2004 Mercury Monterey in Pampa, TX - $0

The Monterey was Mercury's first long-wheelbase minivan when it debuted in 2004. Offering consumers upscale design, family-friendly features, exceptional comfort and outstanding safety features, the minivan is based on the Ford Freestar. Available in one well equipped trim level, the Monterey is built Ford's Oakville, Ontario, Canada, manufacturing complex.

The prime mover for the Mercury is a large displacement 4.2L V6 -- the largest powerplant offered in the minivan segment. Power is communicated to the ground through a four-speed automatic transmission.

On the road, the Monterey is smooth, powerful, quiet and quick. Handling is predictable and never uncertain. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension, 23 mm front stabilizer bar, coil springs and gas shock absorbers are combined with a twist beam rear axle, variable rate coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 29 mm stabilizer bar to isolate the occupants from road imperfections.

The engineers lavished plenty of attention inside the cabin starting with the dashboard. It is a study in modern design and function. Clean, modern and direct, the dash is free of clutter while retaining its functionality. The dashboard even features a small storage bin on top. Displays, controls and switchgear are straightforward, easy to see and operate.

The driver enjoys good outward visibility. Both driver and front passenger seats have built-in armrests for added comfort. Wide front doors and a low, flat floor facilitate entry and exit. A small center console between the driver and front passenger contains a cavernous storage bin. The dashboard features two cupholders and two powerpoints. Other powerpoints are found in the second row of seating and in the cargo area. Need a cupholder? The Monterey is not shy in sharing.

Attention was lavished on the cabin layout. Seating is laid out in a 2-2-3 passenger configuration. Second row seating folds in half, flat to facilitate loading of large objects. These seats can also be removed for additional cargo capacity. Dual power sliding doors are standard. The third row seat is a bench, designed to fold forward in half or back into a well in the cargo floor for a flat floor for hauling large, bulky items. As a result, it is not necessary to remove the rear seat.

With the third row seat in the sitting position, the cargo well serves as a large bin for stowing items. The seat can also be flipped back toward the rear opening to serve as a tailgating seat -- to watch a parade, the game or the stars.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 120.8; overall length: 201.0; width: 76.4; height: 70.8 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 4.2L V6 -- 201 hp at 4,250 rpm and 263 lbs-ft of torque at 3,650 rpm.

Transmission: four-speed automatic with overdrive.

EPA fuel economy: 17 city/23 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 131.6 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, side curtain airbags for all three rows, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, fog lamps, automatic headlamps, power adjustable pedals with memory, automatic power door locks, forward/reverse parking sensors, perimeter anti-theft system, remote keyless entry system, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, side-intrusion door beams and tire pressure monitoring system. Optional safety equipment includes AdvanceTrac stability system.

Warranty

Basic: 3 year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 5 year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Mercury Monterey minivan starts from $28,595. Destination charges add $730.

As tested

2006 Mercury Monterey minivan

Exterior color: Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic

Interior color: Flint

Tire make/model: Goodyear Integrity

Tire size: P235/60R16

Base price $28,595

Destination charges $ 730

Total as tested $29,325

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