Additionally, its engine needs a power boost and its interior is loaded with low-quality plastic. The problems with the Villager start with its size. At a time when competitors are making their minivans larger and roomier, the Villager remains in its original form as one of the few short-wheelbase minivans still purveying the highways. The storage sp ace behind the third row seat is barely enough to store some overloaded grocery bags. Mercury's Villager still lacks some features that seem to have become standard play in the minivan segment.
Power sliding doors come to mind.
While the Villager does have dual sliding doors, neither can be operated electronically. The Villager's V-6 engine, which produces 170 horsepower, is an adequate performer. While it moves the Villager along the road at a respectable clip, there's not too much power here to live up to the Sport package moniker that came on our test Villager. The exterior styling of the Villager is petite and car-like. In fact, its car-like ride is one of the only things the Villager has going for it.