Mercury Monterey reviews

2004 Mercury Monterey Interior Features

The Mercury Monterey benefits from Ford's tripling of investment in vehicle interiors. It features the same elegant interior as the Freestar with more upscale materials than the Windstar had. The focal point of the interior is a watch-like clock in the middle of the center dash.

The Monterey seats seven passengers, two in front, two in the second row and three in the third row. Its third-row seat folds into a well behind the seat, creating a flat floor like that in the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The fold-flat third-row seat operates easily by pulling straps numbered in sequence and clearly labeled. The head restraints push down into the seat so they don't require removal to fold the seat, as other minivans do, a nice feature. Ford boasts it can be done one handed, and it is true. It operates about the best of any in the industry. Also, the third-row seat can be dropped backwards to create seating for tailgate parties.

With the third-row seat in place for passengers, the well behind it has about 25 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third-row seat folded and second-row seats removed, it expands to a generous 135 cubic feet of storage. The second-row seats slide horizontally on rails and also fold and tumble forward like those on the Mercury Mountaineer for easy access to the third row or creation of extra cargo space. Removing the second-row seats can be done by one person, but it's a bit clumsy; it's a task better suited for two.

The downside of the Monterey's third-row seat is its short height. Even normal-sized adolescents will find it cramped. Seat comfort, in general, is not terrific. The second-row captain's chairs and front seats are rather narrow.

The front seats can be heated and cooled, good for cold winter mornings and hot summer afternoons.

The Monterey has lots of storage space, from bins in the rear sliding doors for books and toys to double map pockets in the front doors. On the dash is a covered storage compartment for small items like cell phones. It also has numerous cupholders, including front door holders for 20-ounce bottles. Some of the beverage holders, particularly those in the far back are awkwardly positioned, however. Well positioned and well built are sturdy cupholders that fold down from the sides of the second-row captain's chairs. If kicked, as they likely will be, they snap back into storage against the seats.