In 2004 the Mercury Villager mini van was replaced by the all new Mercury Monterey. Equipped with a 4.2 liter V6, this front wheel drive mini van is much larger than its predecessor, and with its distinctive interior and exterior styling the Monterey is not very reminiscent of the Villager at all with the exception of an affordable price range. Unlike the Villager, the Monterey's rear seat conveniently folds down into the floor to allow for more cargo area, side curtain airbags protect driver and passengers and a power liftgate makes loading and unloading much easier.

Although sales of the mini van were not astounding, Mercury invested in improving its mini van for 2005 and 2006 with optional towing packages and leather seats featuring heating and cooling with suede inserts and a leather and wood steering wheel. The impressive list of standard safety and security features, peppy V6 and appealing mini van design was attractive to families that preferred the utility and passenger room of a mini van as opposed to the increasingly popular SUV lines and their heftier price tags. The 2007 model year received no significant changes, other than the option of six new exterior color choices, many of which are clear coat metallic paints.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the Monterey a 5 star frontal impact crash test rating for three consecutive years and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has chosen the Monterey as a 'Best Pick'. It's extensive list of safety features and notable amenities have contributed towards making the Monterey one of the best minivan deals in today's market. The roomy, well appointed interior is designed to be comfortable and includes user friendly and conveniently placed controls. Three rows of seats accommodate up to seven passengers, with removable second row captains chairs and a third row seat that can be folded down easily for extra cargo space- or flipped backwards to allow for tailgate bench seating. All in all, the Monterey is a practical, well appointed mini van, amongst a sea of SUV's.