1996 Mercury Villager Reviews

I really like this van. It is comfortable and reliable, and a great family car.

The only thing I don't like is the fact that it does not have the second slider door. Also the inside of the slider door came off and the window came off the hinge. And it is peeling paint and rusting on top. Other than that, I love it.

I am considering buying a Mercury Mountaineer in a couple of weeks. I love this van, but I really want the double doors.

Transmission Positioning Sensor.

Had intermittent problems with this and sometimes car would not start. Very frustrating, but problem was solved. Part was relatively cheap ($45.00 USD dealer cost-aftermarket cost probably cheaper). Labor to find the problem was horrendous ($1000 USD and approx. 3 weeks in the shop). Probably dealer was not as smart as I would have liked.

Fuel Pump motor replaced at 160,000 miles.

Ball Joints and tie rods replaced on both sides. (once at 45,000 miles and again at 160,000 miles.

CV axles replaced at 160,000 miles.

I bought the car with 22,000 miles, which was a 2 year lease turn in. Paid $16,000 USD for it in 1998. Other than the above minor problems, the car has been very reliable and still going strong. I have 182,000 miles on it and feel that it is good for 250,000 miles (Friend has one with 242,000 miles with no major mechanical problems). Would definitely buy another. All the parts with the exception of the TPS are relatively cheap and easy to replace. Paint looks very good and brand new other than the small rust spots on the bottom of the car. The car has been in driven in every season with heavy use during highly salted Michigan roads and the rust is minimal. Car has been always stored outside and only waxed about 5 times. I could not have asked for a better or more reliable auto. By the way, I own a store and this vehicle has been used to haul many heavy items (cases of drinks) and van was packed full. Still van drives strong.

Loss of coolant due to A/C compressor problems.

I got stuck on the LA freeway last week, the engine lost power and all the while the fuel pump was making a loud humming noise. Was able to start up again and limp on to the side street, but it would hesitate, splutter and move just about 100 odd feet before stalling again. Limped home and have no problem after that.

Am planning a short trip of about 500 miles and am concerned that I may have the same problem again. My mechanic was at a loss as he was unable to pin point a problem unless I was towed in for repairs in which case he could do a diagnosis.