2005 MERCURY MONTEREY NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Mercury Monterey?
The 2005 Mercury Monterey receives trim level repackaging and de-contenting, which is certain to drive sales. Newly standard features for the Premier model include heated and cooled front leather seats, a power liftgate and a Comfort package that gives you automatic climate control, a HomeLink universal transmitter, a power passenger seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. These items may be purchased as an option on the Luxury trim level. Whereas last year the AdvanceTrac stability control system was standard on the Premier, for 2005 it's a stand-alone extra, while those opting for the affordable Convenience model will have to make do without the optional Safety Canopy feature – it's no longer available on this model. Apparently only those who spend extra deserve the best in protection in the event of a rollover accident. Finally, an optional liftgate spoiler for the Luxury and Premier models appease parents who lament the fact that their minivan just doesn't look cool enough.

Advantages of the 2005 Mercury Monterey:

• Impressive roster of standard and optional safety equipment and technology
• Torquey 4.2-liter V6 engine
• Smooth ride quality
• Comfortable front seats
• Excellent outward visibility

Objections to the 2005 Mercury Monterey:

• Poor fuel economy from 4.2-liter V6
• Uncomfortable second- and third-row seats
• Six-footers cannot clear edges of tailgate when it's raised
• Noisy cabin
• No navigation system option
• Safety Canopy not available on standard Convenience trim, which is very inconvenient

Editor's Advice:
The 2005 Mercury Monterey lands near the bottom on our list of minivans to consider. Massive dealer and customer incentives make the 2005 Mercury Monterey worth a look thanks to loads of standard and available safety features, as well as thoughtful goodies such as a power-assisted tailgate and heated and cooled front seats. But the deletion of the Safety Canopy system of side curtain airbags with rollover protection from the least expensive model is suspect, and sticker prices are way too high. With revised Chrysler minivans, updated pseudo-SUV models from GM, a redesigned Honda Odyssey, and the always-compelling Toyota Sienna on the market for 2005, the Mercury Monterey is going to be a tough sell.