Faults:

The driver side power window went out at 60,000 miles.

The rear windshield wiper motors gears became stripped at 35,000 miles.

Replaced brake pads at 60,000 Miles (good brakes).

General Comments:

I purchased the 1999 estate version at the end of 2000. I got a very good price probably due to the dealer was trying to get rid of old inventory.

I was worried about the reliability due to consumer reports ratings. But so far everything has held up well. Nothing major has gone out.

I did buy an extended warranty through the dealer (Smart Choice). I Tried to use it on the malfunctioning motor on the window and found out the Smart Choice extended warranty was bankrupt. I guess not a smart choice.

The vehicle is well equipped and seems durable. The displays are good and easy enough to get to on the estate version. Wish it had an electronic compass. The cup holders are poor and results in numerous spills which stains the carpet.

Ever since the beginning, the wind noise is quite loud when speeding down the highway. It rides fairly smooth, but the body waves a little bit a high speeds.

Maintenance at this point has been minimal. I just replaced the factory ceramic brake pads at 60K miles. These are good brakes do to low noise and no brake dust.

I have three kids and they all ride comfortably in the vehicle. It is a little difficult to get to the back of the vehicle especially with cars seats in the vehicle.

I'm slightly disappointed in the mileage, I average 18 miles per gallon. I estimate it gets 21 to 22 on the highway.

Overall, I'm happy with the vehicle for its value. I looked at the Odyssey and the Grand Caravan. I feel, for the money I got the best value. A less equipped new Odyssey, which I couldn't test drive, would have been $11K more.

Faults:

Excessive suspension noises.

Intermittent loss of steering.

Interior panels have come loose, one needed replaced.

Rubber trim around windshield has come loose.

Electric door locks sometimes stick, making a buzzing noise.

General Comments:

We purchased our Mercury Villager new in 1999.

Upon driving off of the dealer's lot, we noticed a clunking noise coming from the front while turning the steering wheel. The service manager was called out to the lot and ended up telling us to keep driving it, it was because the vehicle was new and it needed to "break in". We reluctantly left the dealership, but figured he knew what he was talking about.

Several months had passed and our noise did not go away, in fact, we started to have more problems with the steering & suspension. When cornering, there is a noise that sounds like the front left strut is going to come through the body. The original noise comes and goes depending on the weather, it was found to be a front suspension spring that is binding during turns.

Our biggest concern started approximately 4 months after purchase, during certain driving / weather conditions, (wet, cold, damp) we would temporarily lose control of the steering. This problem is not just a loss of the power steering, there has been a "piston" or popping type sound that has also forced the steering wheel in the opposite direction you are trying to turn. Due to the serious "safety" nature of this problem, we have not been able to use this vehicle as intended, and do not feel safe driving it.

We have tried to resolve this situation for the past several years through Ford, they in turn have sent us to every dealership in our area. Due to the intermittent nature of the problem, and the unwillingness of the dealerships to keep the vehicle for an extended period of time, Ford still claims "No problem found." or "Could not duplicate problem."

We finally decided to take the vehicle to an "expert" mechanic for a thorough inspection who in turn, did in fact find a problem within the steering. The inspection cost us several hundred dollars, but gave us the opportunity to take legal action to get this matter resolved once and for all.

Faults:

Windshield wipers occasionally activate themselves; part has been ordered for a month or more. Also, the drivers-side sliding-door window latch will not lock tightly; part is also on order. Radio (tape player, specifically) failed and was repaired under warranty without problem.

General Comments:

Delays in parts arriving are annoying but have not caused any problems yet. Vehicle is comfortable for my wife, but I have trouble getting totally comfortable (We're both about 5'6", but her legs are much longer. Also, I usually drive an 18-wheeler, so any commuter vehicle is quite different for me). Dealer has been supportive and helpful, and we would buy from them again.