Those of you who are older than 40, probably remember the Montego name being used as the Mercury equivalent of the Ford Torino, or those of you from Canada might remember it being used as part of the Meteor line in the mid-to-late 60s. However, the name was used once again for a short period of time between 2005 and 2007 as the name for a Mercury-badged version of the Ford Five Hundred. It was the first all-new full-size Mercury since the Mercury redesigned the Grand Marquis in the early 1990s and was offered in Luxury and Premier trim levels. Outside of a few minor changes, the Montego was practically indistinguishable from the Ford Five Hundred.

The Montego only lasted through the 2007 model year. It received a lot of criticism in its short lifespan and suffered from poor sales. A 2008 model was shown off at various auto shows in 2007, but Alan Mullaly – CEO of Ford at the time – decided to discontinue the name anyway. From 2008 on, the car was labeled as the Sable, which is the name it was supposed to have back in 2005 when it was first introduced. Mercury just hoped it could make some extra money by keeping two full-sized vehicles in its lineup at the same time. Of course, the Mercury brand was killed off just a couple of years later anyway, so the Montego never really had a fighting chance.

The Montego took the traditional Mercury cues that we saw in all models at the time – things like two-tone interior, HID headlights, and some healthy doses of leather were all pretty standard across the range. So, with that said, let’s take a look at the 2005 to 2007 Montego and talk a little about this short-lived model.

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2007 Mercury Montego

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2007 Mercury Montego
  • Horsepower: 203@5750
  • Torque: 207@4500
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Overview

The Montego offers increased safety features as standard equipment for 2007, including traction control, front-seat side air bags and Ford's innovative Safety Canopy side curtains with rollover protection. SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a new set of 18-inch wheels and two new exterior colors also are available for the 2007 model year.

The Montego continues to provide a modern move-up sedan within the Mercury lineup. Its premium interior is roomy and sophisticated with flexible seating and cargo storage capability that set new standards in its class. A spacious second row provides outstanding passenger comfort, and a high seating position reinforces the driver's commanding view of the road.

Offered in Base and Premier trim levels, the Montego's distinctive exterior design; contemporary, roomy interior; and available features such as all-wheel drive (AWD) were all very attractive to customers to Mercury showrooms. As an American-built vehicle, the Montego was built in Chicago.

Design and Equipment

Design cues instantly identify Montego as a Mercury. The signature waterfall grille, strategic use of contrasting metallic surfaces such as satin aluminum and chrome, distinctive taillights, and unique tailoring continue the distinctive automotive design vision that Edsel Ford set for Mercury some 65 years ago.

Several design elements incorporate technology that delivers consumer benefits, such as standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that present a clear view of the road at night, and light-emitting diode (LED) taillights that provide highly visible communication to other drivers on the road. A key feature of the Montego's interior design is its upscale, two-tone treatment. A satin-aluminum finish is used on the door handles, while chrome-trim rings enhance the dash-mounted analog clock and gauges. The steering wheel and shift knob are wrapped in leather.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel with satin-aluminum cuffs and redundant audio controls is standard across the range. Options include satellite radio, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system for Premier versions. The Montego's interior dimensions put it among the leaders in virtually every category, including best-in-class headroom and knee room in the second row. The natural, upright seating position offers comfort and visibility that give the driver confidence and command of the road. For 2007, the power driver's seat was a standard feature on both models.

The Montego's remarkable 21.2-cubic-foot trunk is nearly 50 percent larger than that of most competitors. With the split second-row seat folded, the trunk expands to offer a best-in-class (at the time) 49.9 inches of total load floor length. The front passenger seat also can fold flat, offering up to 9 feet of cargo-carrying length.

Powertrain and Chassis

The Montego's Volvo-inspired platform provides stability, with fully independent suspension for a quiet ride and responsive handling. The proven Duratec V-6 engine offers smooth, quiet performance and is teamed with a premium six-speed automatic transmission on front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel drive versions use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Each offers wide overall gear ratios for strong acceleration and economical operation. As a result, front-wheel-drive models deliver an impressive 29 miles per gallon on the highway, while all-wheel drive models deliver 26 mpg on the highway.

The Mercury Montego's optional all-wheel drive system uses electronic controls to achieve optimum performance whether on dry, wet or snow-covered roads. Normally, the vehicle functions in front-wheel drive only, but when the electrohydraulic limited-slip coupling senses a difference in speed between the front wheels and rear wheels, it distributes up to 100 percent torque to the rear wheels.

Safety and Security

The 2007 Mercury Montego builds on Ford's industry-leading Personal Safety System with new features that address front-, side- and rear-impact protection. The Montego has earned top, five-star ratings for front- and side-impact performance in government testing, as well as a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal crash performance.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) and all-speed traction control are standard on all Montego models. Beginning in September of 2007, all Montego models were equipped with standard front-seat side air bags and Ford's innovative Safety Canopy air curtains with rollover protection.

Major Features and Options

Base Features:

- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS

- 17-inch, seven-spoke wheels

- Automatic HID headlamps

- LED taillamps

- Fog lamps

- Remote keyless entry with keypad

- Interval wipers

- Folding and heated, power exterior mirrors

- Power windows and door locks

- Driver and front-passenger air bags

- Safety Canopy air curtains with rollover protection and seat-mounted, side-impact air bags

- Passive anti-theft system

- Dual-zone electronic climate control

- Front and rear floor mats

- Six-way power driver's seat

- Fold-flat, front-passenger seat

- Seat-back map pockets

- Split-fold rear seat with head restraints

- Fold-down rear armrest with cup holders

- Auto-dimming rear view mirror

- Two 12-volt power points

- AM/FM audio system with CD player

- Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with remote audio controls.

Premier Trim

- 18-inch alloy wheels

- Remote perimeter lighting

- Audiophile AM/FM audio system with six-CD changer and subwoofer

- Leather seating surfaces

- Heated driver and front-passenger seats

- Two-way power passenger seat

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

- Overhead console with universal garage door opener

- Wood-grain interior appliqus

- Memory function for power seats, mirrors and adjustable pedals

- Trunk cargo net

Available Options:

- SIRIUS Satellite Radio

- 18-inch chrome-clad wheels

- AWD with CVT

- All-weather floor mats

- Rear-seat DVD entertainment

- Navigation system

- Power moonroof

- Cargo management system

- Reverse Sensing System