My 1997 Villager has gone through 2 front motor mounts in less than 15,000 miles. I did the standard check to see which way the engine moves when someone holds their foot on the brake and accelerated in reverse and drive. The engine lifts in reverse so it looks like the rear mount is OK. I can't understand why the front one keeps breaking since that one would be stressed in reverse. Maybe the quality of my replacement parts was not so good?

Motor mounts usually ast a long time. I would guess poor quality. Use Ford part. see tascafordparts.com for a discount.

Also, go here and read files and photos for Villager issues.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/

Thanks for the web site. I need to update my original post. The engine lifts at the front of the car when the motor is in Forward gear not Reverse. My local tire shop told me they had it in reverse when the engine lifted at the front and I was standing there too. Just another reason why I do my own repairs.

The car does shift into second a little hard. Bob

The hard shift could be from a TPS sensor that needs adjusting. It causes most hard shifts.

I have a 2000 and jut last year had a Meineke replace the front mount. 1 year later its trashed again. Last weekend I did the work myself. I ordered he front and rear mount from rockauto.com and droped the crossmember, installed both mounts in under 2 hours. I am guessing that the front mount tore apart because the rear was ripped as well. Time will tell. The only thing keeping the front together was the steel ring. It was completely torn out. These motors have a lot of torque. but it should last a little longer than 1 year.