow leak in the a/c unit that operates just for the summer with a freon refill. Recently the starter needed replacing, with a Nissan Quest unit which we were surprised to learn. Overall our experience has been a good one. There is a ceiling leak of water somewhere though.
Great Van!
pandrew1, 05/30/2012
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Cargo Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am not a van person but bought this van as it was only $500. I definitely got my money's worth and more! I have only had brakes bleeding issues when i first bought it and have had air conditioning problems most likely due to an apparent wreck. Despite the wreck, it starts everyday, runs pretty smooth and gas mileage really isn't that bad. There are a couple of small things wrong with it but it's a 1998! If you don't have alot of money to spend but need a quality vehicle & in the market for a van, this is the way to go!
97 Villager
G4, 06/07/2009
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We've owned our van for 3 years now and have only minor complaints. It's been very reliable and pretty fun to drive. Wish it had more power though, sluggish up hills, brakes feel too soft too. Little things like cup holders getting stuck, rear wiper blade getting stuck, and the sliding door having issues with the lock sticking. The air conditiong just went out but just needs new freon, gotta figure it might being its 12 years old now. It has lots of room, we can store so much in it with the seats out and folded foward. We can haul our trailer with it and have the cargo carrier on top. Mechanically it's been pretty sound.
good van!
Mark, 03/22/2007
1998 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my first review. I figure it's time to give back to Edmunds since I like using this website a lot! This is a great van. If you can find a nice, clean, one owner van - GO FOR IT! It's same as Nissan Quest and it's hard to go wrong buying it.
The Best!!
Lisa Wilson, 09/16/2009
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Cargo Minivan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just turned 366,000km. We haven't put any money into this van. Replaced the rear wiper, and usual stuff, but this has been an amazing van! Lots of room. We had to have the quad seats, however, took them out, and left the bench seat in the back. We've always oil guarded, so have very little rust. One of the best vehicles we've ever had!! Five stars!!!
excelent
Juan Nuno, 10/15/2002
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
it has been a plasure driving it, in a shore and a long distance, never had a problem with it, neither on the egine or trasnmission. still runs very good very reliable and dependeable.
will never buy another mercury
rla32409, 10/08/2009
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
i bought a 97 mercury villager september 25 wth 120k had it for less than 20 days an within those 20 days i needed a new egr valve catalyt converter and my motor blew on me. was lied to about the van by previous owner and dealer where bought very dissapointed in the van it was my first car an my motor blew on the highway while i was driving with my 11 week old son in his caseat in the back
Villager, what a name.
NFS4LFE, 03/30/2009
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Cargo Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's a pretty good minivan. It runs well, no performance trouble at all, though the brakes could use some work. I got this puppy when it had 65,000 miles on it, and it never failed me since, though it tends to not start when it's below freezing outside, so I carry a battery charger in the back for just in case. It picks up pretty well for a minivan, and it's very responsive. Just an awesome van overall, feels almost like a big sedan instead of a minivan sometimes. The fuel economy isn't the best, but maybe that's because of my driving. If you're looking for a used minivan, give the Mercury Villager a chance, and I promise you that you won't be disappointed!
I LIKE IT
browix, 01/26/2004
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wife bought this van almost a year ago have not put one dollar into this van.Never have had a second thought about its purchase.Would buy another in a heart beat
One Great Van
DennisV, 09/02/2006
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best vehicle I every owned,. As a 'car' guy, I am very particular. The minivan is not the fastest, best handling, or most stylish vehicle. Overall, however, it is absolutely one fantastic vehicle. I haul lots of toys -- bikes, kayaks, other stuff. The utility is great. As for reliability, I changed oil every 5K and have only replaced tires and front brakes once. This is after 115,000 miles. Still have original rear brake pads and rotors. Most bullet proof vehicle in existence! Absolutely no problems whatsoever.
Dependable
tc, 07/23/2003
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Only cost in 5 years were brakes
Mikes 3 dr Villager
Mike Day, 08/06/2003
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have used it for everything from running to the store to hauling the local boy scout troup on weekend campouts (fully loaded with cargo on top!). It is strong, reliable, comfortable and looks good. The only thing I have done to this van is change the oil,filters, brakes,tires and it is still goin strong with 107000 miles on it. I believe anyone who grips the steering wheel of one of these beauties won't let go! It's the only way to travel whether in town (18mpg) or on the highway (21-27mpg depending on the load and how hard you drive it).............I LUV THIS VAN!!
