1991 Mercury Colony Park LS 5.0 Litre from North America

Summary:

Fords answer to the dependability issues of domestic cars

Faults:

Air Conditioning needed re-charged.

Alignment required.

Power windows and locks malfunctioned on 3 of the four passenger doors. rear passenger side door still functions (weird). I think it is a ground problem, but I will be taking it in to get it looked at next week.

Trip odometer doesn't work.

Glove box latch jammed.

Rust.

General Comments:

This is the second full size ford station wagon I own. The panther platform with the 5.0 litre engines are the most dependable vehicles I have owned. I also have a 1988 Country Squire and 1989 Lincoln Town Car which I love just as much. The wagons are very comfortable and enjoyable to drive. When things go wrong they are very easy and inexpensive to repair. I also have power window issues with the country squire. Much better gas mileage than an SUV. There are still some wood panel wagon enthusiasts out there! Not too many SUV enthusiasts. Ford defiantly was the "Wagon Master" in its day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2007

11th Mar 2009, 22:31

I've had a number of GMs with the Olds 307. These engines are weak, and some have self-destructed fairly early.

Frankly, I prefer the big RWD Ford products... not that the GMs don't do some things better, but... the Ford products run better because of the fuel injection vs. carbs.

The big Fords/Mercurys are also far superior in the seat department. Admittedly, the big RWD GMs shift smoother and somewhat less frequency of power window problems.

Yet the overall quality of components in the RWD FoMoCo products is higher than the GMs: some of the Buicks that I've owned have really chintzy, cheap quality, IMO.

Now that we're knee-deep in the 21st century, I'll buy a RWD non-air bag Ford or Mercury over a GM, especially a wagon.

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1989 Mercury Colony Park LS 5.0L from North America

Summary:

This bargain land yacht covers the miles in utter luxury - even when standing still!

Faults:

Radiator/heater hoses; normal wear.

Starter motor; normal wear.

Muffler and tailpipe; normal wear.

Radiator (cracked plastic where hose attaches).

Transmission 2nd gear; was not working when purchased, and transmission finally gave out around 200k miles.

Valve cover gaskets; normal wear.

Timing cover oil seal.

Timing chain and gears; normal wear.

EGR components lit the check engine light; didn't affect drivability, but is a required fix to pass smog test in California.

Driver's seat leather cracked beyond repair.

Cruise control has never worked.

Power window drive gear cracked, replaced.

Power door lock weakened, replaced.

Factory radio died; had repaired mail-order by Radioman in Los Angeles.

Heater core leaked; replaced core.

Shock absorbers replaced; normal wear.

Air conditioning system reconditioned when purchased, has worked flawlessly since then.

General Comments:

Great value for the money, if you are prepared to replace consumables as they wear out. I don't drive much, but because I stay on top of the maintenance this car has never let me down.

The engine is a gem - Mustang turned Percheron. Mileage is 16-23 MPG depending on load/incline/speed. Didn't even miss 2nd gear until the transmission started slipping in all gears.

Body components are still nearly perfect. The paint on the hood is oxidized and susceptible to mildew, but cleans up with fine steel wool and a heavy wax job. I'm pleased with the longevity of the power accessories.

Suspension is the weak point. Ride is luxury car loosey-goosey with standard-duty shocks installed. If you think your rear springs have failed, check to see if you just need to add air to the rear air shocks; I run 60-65 psi unloaded, 75-80 fully loaded with camping gear. Two shops have been unable to get the brakes right - they're still grabby, noisy, spongy, and unpredicable when cold.

Fellow elementary school parents trapped in their minivan/SUV addictions approach us all the time saying "Oh, we used to have a station wagon when we were kids, and they were great cars, why did they stop making them?". Aha, so that's it: I'm holding on to my childhood!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th November, 2005

15th May 2006, 20:03

It's a Great Automobile! My 89 is showing some rust, but I'm trying to stay on top of it. With 4 feet of clear space between the wheel wells and a bit over 7 feet from the back of the front seats to the tailgate, this auto is a gem. Wish they still made something as sensible as this. Just can't get excited about an SUV or minivan.

11th May 2009, 11:50

The boxy Ford and GM full-size wagons from the '80s through 1991 were the best. I loved them. I hate all the full-size SUVs because they have so much unnecessary weight. Who actually uses four-wheel drive?

The main difference between the older wagons and the SUVs is the attitude of the driver. The wagons were big boats that were driven gently and never seemed to be in the way. Huge SUVs, on the other hand, ALWAYS seem to be in the way, you can't see around them, and their drivers have this attitude of "Get out of my way!" I can't stand it.

If driven gently, you can get decent mileage out of the large wagons.

I would much rather drive a Buick Estate Wagon, Olds Custom Cruiser, Ford Country Squire or Mercury Colony Park than a hideous SUV that is now out of fashion. Good riddance!