Engine: 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 200-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 6-speed automatic; Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS, EBD, front airbags

Optional Safety Equipment: side-impact and curtain air bags, traction control; all-wheel drive

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Chicago, Illinois

Model Tested: Mercury Montego Luxury ($24,430)

Standard Equipment: dual-zone electronic climate control, 17-inch seven-spoke wheels, automatic HID headlamps, LED taillamps, fog lamps, remote keyless entry with keypad, interval wipers, folding heated power exterior mirrors, power windows and door locks, driver and front passenger air bags, passive anti-theft system, front and rear floor mats, six-way power driver seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, seatback map pockets, split-fold rear seat with head restraints, fold-down rear armrest with cupholders, auto-dimming rearview mirror, two 12-volt powerpoints, AM/FM stereo with CD player and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with remote audio controls.

Options as Tested: Leather trim (no charge); Moonroof ($895); Safety Package ($595) includes second-row Safety Canopy w/rollover sensor and side-impact airbags; traction control

Destination Charge: 675

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 203 @ 5750

Torque: 207 @ 4500

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 21/29

Wheelbase: 112.9 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 200.9/74.5/61.5 inches

Track Front/Rear: 64.6/65.0 inches

Turning Cycle: 39.7 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.4/53.7/41.2 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.6/53.6/41.9 inches

Trunk Volume: 21.2 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 6.5 inches

Curb Weight: 3656 pounds

Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

Tires: P215/60R17

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS, EBD

Fuel Capacity: 19 Gallons