Though buyers weren't particularly interested in fuel-efficient vehicles in the 1950s, the Mercury Monterey was too much of a gas guzzler even for the standards back then. The car had large, powerful V8 engines that were thirsty for gasoline, making it less economical to operate at a time when fuel efficiency was slowly becoming increasingly important.
In addition, the Monterey faced criticism for its handling and awful ride quality. Its suspension and steering were often described as subpar, leading to a less-than-pleasant driving experience. This was particularly noticeable when compared to some of its competitors that offered smoother rides.