Mercury Villager FWD Van
18 MPG The 1998 Mercury Villager FWD Van is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–1998 run it averages 17.8 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1997 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1996 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1995 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1994 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 1993 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 43 special purpose vehicles models tracked here, the Mercury Villager FWD Van ranks 16 on current figures, against a class average of 17.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chrysler Town and Country 2WD (18.5), Ford Bronco 4WD (18.7), Dodge Colt Vista 4WD (19), Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4WD (19), Plymouth Colt Vista 4WD (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 494 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercury Villager FWD Van get?
The 1998 Mercury Villager FWD Van is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 22 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 17.8 MPG, ranging from 17 to 18 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercury Villager FWD Van cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $3450.
Has the Mercury Villager FWD Van become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18 MPG today against 18 in 1993 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercury Villager FWD Van efficient for its class?
It ranks 16 of 43 in the Special Purpose Vehicles class on current figures, against a class average of 17.6 MPG. That is 0.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.