Overview & Reviews

Mercury has overhauled their Mountaineer for model-year 2002 in an attempt to make it more car-like than ever before. Among the improvements are a 2.5-inch wider stance for improved handling and roominess, a new independent rear suspension that improves ride and handling, while at the same time accommodating a standard third row of seats, larger door openings with a lower step-in height, standard six-way power adjustable driver's seat and optional power adjustable pedals. With this year's redesign, Mercury is trying to further differentiate the Mountaineer from its look-alike cousin the Ford Explorer.

• Third-row seating, independent rear suspension, powerful engines, wide selection of convenience features, attractive new design inside and out.

• No Control Trac 4WD option, poor fuel economy with V8, unnecessary taillight protectors come standard.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 113.00

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  Great value, looks, and ... reliable - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gabrielu - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Had the truck for over a year now, and not one glitch yet! We liked the value and looks, but were concerned w/buying american- We were surprised- Not a single glitch yet- Took many loong trips effortlessy- Went (mild) offroad well, though it does lack a low-gear- Not one of the issues I have seen posted has come up- Consumption is not as bad as other V8s-

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  Sport Ute Van - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By William Graham - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I only have 5500 miles so far. I like the room and the third row seat. The transmission is quite rough at times in the shifting. The V6 is adequate for my uses but a dog on gas consumption. The ride is not as choppy as my 1998 Explorer. I love the exterior appearance.

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  No problem - great truck! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mitch - September 19 - 8:50 am

  I have a very early 02 w/ v8, loaded. Engine is very strong, but trans really is lousy - kicks and slips, but havent had it serviced yet, as it doesnt seem to be getting worse. I have extended warranty, so not to worried. No locking glove compartment or gas cap. Kind of strange. MPG 13/19 - goes up a little if you are easy on the gas or use cruise. Tires lasted 40K, and I was rough! Front brakes lasted the same -very good! Would definitely recommend new 06 w/ that super v8! Hope they fix the trans probs, and honor warrantys! :)

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  2002 Mountaineer - A very good car! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Joey Thomas - June 11 - 3:06 am

  The car has been an excellent familty SUV. Very reliable and the V6 gets roughly 18 mpg overall. We currently have 65k miles and experienced our fist real problem - fuel pump. The exterier has been excellent and the AWD goes through any kind of snow/standing water.

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  Happy Mountain Guy - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Steve from Ohio - April 19 - 9:20 pm

  I bought my Mountaineer new in 2002. It was a perfect vehicle for the first two years, then as with all Fords, started riding rougher and rougher as the years went on. I have a family of 6 and am 65" myself. All of us fit comfortably in the SUV. I have the V8 4.6 and get 14/18. I just filled up today on empty and it cost $82 to fill the 20 gal tank. I agree with the others that the transmission is a weakness. I have 111,000 miles after 5.5 years and just took out an extended warranty for $1,700, which covers all major powertrain items. To protect themselves, the insurance company has a 90 day/1,000 mile waiting period before you can make any claims

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  Solid Performer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Steve D. - November 25 - 8:10 pm

  Purchases about two years ago with about 50K miles. Now at 120K and and very happy with purchase. Two repairs - one front wheel bearing at about $300 and a $600 complete brake job (front/rear rotors, and rear calipers). Otherwise, no problems. I do mostly highway driving and get about 20-21mpg with a V8 consistently. Comfortable ride. Good quality build. Amazingly, after 120K miles, no rattles or squeaks! Styling still looks fresh after 7 years. Bottom line - very solid SUV and a very good value.

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  Bad Tranny - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tom - June 7 - 6:16 pm

  Nice SUV, the V8 is a must. Lots of power for towing. I had a 1997 with the 5.0 and the 4.6L is a much better engine. However the transmission is aweful. Clunks, and has troulbe shifitng. Had it in several time and the problem is still there. Looking to sell.

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  Piece of Poop! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lambo - May 28 - 6:56 am

  Driving from SLC to Colorado, broke down - rear differential, tried again, broke down half way - front differential. Supposedly fixed, didnt feel right so I got it home took it into Mercury, they said both front and rear differentials were "fried". Took it apart, correct gear ratio. They dont know why it has been destroyed in 400 miles. Already paid around 3k, they say this repair will be 5-6k. Trying to fight with previous place that did repair, but appears to be a problem with the design of the drive train!! Do not buy one of these. Pure nightmare.

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  ok - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gp - April 2 - 10:00 am

  We like the vehicle a lot so far. I wish the interior was more metal and less plastic. The plastic is cheap looking after it starts to wear a little bit.

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  2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 4.6L V8, 5-A, AWD. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By car_enthusiast - November 3 - 8:28 am

  Wow, after reading so many terrible reviews about this suv, I must say I am a very fortunate owner then. (3rd owner to precise). My 4.6 has well over 120,000 miles on it and I never had any transmission problems. (Yes, never). The tranny shifts fast and has good gear ratios which enable this suv to have really quick acceleration. And all of the people that say this car has a terrible fuel economy probably drive too aggresively. We took this car out for a very long highway trip and we averaged over 20mpg during the trip and our car had 4-5 people inside, full trunk of heavy bags, and our avg. speed was over 70mph. Mixed Mpg with mostly city driving ranges from low to high teens.