I normally don't post local paper reviews of cars because their a dime a dozen. But this one so describes my view of the Mercury Montego (and Ford FiveHundred), and does so in such a politically incorrect way, that I just had to post it.

I think the cars look OK, but I think Ford seriously flubbed in mechanics & execution.

http://www.latimes.com/classified/au...autos-highway1

GM, this is a BIG opening for you, and Chrysler's already showed you how it's done! Stop dragging your feet and do it already!

 

With all the screw ups from ford they are making GM and Chrysler look great. Someday ford might learn you can't take a ford brand product, change the front end, slap a mercury name on it and add 5000 to the price.

GM NEEDS to take advantage of this NOW.

 

All the screw ups? You make it sound like they're happening everyday At least they've got the ***** to try something new and different instead of being over cautious, but that's just my opinion.

 

I don't really understand the "lacks sexiness" complaint, cars in this segment are not supposed to be sexy. The Camry and Accord sure aren't. Everything else doesn't sound good though. They don't look bad for your bread and butter midsize car but why did they have to try so hard to look like a Passat?

 

I think it's a decent car. It has good build quality by today's standards and is exceptional compared to the car it (kind of) replaces.

But it does have a odd seating position (nearly SUV-ish), it's already weak engine comes across even weaker with the CVT, and I can only imagine how much extra power is adsorbed through the AWD system.

Although the exterior styling is attractive, it's easily forgettable. Under Jack Telnack, Ford took design risks with their bread & butter car (Taurus), and despite being a family hauler and rental special, it at least looked unique. Under J. Mays, the low-key euro-quality design just isn't as eyecatching in Ford's new mid sizers. On the flip side, I think J. Mays has it all over Jack Telnack in interior design.

If the car had, say, the old SHO V8 engines (now currently used in updated form in Volvo's new SUV), perhaps with a snappy automatic in place of the CVT, I think it would be enough to change perceptions of the car (at least mine).

They are supposed to get a design upgrade next year (yes, already) with the FiveHundred getting Ford's new 3 bar grille and a version with a bit more juice for both the Ford & Mercury, so maybe things will change a little.

 

0-60 in 9 seconds

 

I don't mind the styling (looks a bit better than 500), and the interior and overall quality look to be good, but the biggest downfall is that dumb CVT on all the AWD trims (no auto available on AWD) and the relatively underpowered 3.0L Duratec. They need to made the 6spd auto available on the AWD cars, and get the 3.5L in there quick.

 

1. Mercury, much like Buick, really needs to get the Oldsmobile treatment.

2. The Ford Five-Hundred (aka Mercury Montego) is the most competitive at the bottom of its price range. Loaded AWD models are expensively pointless.

3. As a people/luggage carrying SEDAN the Five-Hundred (in base FWD form) is probably a better choice than something cramped and totally despicable like a Pontiac Grand Prix.

4. Think of the Five-Hundred/Montego twins as larger, more useful Taurus/Sable replacements. Think of the Buick LaCrosse and "Lucerne" as rehashed Regals and LeSabres. Don't think about the Grand Prix at all.

5. Ford deserves some credit for turning out an entirely new product with decent packaging - despite the dull looks and lukewarm drivetrain. GM deserves nothing but scorn for continuing the same mediocre, not-to-well packaged W (Mid-Lux) and G-body products.

 

LOL That writer was pretty funny!! He hated that car.

I looked at a Montego yesterday.. I think the looks are just fine..The 25k sticker was pretty good also(Not AWD version).

I did not drive the car, just sat in it.. I thought the interior looked pretty decent minus the radio/climate controls.. The center console thing looked cheap also. The IP cluster was pretty cool.The leather did not feel cheap, and overall I think it is a decent car for the money.. ONLY if they get a respectable engine in the car.

The Camry's styling (or lack there of) makes the Montego look great in comparison, Bland looks does not at mean low sales.. The Camry's sell like hotcakes and they are the definition of bland inside and out. They just have excellent quality.

If Ford sticks a better engien n this car, and makes some minor tweaks, this car will sell a ton, and not just fleet vehicles.

 

I dont like that fake marble interior trim.
Its just another Ford rebadge. When is Merc gunna get something unique? They finally just got an Escape rebadge. Whats next? F150 with a waterfall grill? Oh wait, Linc already did that...twice.

 

That guy who wrote that artical is on crack, I drove a 500, and it's a very nice car for the target market. Yes it needs the 3.5 v6, yes it's not perfect. But that guy really had something up his rear when he wrote that.

 

best line:

'it's about as sexy as going through your mother's underwear drawer."

 

So what do you expect from the LA Times? They're probably stilled upset over the election and taking it out on American cars. I wouldn't wrap fish with that article.

 

I dont know, this one isnt too bad either:

" Overall, the car has a profoundly geriatric feeling about it, like it was built with a swollen prostate. "

The exterior isnt too bad, but theres something about that interior that says "senior citizens welcome". Not good when the car's price can send it competing with cars that have more sporty interiors and are built by more prestigious marques.

 

Dan Neil is actually a Pulitzer Prize winning author, freelancing on occasion at Car and Driver. I don't think he would slant an article just to please the publication for which he's writing (at least I've always found him to be unbiased). Next to John Phillips, he's the most entertaining automotive journalist currently writing.