New Car Review of the 2005 Mercury Montego Mid-Size Sedan

Description: Mid-Size Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $24,345 - $28,245
Invoice Price Range: $22,320 - $25,830
Where built: USA

This new mid-size sedan for Mercury shares DNA with Ford's flagship Five Hundred sedan, as both use a Volvo platform. Montego brings the tight handling traits of a European touring car and comes with a spacious passenger compartment with seats for five plus luxury gear including power-adjustable pedals and xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights.

Ford's Duratec 3.0-liter V6 engine fuels Montego with 203-hp and there are options for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from ZF-Batavia or a 6-speed automatic by Aisin. AWD traction, using the Haldex equipment from Volvo, goes on Montego's list of options, as do side air bags for front seats and Ford's Safety Canopy curtain-style air bags for front and rear outboard seats.

Montego splits into Premier and Luxury grades. The Luxury model carries 17-inch wheels, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), foglamps and heated power mirrors, dual-zone electronic climate controls, six-way power for the driver's bucket and an audio system with CD player. Montego Premier grade adds a traction control system (TCS), 18-inch alloy wheels, Audiophile premium stereo equipment with six-disc CD deck, leather seats plus two-way power for the passenger seat.