Great Mini Van
as179vend, 03/02/2004
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car
jerry's review 98 villager
jerry stone, 03/19/2003
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been totally reliable. It has required zero work, not even a tune up. Just brakes, tires, Oil changes and one Battery. It has 186000 miles and just passed California emissions with out a hitch, gets 21.5 miles to the gallon freeway. It does have a really annoying "service engine soon" light that is suppose to make you take it to the dealer for repair. It comes on for a 1000 miles and goes off or a 1000 but what ya gonna do? This is a fantastic unit. I had a 97 model also, I put 55k on it and traded it in on this one. It was perfect too.
very reliable, very satisfied
paulh, 07/10/2003
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
bought new, now has over 100k in less than 6 years with no problems. engine and transmission have had zero problems. still have original exhaust system, even with the buffalo,ny winters. power locks and rear wiper have not worked sporadically, but otherwise everything else still works like new. has been a very dependable car.
97 original owner 114k
rdrector, 09/07/2003
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Original owner and I am extremely impressed with this vehicle. We have 114k now and have only had to replace an air-bag module this year. Everything else has been normal wear. No leaks, doesn't loose oil between changes, a/c never recharged, and engine seems to run as it did when new. Smooth and quite. I'm keeping it till it dies, can't part with something running this good.
Pathetic isn't harsh enough...
sprog, 02/11/2011
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Cargo Minivan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Even POS is too mild. Got it in late 2003 with about 80k on it. Did fairly well up until it hit about 150k on it, and it has had issues almost weekly up until now for the last year. CV joints (multiple), quits when hot in summer and running A/C. We replaced almost ever sensor in it - some more than once. Motor mounts keep breaking. Check engine light stayed on so much that IT blew out. Major cooling problems. I'll be GIVING it away for scrap this week, as I'm not dishonest enough to launch this crap vehicle on even my very worst enemy. Most of the front end needs replacing now. Had I taken this thing to the dealer, it would have probably run me about $5-6k in repairs over last year
Great minivan
dave, 05/19/2008
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While not as large as some of its competitors, the Villager scores big with fun to drive and reliability. Now with 157,000 miles and still drives like new. No squeaks or groans and as reliable as rain...oops, make that death and taxes. I wish they still made this van as I would buy another just like it if/when that day ever comes when this one fails.
Mercury Rising
Lisa Siegrist, 10/28/2018
1997 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Obviously, this was an old minivan-1997. But I loved it, as did my elderly mother, who could slide onto its seat without having to bend down. For that alone it was a godsend. I loved sitting up high. It made me feel superior. It was my first minivan. I needed it for my business, an antique and vintage furniture collection, to haul furniture to my shop. I was able to stuff that baby up to the gills. I loved it so much that after an elderly neighbor crashed into the back of it while it was parked on the street, I chose to have it repaired, even though my insurance said it was totaled and gave me the bare minimal for it. It lasted an extra 12 years and only succumbed when the fuel line rusted out. The mechanic said the line would have to be hand crafted (I find that hard to believe); otherwise I think I would have repaired it. My minivan changed my view of American-built vehicles. It had power, even packed with heavy furniture. It's still sitting on the street, filled with furniture, even though I can't drive it anymore. I will donate it eventually, but I will cry when it's towed away, I'm sure of it.
Good Reliable Van -Best for the money
maliguinem, 04/06/2002
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine new in 1998 (last year of that model) and never had any problems with it. I have changed the oil, tires, break pads and gasoline filter. That's it. I think it's the best minivan for the money, many friends of mine who had Crysler or Dodge have all sorts of problems... my neighbour has a Villager with 125K miles on it - never had one problem either.
Mercury Villager GS
Jack1234, 09/15/2003
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Engine and powertrain is very smooth but seems to be a bit underpowered probably for the sake of gas mileage which is about 25 MPG. Had a problem with the fuel tank until the recall came through. I really like the way the seats can be removed and relocated.
what's happening
KIM, 10/16/2003
1997 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
underpowered,very comfortable leather seats,great ride, rear hatch too low hits head, exceptional gas milaage for van 22.5mpg. mine has wet carpet and not head gasket,problem not discovered? a/c compressor constantly clicks and drains motor but blows cold. seems alot more reliable than caravans iv'e had in the past.
Quite an Amazing Minivan
Bill_G, 06/13/2002
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best minivan I have ever driven. I am only 17, but I really enjoy this van! The 6 CD Changer, power, and the black with gold trim is really quite a car. I drive it almost 100 miles daily to and from school, and it goes without a hitch. The mountains (cuz thats where I live) are no trouble for its engine with at least the mid grade gas. I am really impressed with the overall quality of this van, and we are looking now at the Estate Premium model.
