Built on a Volvo platform the Mercury Montego is an upscale version of its Ford stable mate, the Ford Five Hundred. A large five-passenger sedan, the Montego presents a lean and airy posture with a cabin structure that is nearly all glass, a traditional Mercury vertical bar grille and a ground clearance that you'd expect to see on a crossover SUV.
The fully radiused wheel openings with ample clearance for the optional 18-inch alloy wheels and all season tires gives the Montego a purposeful look, particularly appropriate for the All Wheel Drive Premier model that we drove.
All versions of the Montego share a single power plant, a 3 Liter DOHC V-6 that produces 203 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque. There are two transmissions available; the FWD version comes with a 6-speed automatic and the AWD is mated to a continuously variable transmission.
The EPA rates the CVT version at 19 City/25 Highway and the 6-speed automatic a little more frugal on fuel at 21 City and 29 Highway.
4-wheel ABS disc brakes are standard on all trim levels as is traction control.
The Montego is all about luxury and functionality with ample seat room front and rear and folding 60/40 rear seats that augment the 21.2 cubic feet of trunk space.
Standard issue cloth seats are upgraded to leather on the Premier trim level cars with wood accents on the dash, shift knob and adjustable steering wheel. Power options include heated mirrors, 8-way driver's seat and pedals with programmable memory function as well as moon roof.
Dual climate controls reside in the center console which is also home to the DVD/GPS based Navigation system and the premium, 320-watt, 7-speaker audio system with 6-disc in dash CD changer.
Occupants are protected by Mercury's Safety Canopy System that features front seat mounted side impact, as well as full side-curtain and standard front airbags.
MSRP for the All Wheel Drive Premier is $29,250 and it's protected by a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.
The Mercury Montego: Luxury and functionality...in a tastefully designed, full size sedan.