2004 Mercury Monterey

Overhead consoles house outside controls for the available power sliding side doors and Ford's convex "Conversation Mirror," which enables parents to keep a close watch on their kids in back.

Overhead consoles house outside temperature and compass displays, controls for the available power sliding side doors, rear A/C and power liftgate (coming later in the model year), an optional DVD system and Ford's convex "Conversation Mirror," which enables parents to keep a close watch on their kids in back. Multiple bins, boxes and cup holders provide storage for a van-full of family stuff. Most importantly—given the minivan's role of comfortably and conveniently transporting people and cargo—the Monterey's second- and third-row seating configurations are as flexible as any on the market. A new standard counter-balanced Tailgate Bench Seat stows easily and neatly into a deep well for a completely flat floor, without removing its headrests. It can just as easily flip over to face rearward for picnics or tailgate events. The standard dual captain's chairs are fore/aft- and rake-adjustable, fold and tumble out of the way with one hand for easy access to the third row and are easily removed to provide 134 cu.-ft. of total cargo volume.


The new optional 4.2L V-6, the largest engine in a U.S.-market minivan, offers 201 hp and a class-leading 263 lb-ft. of torque. Driving the front wheels through a smooth, refined 4-speed automatic transaxle, it earns a ULEV (Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) rating and should deliver 500 miles on a 26-gallon tank with 16/22 (preliminary) EPA city/highway economy.


Precise power rack-and-pinion steering teams with a new MacPherson strut front suspension with liquid-filled rear control arm bushings and a new twist-beam rear axle with Panhard rod to give nimble, responsive handling and surprisingly supple ride, as good as any minivan we've encountered. Standard 4-wheel discs with ABS and electronic brake force distribution improve fade resistance, stopping distances, pedal feel and response.

A new standard counter-balanced Tailgate Bench Seat stows easily and neatly into a deep well for a completely flat floor, without removing its headrests.

The available (and highly recommended) AdvanceTrac stability system selectively applies braking and, if necessary, adjusts engine power to stabilize the vehicle if it senses a loss of traction at the front or rear. It also includes a panic brake assist feature that applies full braking faster than most drivers can when it detects emergency braking.


Ford claims safety as a "Ford minivan tradition" and backs up that claim with more than 30 safety and security features, more than in any competitive product. The standard Personal Safety System uses passenger weight-sensing to automatically deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is empty or occupied by a small child. New patented Safety Canopy air bags deploy from the headliner to cover most of the glass area along all three rows of seating. In a rollover, they deploy on both sides and stay inflated longer to help protect occupants from multiple impacts and prevent them from being ejected. Seat-mounted side-impact air bags compliment this canopy for front-seat passengers.