2005 Mercury Montego Trims and Specs

Brand new this year, the 2005 Mercury Montego Luxury is a mid-sized, front-wheel drive sedan with a Duratec 3.0-liter V6 that hits 203-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque when matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, dual front airbags, and 17-inch wheels with all-season tires are standard, along with xenon headlamps, automatic headlights, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Traction control is available as an option, as are side impact and curtain airbags, 18-inch wheels, and parking sensors.

The 2005 Montego Luxury gets so-so 21/29 mpg, but makes up for it with 41.3 inches of legroom in the front and back. The rear seats and front passenger seat fold down to expand the 21 cubic foot trunk. Comfort features include a 6-way power driver's seat, cruise control, a CD player, heated mirrors, leather wheel and shifter trim, a trip computer, and a tachometer. Tie-downs and hooks add extra convenience in the trunk. Options include a power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, a CD changer/MP3 player, and a sunroof. The new luxury sedan rates well with owners for interior space, cargo capacity, and smooth handling, while rating lower for engine power and fuel economy.

Extra road grip comes with the 2005 Mercury Montego Luxury AWD, an all-wheel drive version of the mid-sized, spacious sedan that seats five people. Along for the ride is a limited slip center differential and a CVT transmission mated to the 3.0-liter, 203-hp V6 engine. The sedan rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, with an option for 18-inch wheels. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction control, dual front airbags, and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard, along with xenon lamps, foglights, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Extra safety features include side impact and curtain airbags and parking sensors.

Inside, the 2005 Montego Luxury AWD, passengers are given over 41 inches of legroom in front and back, and the 21.2 cubic foot trunk expands with folding rear seats and a folding front passenger seat. A CD player, power driver's seat, wheel-mounted cruise control, leather trim, intermittent wipers, dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, security system, and heated mirrors are all standard. If that's not enough, you can add a power passenger seat, leather upholstery, power pedals, driver's memory settings, a sunroof, and a CD changer/MP3 player. The high seat height, smooth CVT, interior space, and standard features are highlights for owners, who complain about some road noise and an underpowered engine.

The top-line trim for the brand new 2005 Mercury Montego, the Premier is a front-wheel drive, mid-sized sedan with 41 inches of legroom for front and rear passengers and 21 cubic feet of trunk room before the rear seats and front passenger seat fold down. Tie-downs and hooks for groceries are included in the trunk. The 2005 Montego Premier upgrades from the luxury by offering leather seats, power front seats with driver's memory, power-adjustable pedals, wood trim, a CD changer/MP3 player, and heated front seats. This is in addition to cruise control, leather trim, a trip computer, dual-zone climate control, intermittent wipers, security system, and tachometer.

A 203-hp, 3.0-liter Duratec V6 and 6-speed auto tran sit under the hood of the 2005 Montego Premier. 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires grip the road, and help earn 5-star ratings in combination with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, a fully independent suspension, traction control, and dual front airbags. Automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, foglights, and xenon lamps are also standard, and you can add side impact and curtain airbags and parking sensors. A power sunroof is also available. Great handling, packed with features, and a high ride height rate well with owners, but a low 21/29 fuel economy could be improved.

European handling combines with all-wheel drive versatility in the 2005 Mercury Montego Premier AWD, a new mid-sized luxury sedan with plenty of room for five. The all-wheel drive feature comes with a limited slip center differential, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, traction control, a fully independent suspension, and 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes. The Insurance Institute gives the sedan its highest ratings, thanks also to automatic headlights, foglights, xenon lamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual front airbags. Options add side impact and curtain airbags and parking sensors. The 203-hp, 3.0-liter Duratec V6 and CVT (continuously variable transmission) gets around 21/29 mpg.

The 2005 Montego Premier AWD drips with luxury trappings, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power front seats with driver's memory, wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls for the CD changer/MP3 player, intermittent wipers, a remote control, dual-zone climate control, and leather and wood trim. Other equipment includes a trip computer, tachometer, and security system. Already well packed, there are few options other than a sunroof. The 21.2 cubic foot trunk expands to hold longer objects with the rear seats and front passenger seat folded flat. Drivers and passengers appreciate the spacious interior and also like the smooth handling and CVT, but want even more acceleration power.