Overview & Reviews

The Mercury Mountaineer should be a respectable choice for a used midsize SUV. At its debut, it offered good space for medium-size families, decent handling, tolerable ride quality and at least some semblance of off-road capability. These qualities held steady through two generations.

Although the Mountaineer was mechanically identical to the Ford Explorer and shared its chassis and most sheet metal, Mercury attempted to differentiate it over the years by specifying more standard amenities, softer suspension tuning and all-wheel drive instead of traditional four-wheel drive. For years, those virtues placed the Mercury Mountaineer in the upper ranks of midsize SUVs. This was especially true after its 2002 redesign, which brought about a vast improvement in both ride and handling.

Despite that, the Mountaineer was outclassed in more recent years by newer crossover SUVs such as the Acura MDX and Buick Enclave. These vehicles typically offer better on-road handling and roomier interiors to boot. They don't have as much towing capacity as the Mercury, though, so the Mountaineer still deserves consideration for those used SUV shoppers with more demanding needs.

Most Recent Mercury Mountaineer
Sold from 2002-'10, the second-generation Mountaineer was greatly refined in terms of luxury and performance. A wider stance and an independent rear suspension improved both handling and ride, while a new 4.6-liter V8 provided ample power with smoother operation. The cabin offered a few new perks as well, such as optional power-adjustable pedals and a third-row seat.

Buyers could choose between a 210-horsepower V6 or the new V8. The V8 versions sold through '05 made 240 hp and came with a five-speed automatic. We would recommend a 2006 or later version, as that year the V8 got a power boost to 292 hp along with a six-speed automatic, improving both performance and, to a lesser degree, fuel economy. The Mountaineer's safety quotient rose in 2004 when Mercury added stability control as an option, and again the following year when it was made standard and packaged with Roll Stability Control. Standard side curtain airbags completed the picture for 2006 -- in previous years, they were optional so it's a good idea to make sure an individual Mountaineer has them. Microsoft's Sync system was added to the options list in mid-2008 and became standard on the Premier for 2009. The following year would be the Mountaineer's last, as the Mercury brand would be phased out during 2011.

This Mountaineer was available in five- and seven-passenger versions and with a choice of either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The trim levels were typically topped by the Premier, which provided leather upholstery, heated seats, rear parking sensors and the Sync voice-activated multimedia integration system. Main options included a rear entertainment system and a navigation system. One could also opt for second-row captain's chairs, which dropped passenger capacity to six.

In reviews, we found that the Mountaineer had a smooth and composed ride and respectable handling, due in no small part to the SUV's independent rear suspension. The latter was an important upgrade from the first model's live rear axle. This Mercury also has strengths as a people hauler, partly thanks to its fold-flat third-row seat that ranked among the roomiest of traditional midsize SUVs. Downsides include weak acceleration with the V6 engine and a dated dashboard design.

Past Mercury Mountaineer Models
The first-generation Mountaineer debuted for 1997 as the uptown cousin to the then-second generation Ford Explorer. The Mountaineer was initially unique for only coming with Ford's 4.9-liter pushrod V8, the famous "5.0" Mustang motor whose gas-guzzling habits were downright offensive. Things improved the following year when Mercury received the better of the Explorer's two V6s -- a 210-hp 4.0-liter -- as its standard engine. Initially, buyers had a choice between 2WD and AWD, but in '98, Mercury added a third option, a dual-range 4WD system.

The Mercury Mountaineer's trucklike suspension gave it a bouncy ride typical of the era, and although acceleration was adequate, neither engine was especially powerful or refined. Also, the Ford Explorer-Firestone controversy regarding tire tread separation and increased rollover risk applied equally to the Mountaineer. In the highly unlikely event you encounter a first-gen Mountaineer still wearing its original Firestone tires, you'll want to upgrade to better rubber immediately. The notable changes through this generation's run include the availability of automatic rear load leveling suspension and rear park assist for 1999, and a child seat tether/anchor system for 2001.

In its favor, the original Mercury Mountaineer's seating comfort and cargo room were always competitive, and its repair record stands above GM's or Jeep's entries. Overall, we'd say that if your budget limits you to a midsize SUV from the late '90s, the Mercury Mountaineer is a decent choice.

