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:

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  A Great Mid-sized SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By S.Perez - May 3 - 10:56 am

  Ive had my Mountaineer for about a month and am really enjoying it. The dual a/c, rear a/c, audio system, turning radius, and comfort seating is just great. Gas mileage and the 3rd row seating not laying flat are the only complaints I have. It is my first SUV and I couldnt be happier.

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  After 2 and a half years .... - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By sdinnis - April 26 - 10:00 am

  ... I still enjoy driving my Mountaineer. The one gripe I have is that there seems to be a rattle coming from the passenger side when I go over bumps/tracks, etc. Dealer has looked at it several times and not been able to fix it (or recreate it consistently). But the ride is nice and comfortable and the V8 has more power than I would ever need even for towing small trailers. Makes me kinda wish I had gone for the V6 for better gas mileage. Its design both in and out is very appealing. It handles like a truck (duh!) which limits its fun factor to drive but if you wanted fun, you wouldnt be getting a big SUV.

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  Impressive - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By CMD7968 - April 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV.I cant believe I waited this long. There is so much more room than a sedane.I heard prior to purchasing that riding in a SUV was like riding a dirt bike. I totally disagree. The mountaineer is a smooth ride other than the occasional divet in road or rail road tracks.The factory stereo system is awesome.No need to install additional speakers etc. The gas mileage is Okay but I have always drove a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder car, so this being 8-cylinder of course uses more gas.Love the extra vents for air w/ controls in the back seat.The only thing I dont like is when my husband makes me drive his car!

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  ONLY 87,000 MILES AND CANT DRIVE - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Sharon Figgins - April 25 - 6:33 pm

  01/18/07 When truck shifts gears it vibrates. Cost: $198.95. 05/29/07 Replaced drivers side pretensioner Cost: $273.19. 06/26/07 Replaced front differential, both rear axle seals Cost: $1580.23 11/07/07 Front end alignment and replace seals in rear. Cost: $482.97 12/13/07 Replace left front hub bearing. Cost $401.73. 02/18/08 Rear wheel bearing, rear rotors, surpitene belt Cost: $348.51. 03/11/08 Replaced rear end assembly. Cost: 864.68 03/20/09 Front differential needed bolts tightened and right rear bearing replaced. (I agreed to repair if it fixed problem) Cost: $428.00 Did not fix problem. Told I needed rear transfer case and V coupling. Will cost me another 2,300 plus. PARKED CAR.

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  This is a sweet one - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fugary - April 23 - 1:30 pm

  Even know i just bought my Mountaineer i fallen in love with it. For being 3 years old its drive like a new one. Their third row seating is sweet

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  Transmission Problems - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ursula - April 21 - 10:56 am

  I have had many problems with my 2002 Mountaineer. I am so disappointed in my choice to purchase this auto. Soon after we bought it we had to pay almost $2000 to have the rear axles fixed, a couple years later we had to replace the back A/C unit & some other parts, and that was another $2000 +. I just found out yesterday that my transmission is going out! I am really frustrated with Ford.........I wont make this mistake again, its Nissan or Toyota for me!!!!!!!!!!

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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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  Great SUV - Not for the big boys - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jtsull - April 16 - 9:23 am

  Very stable compared to the previous design. Great safety features and build quality. Love the V8 with 6 speed transmission. Here is the flaw. I am 62" at 215lbs. The drivers seating area feels like it was designed by engineers 55" at 155 LBs and drive with the seat all the way forward. If I place the seat back, it is uncomfortable to reach for the steering wheel (not telescoping). Also the seat is so small my legs begin to hurt. The padding is minimal so your sort of sitting on the outside frame of the seat. The seat is actually 1" more narrow than the 2003 focus we own! Very disappointed in the ergonomics. The awkward door handle eats up even more room. If I could return it ....

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  Nice vehicle - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Leather man - April 6 - 3:20 am

  Overall its a good vehicle. Great towing ablity, plenty of power, smooth ride, however lots of road noise. The gas mileage is terrible. At best we can get 14 to 15 mpg. With these high gas prices I would not recomend buying this type of vehicle.

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  Excellent upgrade - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By weiber26 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I traded up from a 2000 Mountaineer for this vehicle. The ride and apperance of the vehicle has been greatly improved. Overall had a very pleasant experience at the dealer.