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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  love/hate relationship - dont buy it! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Lu - April 3 - 9:03 am

  I love all the bells and whistles on this SUV, but it is not worth the trouble. My first one was traded in under lemon law due to a sulfur smell that could not be fixed. My second one has been in the shop 5x after it keeps stalling/dying. (It currently has 26,000 miles on it.) At 20,000 it needed a new $1200.00 torque converter. It still stalls, they cannot find out why. It is outright dangerous. DO NOT BUY THIS SUV - you will love the features and not want to give it up, but it is NOT worth the grief.

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  1997 Moutainneer is great - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Anthony Smith - March 22 - 5:56 pm

  I love mine. I think if the fuel mileage was better, it would be the best available SUV. I have 121k miles and Im hoping to have very few problems. I will recommend you purchase one used. The new ones are good but the value drops like a rock in years 1,2 & 3

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  Mountaineer Review - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By pug mobile - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. It handles great. I wish it got better gas milage and the homelink does not work with my Garage doors. The interior is great. I love the dual climate control. I am always cold and my husband is always hot (now we well both be comfortable).

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  Best Value out there - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By guisseppe - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Drive it and youll see. Comfort and styling at an affortable price.

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  130,000 miles and still going strong - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Stephanie - February 24 - 2:50 am

  I purchased my Mountaineer three years ago. It now has 130,000 miles on it! I have not had any problems at all. I love the options this vehicle has at the affordable price. After driving a Chevy previously, I was a little apprehensive about buying a Ford. I found it to be just as reliable, if not more than my Chevy. Sadly, I am trading it in due to the gas mileage. I wish I did not have to commute 30 miles one way to work, or I would keep this precious gem. I would advise anyone to buy a Mountaineer!

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  Love it!!! Love it!!! Love it!!! - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jen from Indiana - February 4 - 12:43 pm

  I traded in my Escape for the Mountaineer and absolutely love it. Wanted something bigger, but not too big and this was a perfect fit. Wasnt planning on getting the fully loaded version and definitely didnt need it, but I noticed a BIG difference between the basic model and this (and didnt have a lot of choices for the good price). This drove much better than the basic model! I read lots of reviews before buying and I would say the petty things that were complained about arent worth deterring you from this vehicle. If you try the Premier, you wont settle for the basic model. The difference is remarkable and worth it! Not really a complain

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  We love it - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rodriguez - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have to admit the seat warmers are a great asset to the car. I will never go without it again. I love it! Its very roomy. The turning radius is excellent.Imformative onboard computer.Great road side assistance. Fuel economy is poor. Overall we are very happy with our purchase.

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  Fun SUV - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mark Saber - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had a full year with this suv and have enjoyed it completely. This April my family and I drove to Walt Disney World which is over 1300 mile each way and I thought it would cost alot for gas but it was very good on gas much more than i would of guessed. i am very pleased with my suv and would tell my friends to buy one.

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  owner - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By trailer - January 23 - 10:00 am

  would like more miles per gal. especially with high gas prices.........the performance in snow/rain is great! comfort wonderful love driving it very much-- feels so safe very good looking got lots of complments wish gas milege was better

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  My 2nd Mountaineer - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Russ - January 20 - 4:56 am

  This Mountaineer is a small step down from the Luxury version that was my 2002 Mountaineer. I have been very pleased with my last one and this one has some trade off I can live with. I went to the Dealer looking to get a Mountaineer or an Explorer. Why would ANYONE buy an Explorer in which Leather seats and the 3rd row seat is an up charge??? Comparable Explorer with Leather and NO 3rd row seat is the same price. Better ride and styling that Explorer. I put 109,000 + on my 2002 with NO mechanical problems. Been through 2 accidents and still going strong at trade in. I look to continue the same with 2005.