User Reviews:

• 

  luv it - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MRS. A - August 20 - 6:33 am

  I bought this used. Had a moutaineer in 1999. Love this SUV. Navigation/radio went out but was replaced with warranty. I get 22mpg on highway,bad around town. Traded off because I wanted the 8cyl. was well worth it. Again could not be happier.

• 

  A Rental Car that I would buy - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kkozicz - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I am using this SUV for 6 months as a long term rental. It has been great. it is very good in the snow, easy to put 4 sets of skis and poles and transport 4 adults the slopes in comfort. It needs a bigger gas tank.

• 

  A good reason to buy a Honda. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By B Leslie - July 1 - 11:40 pm

  We finally bought this after searching for a new car for 5 years.We bought this used and got a good deal, but could have gotten a better deal new (always check 1st).Anyway, after having the SUV for 2 years a few things have shown their ugly faces.1)the transmission is a lemon. Ford has recalled this transmission, but not on a mountaneer. 2)the fake metal trim is just cheap paint on tan plastic. 3)the 4L V6 needs to be trashed (just spent $500 to fix a CEL and do regualar maintance).4)dont buy for fuel economy.5)The interior parts are garbage. It will hold its own on the road, its fun to drive for an SUV, and you cannot lose it in a parkinglot.

• 

  This SUV has treated me right - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TH - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall Ive had a great experience with this vehicle. Love the versatility - have hauled all sorts of things home with it - furniture, bags and bags of mulch, mountains of groceries - you name it. The front seats are very comfortable, the leather has worn well, dont know about the back seats since Ive never sat in them but havent had any complaints. Had a few minor problems covered under warranty - I have a great dealer so they are always taken care of quickly, plus a couple of recall items - the windshield wiper problem and the radio.

• 

  This SUV has treated me right - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By th - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall Ive had a great experience with this vehicle. Love the versatility - have hauled all sorts of things home with it - furniture, bags and bags of mulch, mountains of groceries - you name it. The front seats are very comfortable, the leather has worn well, dont know about the back seats since Ive never sat in them but havent had any complaints. Had a few minor problems covered under warranty - I have a great dealer so they are always taken care of quickly, plus a couple of recall items - the windshield wiper problem and the radio.

• 

  Nice SUV - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rylo02 - June 11 - 6:43 am

  I purchased my 2001 Mountaineer with used with 91000 miles on it. This was a 1 owner vehicle and i have not had any real major problems with it. The only thing that i have had to do was replace the ball joints at 103000. This SUV is great in the Winter time and I like driving it. I am thinking about upgrading this to a 2004. i would recomend this SUV to anyone who is looking

• 

  3rd Mountaineer - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By C A Vars - June 6 - 5:13 pm

  Excellent for grandkids, they love putting up third row seats. Used daily for construction management, frequently used for lugging small construction materials. Works great for golf gear also.

• 

  Loved my Mountaineer! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By L - May 30 - 1:00 pm

  I loved this car! Very comfortable to drive and lots of room for 2 kids and their friends. Great for long distance traveling. Only things I didnt like were the poor fuel economy, I was forever filling up and a little road noise from the tires. Other than that, this is the best SUV around!

• 

  First car - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tylermex - May 6 - 8:24 pm

  This was my first car that i have shared with my brother. it was very easy to drive and pretty fast. it takes a second to kick into gear but its fast and handles good. my only main complaints are these: it is very shaky on the highway, the altinator dies pretty quickly (with car aftermarket audio), and my engine has made squeeky and clicking sounds everynow and then which were minor fixes. i am happy to leave this car for a new one only because of the 10mpg city and 17 highway, its rediculous

• 

  Love the SUV, but poor interior quality - 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ron - April 19 - 7:26 am

  We love the room, the ride, the v8 power, the appearance, and we know from the past that we will love the AWD. The MPG is acceptable for an AWD mid-size SUV. We test drove the vehicle on a bright sunny day 98 F and heard no rattles or noises, but took delivery in the evening after sundown, temp 71F. On the way home the upper console started making an annoying noise when we hit seams in the road. We made 2 visits to fix the problem. Another Mountaineer that hadnt been prepped did the same thing, as did the 08 Explorer Rental. Service manager said that if more than 2 do the same, then Ford would say theyre built that way. Excuse me? Dealer put foam in that area. Problem solved for now?