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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  Great truck - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kim - February 26 - 7:30 am

  Im just writing to tell everyone, how much I love my Mountaineer. I bought it used with 49,000 miles on it. I only have 2 things that bother me. The crack on the back liftgate with I found is a common problem with them. Had issues with it stalling in reverse. Took to dealer and they couldnt find a problem, and couldnt help because the check engine light didnt come on. So I visited many other sites and found that others had the same issue. One guy suggested putting dry gas in it when you fill it. Well, we put the dry gas in it at everyfill up and it hasnt done it since.

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  1 of the Sweetest out there for the $$ - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By KC in Brooklyn NY - February 13 - 10:40 pm

  This is our first American after years of leasing Volvo, Infiniti, and Lexus sedans. So we can compare reliability and service. 6K miles in 3 months and we love it!! We gave up the heated steering wheel,heated r/seats & 3rd row aux. air. But in return a DVD(=happy kids), tons of cash left over when compared to imports, and an SUV that does not get lost in a sea of Explorers in the parking lot. The fuel gauge went the 2nd week, and the A/C air compressor "chirps" every once in a while.(happened in my friends 03) Dan over in the service dept. really takes care of his customers. All I can say to the import companies is: You can keep your Cappucino and Biscotti! In the end I paid for IT!!

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  Buyer Beware!!! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By emon07 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I did not like the third row seat. I drove the car for about 1 1/2 weeks and the ABS light would stay on. After three days I was able to pickup my vehicle and the following morning the ABS light came on again. I returned the vehicle for service the following Monday. I waited one week and three days for the repair to be completed. The vehicle message center it shows that I am getting 9mpg on the highway and 8mpg on the street - this is crazy. I called the dealership and was made to wait two weeks before I could bring the vehicle in for repair.

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  2003 Mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By John Riley - January 25 - 7:33 pm

  Putting an average of 21K miles per year requires a reliable vehicle. So far, we have only replaced tires with 70K miles and no major or minor issues. Gas mileage is poor. Even though this vehicle has a 6 cyl, acceleration is good. Like the looks and overall performance. Short turning radius is one of the more impressive features.

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  Love my 2004 Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By wadeb95 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mountaineer. This is the second one that I have purchased. Very good buy. My favorite car yet.

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  nice ride - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By carrol - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I made the purchase of my Mountaineer after test-driving quite a few other SUVs. The ride is much superior to others in its same price range. Cornering is so much more stable. I am quite impressed overall.

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  OK, could be better - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nvs - December 22 - 8:33 am

  Overall its been OK but the build quality could be better and only has 42k. So far we have had to replace the tires 3 times can’t buy just one its AWD. Wheels are going bad from rust/corrosion and the chrome is peeling. Been in shop two times in 6 months for wheel bearings. CD changer ate the disks and they won’t come out. Don’t get me wrong, I like it. The power is great. With the 5 speed and the V8 on the freeway it gets 20 mpg or more but around town it’s like 15 or less.

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  Fun on the road - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bentley - December 7 - 10:23 am

  We just traded in a Mercury Grand Marquis in April, 2004. I like the Mountainer for the reliability and the safety. I like sitting up higher when driving than you would if driving a car. One feature I feel they could improve on would be the locations of the switches for adjustments of front seats. Why not put them on doors like the Marquis do? Plus there could be more head room in the front seat area. I have noticed taller people close to top interior. Overall I have enjoyed the Mountaineer and it is likely we will keep this one for a few years.

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  Its much better then a Jeep - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tivler - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th suv I have owned since 1990. The first two were Explorers which I loved. The next one was a Jeep which I had only for two years. I hated it. I could not stand going anywhere in it. I now own a 2004 Mountaineer. I love it. First of all it has a lot of room, its big but not huge. It is pretty easy backing into parking spaces. The turning radius is great. Another feature that make it worth the money is the all wheel drive. The only bad thing is that I noticed it uses more gas then my other 4 x 4s did. So far I have almost 3000 miles on it and I love driving it. I cant wait to take it on a road trip.

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  Better than i expected - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Elaine Dillon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We couldnt be more pleased with this car unless gas prices were less. It has an incredible amount of room. I enjoy so many of the features. I dont miss my Lexus 300 at all. I can see so well when i drive and I feel very safe driving it. We thought about a Lincoln Aviator or Navigator but after driving both and pricing both the choice was incredibly easy.