and the Axxess) and Ford would market its version as a Mercury (the VX54 program coincided with the simultaneous development of the WIN88 program, later the Ford Windstar). The final designs were chosen by Nissan in 1989, with both companies commencing testing of prototypes in 1990; real-world testing was done through 1991, as development concluded at the end of that year. During the 1980s, family-use vehicles transitioned from full-size station wagons towards minivans. In place of the full-size Mercury Colony Park, during the development process, designers benchmarked the mid-size as its goal for features, ride, and handling. Along with deriving the front lightbar grille from the Sable, the Villager adopted its two-way liftgate (hatchback rear window) from the station wagon. While all-wheel drive was initially planned in the VX54 program, slow sales of Chrysler AWD minivans led to Ford dropping it from development of the Villager. First generation (1993–1998) Launched in July 1992 as a 1993 model, the Mercury Villager was introduced at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show. Introduced alongside the Nissan Quest, the 1992 Mercury Villager was the first Mercury since 1960 produced without a Ford counterpart. Chassis specification The first-generation Villager uses the front-wheel drive Ford VX54 platform. While using a Ford codename, the platform is an evolution of the 1989-1994 Nissan Maxima (J30 chassis). Using a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the chassis shares nearly an identical wheelbase with a standard-wheelbase 1984-1995 Chrysler minivan (an inch longer than a short-wheelbase Chevrolet Astro). The Villager uses MacPherson struts for the front suspension and leaf springs for the solid rear axle. The front brakes were vented discs with rear drums (Rear disc brakes were included on models eqipped with the trailer towing package); anti-lock brakes were fitted as standard equipment. Powertrain The first-generation Villager (and its Quest counterpart) was powered by a single engine through its production. Sharing its engine with the Nissan Maxima, the Villager was powered by a 3.0L Nissan VG30E V6 (detuned from 160 to 151 horsepower). A Jatco-supplied 4-speed automatic was the sole transmission offering. In the development of the VX54 model line, Ford requested several design changes from Nissan before it would use the engine. Along with making the VG30E a non-interference engine, Ford requested the addition of an oil level sensor and the relocation of the oil filter assembly (for better access). Body design At 190 inches long, the first-generation Villager nearly matches the extended-length 1991–1995