What's New for the 2005 Mercury Montego?
Mercury's replacement for its fabled Sable, the 2005 Montego sedan, is all new this year. Available in front-or all-wheel-drive configurations, the 2005 Mercury Montego comes with a standard 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6. Power flows through either a six-speed automatic or a continually variable transmission (CVT). A fashionable interior comes wrapped in a Euro-influenced skin, and the new Montego has a cavernous 21 cu.-ft. of trunk space – more if you fold the rear seats down. Safety features include a sophisticated Volvo-sourced side-impact protection system.

Advantages of the 2005 Mercury Montego:

• Nicely appointed interior
• Available all-wheel-drive
• Standard CVT and rear self-leveling suspension in AWD model
• Contemporary good looks
• Side curtain airbags for both rows of seats

Objections to the 2005 Mercury Montego:

• Weak-kneed V6 engine
• No stability control system offered

Editor's Advice:
Several compelling reasons exist to consider the 2005 Mercury Montego over established midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry: It's larger inside than most of its competitors, yet trim and tidy on the outside. The high mounted seats make it easier to get into and out of, and the rear seat boasts best-in-class headroom and legroom. Unfortunately, with the AWD version weighing in at more than 3,800 pounds, the small V6 engine has its work cut out for it. A larger 3.5-liter V6 is still at least two years away.