2006 Mercury Monterey - Review

For 2006, Mercury's version of the Ford Freestar minivan comes only in one well-equipped model. It's powered by a 4.2-liter V-6 powerplant that produces 201 horsepower and a strong 265 lb-ft of torque that's coupled to a four-speed-automatic transmission. The front-drive Monterey rides on an independent suspension up front with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar up front, a semi-independent array in the rear and coil springs all around, providing a smooth ride. Extra sound-dampening materials used throughout the vehicle deliver a quiet one as well. Included are four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes for sure-footed stopping abilities; Ford's AdvanceTrac stability enhancement system is optional and includes traction control and the Brake Assist panic-braking enhancement. For added crash protection, Ford's three-row "Safety Canopy" head-curtain airbag system is included. The Monterey comes with a standard third-row seat which folds flat into the floor, along with foldable and removable second-row captain's chairs. A host of available family-minded features include power sliding rear doors, a power liftgate, DVD entertainment system, a fold-flat third-row seat, power adjustable pedals, and a reverse-sensing proximity warning. Its standard leather-and-wood steering wheel has been redesigned for 2006. Bright seventeen-inch, nine-spoke machined aluminum wheels are newly optional, and fresh paint choices include Dark Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic and Smokestone Clearcoat Metallic.