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2005 Mercury Montego Road Test

Fords Entry-Luxury Brand Spins an Alternative Five Hundred

If youve driven a Ford Five Hundred sedan, suffice it say youve driven a new Mercury Montego. Other than a unique front clip, slightly reworked taillights and subtle trim details in the interior, these cars are identical.

And I have to admit, despite how good the car actually is this realization is disappointing. Where Mercury has made serious steps to differentiate its new Mariner compact SUV from its Ford Escape roots, the Montego typifies the clone car designation in mirroring the Five Hundred in almost every detail. Nothing has been done to its drivetrain and chassis setup to separate it from its Ford sibling, while nothing substantial has been initiated to the cars rear and profile styling,

The new Mercury Montego typifies the clone car designation in mirroring the Ford Five Hundred in almost every detail. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

or interior design?

Of course, this was done for a purpose. Mercury needs an affordable new sedan as both its midsize Sable and full-size Grand Marquis have been mostly relegated to company fleet purchases, with the average retail buyer being well into retirement years. While fleet buyers will no doubt be knocking on Mercurys door to buy up the Montego in droves, making the Ford

Being that the Montego hardly deviates from the Five Hundred, its development and build cost savings can be translated into a relatively low MSRP. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Motor Company divisions plans on predominantly targeting retail customers a challenge to stay true to, the new Mercury should be more enticing to retail buyers and being that it hardly deviates from the Five Hundred theme its development and build cost savings can be translated into a relatively low MSRP.

But there are relatively inexpensive things Mercury could have done to increase the Montegos appeal, and

Mercury could have taken its Montego a bit farther upscale by lacquering its console and door trim plastics, which are now less than premium in tactile quality. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

further separate it from its Ford fraternal twin. While both Five Hundred and Montego interiors are extremely stylish and well put together, featuring soft touch dash plastics and attractive detailing throughout, Mercury could have taken its Montego a bit farther upscale by lacquering its console and door trim plastics, which are now less than premium in tactile quality. This process doesnt cost too much either, at anywhere from $100 to $200 per car depending on exactly how many surfaces are to

Thanks to a 4-wheel independent suspension and plenty of sound deadening, the Montego soaks up bumps and road noise with ease. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

be treated, but makes a noticeable difference to the eyes while often benefiting cabin quietness.

The Montego is already plenty quiet, however, due to thorough sound deadening, an isolated drivetrain and a well sorted suspension. I spent the better part of a morning driving in and around the Albany, New York area, which offered up its fair share of beautiful scenery both around the citys university and throughout the outlying woods. Along with the scenery came winding country roads, ideal for the Montegos well endowed chassis. It soaks up bumps very well,

The sophisticated automatic transmission, that comes from Toyotas Aisin division, makes up for what some have criticized as a weak motor. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

thanks to a 4-wheel independent suspension, keeping my passengers feeling comfortable, safe and secure, even when I got a little carried away in the corners. To get technical, the Montego sports MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link configuration in the rear. Add all-wheel drive to the mix and the multi-link rear setup is replaced with a self-leveling suspension system.

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