A Good Buy
Villager Guy, 07/01/2003
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife wanted a minivan that is not too big but utility oriented, drives somewhat like car, reliable and not a gas guzzler. The answer Mercury Villager. Being the first owner with closed garage, dealer serviced - never had major problem. The only problem I can think of -- there was an electric wiring issue that costs me $400 in labor and $20 in parts !!. I think it was due to a stupid service dude in boston. Just turned 80000 miles. I may keep it for another year and probably by a Honda Odyssey or a new Nissan quest. The new village is more of a windstar like... Yuk.
best vehicle i own
r.j.fencl, 03/31/2005
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
since buying this vehicle it has performed to every high standard i have asked for in a minivan. the comfort and quality of ride has out performed others in my past vehicles. the only thing lacking is a dvd player not available in 1997,but i will add it later. well done mercury for another fine automobile.
Super Satisfied
Luis Paris, 02/27/2006
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Cargo Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned it for 16 months and I have put 40k on it in that time. Very reliable! It is great on the hwy & gets great mileage. Only major mechanical problem has been a bad fuel pump. For a fam. of 4 (2 toddlers) it's great for long travel. I have driven it 600 miles in a day and it never missed a beat. Overdive shifts off at times when shifting into drive or park and my mechanic said since it is a special Merc./Ford/Nissan edition it will be difficult to find the part but not a maj issue. The doors do seem possessed as they lock and unlock indpendently at times, especially the side door. The int. has held up really good. Paint is still in great shape and consider it is Florida veh.
Mercury Villager
FUNGUY, 03/06/2004
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had this van for a year. Not one problem. The best Ford or Nissan out there.
HAPPY OWNER :-)
paclassiegal, 09/12/2002
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had great luck in my 105,000 miles. Very few repairs & has never left me sit. It does well in winter also. We have the 2 seperate A/C systems & like the cooling throughout the whole van. The shocks that hold up the tailgate window no longer hold but it has been opened a million times. By the way....the Villager is really a Nissan Quest with a slightly differently rear door. It was a joint venture between Nissan & Ford. Engine never uses oil. I do keep it faithfully changed every 3,000 miles. No engine, AC, transmission or electrical problems. I believe I can easily get 200,000 miles from this van.
Electrical problems that can't be fixed
CyndyJT, 06/12/2004
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only consistant trouble I have had with this vehicle is with the electrical system. The doors randomly lock by themselves. Never leave the keys inside the van!!! The clock/radio/wipers randomly turn on and off. The dealer has tried to fix these items but with no success. Besides electrical stuff, the heat and the AC has gone cafluey and the cost of repair is outrageous. While this van has been more reliable mechanically than previous Dodge caravans that I had, the electrical problems are a major headache. I'm done with 'em!
familyhauler
familyhauler, 09/21/2005
1998 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall it has been an excellent vehicle. (Thanks to the Nissan parts). Some minor issues with locks that have frozen and the radio control on the steering wheel occasionally does not respond. Knock on wood; it has 140,000 mi on it, no major problems yet.
Love this car... but
Brian Raines, 02/10/2007
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car in June of 2005, It had very low miles (78,000). We now have 97,000 miles in January of 2007. The only concerns I've had about this car are the auto locks (which no longer work properly), and the battery cable which I've had to replace. So far I feel like we made a smart decision in purchasing this car.
general comments
mary sue, 03/24/2002
1998 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
have had my 1998 Viillager for 2 years now - very happy with it! Handles well; more like a car than a van. Smooth; acclelerates nicely.
Built on an
NotHappy, 10/17/2002
1997 Mercury Villager Nautica 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't like paying dealer $75 just to find out why the engine light is on (happens about every 6 months). The electrical is a nightmare. Rear wiper quit working at 30k miles, the locks open and close spontaneously whether the engine is running or not. We have been trapped in the car for a few minutes while the locks were flipping back and forth on their own. My kids have gotten locked in after I put them in their seats and I walked around the car to get in. The ford dealer said the possessed locks are also in the 2002 models of their compact cars). I have put about $4000 into the engine replacing parts that have died before their time.
good but a few problems
SCOTT C, 01/13/2006
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Villager used with 86k miles. had no problems. now the transmission shifts hard at about 90k. had fixed but problem returned.
Nothing Like a van
Darlene, 10/10/2006
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love my van. The only problem I have had so far is my rear heating and air has went out and I have no clue as to what is wrong with it. My struts are now bad but I have over 100,000 miles on it. I hope one day to get a newer one with the double sliding doors.
Merc Villager
T shaw, 06/08/2004
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had only 2 problems in over 90,000 miles, both relate to power assc funtions. Repaired both myself for under 75.00ea. Power Window switch partly failed and power door lock switch failed casing "odd" door lock operation in whitch they locked and unlocked on their own and when they wanted two. Vech had 12,ooo miles on it when i got it.
Very Happy with Mercury Villager
tcass, 04/06/2003
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it new. Have owned it for 6 years. There have been no major problems. The only problems experienced are that the power locks don't always work on the passenger side, and for a short time period the rear wiper did not work. It started working again with out repair. No other problems. Braking is a little weak. Still looks great.
It kept on going and going and going
Nautica Lover, 09/16/2006
1998 Mercury Villager Nautica 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Nautica in 2000 as a lease buy-out a relative had and through all the years have only had to do normal maintenance...tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. I have almost 147,000 miles on it and had hoped to drive it past the 200,000 mile mark since I never had any engine problems or anything. Unfortunatley, I won't get to because someone ran into me and totalled it, but the car is worth more than the values put on it since it has been an excellent car. I would highly recommend it if were still made and definitely purchase again.
No complaints
smedley007, 06/14/2004
1997 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Decent fit and finish. Body still looks great. Engine and tranny are solid. Wish I had leather.
No Lame Duck Here!!!
Chris T, 01/31/2003
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am one of the hardest people on a vehicle. With this in mind, I have never owned a more practical vehicle than my Villager GS(I think GS stands for"Gotta Speed"). I don't believe there is a ten. This is due to our individual quarks. One mans heaven may be another mans hell. My Villager is constantly driven with absolutly no significant problems. An oversight by a local auto parts store, who sold me semi-metalic brake pads. This vehicle uses 'Ceramic' pads. This error dramatically increased my stopping distance. 'BAD Thing' Otherwise it has been a pleasure to go out and fire up the van and just drive.
Larry's Merc evaluation
Larry, 07/14/2007
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice vehicle to drive. Handles well in all types of weather. Handles full load with power to spare. Great gas mileage. I highly recommend this vehicle.
Less Than Impressed
Quality Fan, 05/31/2003
1997 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been less that impressed with my 97 Villager. This van is a low milage kid transporter with an average of less than 10K miles per year. The following is a list of the "major" issues we have had. (1)At 50K miles I had to replace the engine mount bolts to the tune of $550(2) The last time I had my wheels aligned the service tech told me he had to put shims in to get the alignment into spec (just). (3) Many internal trim elements did not survive the first couple of years. (4) The well conceived steering wheel mounted radio controls have rarely worked.(5)The electronic locks will self lock and unlock in hot weather.
Good Van, Same as a Nissan Quest
Desert Forecaster, 06/04/2003
1997 Mercury Villager LS 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the van due to style, price and extra features compared to the Caravan series. Got it used when it had 18,000 and was 2-yrs old. It has been extremely reliable on the quality of the engine, transmission, etc.... Interior parts are not so well built, but it has been great for us for the past 4 years. We have three kids and there is normal wear and tear, but it's a Nissan inside, and you can't beat that with a stick. No regrets.
Great Van
CEC, 08/06/2005
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Put on 120,000 in the the 8 years we had it. Reliable Van. No engine or trany issues. Had an electical problem with rear heat that I fixed myself. Circuit board fried on one location which I used a jumper to get by. Very good van, solid ride! Good milage or about 25 mpg on highway on a good day with good gas. I bought another mercury 2002 Villager and just don't want to sell the 1997 Villager since its a good van. Since it has a hitch, I may still use it for pulling our boat and camper. The engine pulled very well for a 3.0 L. Too bad they discontinued this van after 2002. Don't know what we will do when our 2002 is ready to go.
1997 Mercury Villager (Reliable)
latasha1130, 04/10/2009
1997 Mercury Villager GS 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a used and really clean Mercury Villager van with 134,000 miles on it in early '05, drove until it had 168,000 miles on it when I sold it. I should have kept it =( Best car I've ever had.I rate it 9 out of 10. Only thing I would change is the trunk space, I wish it was much larger. Even though I was wreckless with the maintenance on the van it was extremely reliable. (people keep up with regular maintenance needless to say) The only problem I had was to replace the wiper motor, a cv ball joint or something to that effect, new tires, the door locks were trouble 2 Many family members wanted to but this van because they knew it was so reliable. 1,000 or so mall trips we took together