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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  Drops like a rock - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Dan5240 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very comfortable and tows 5600 pounds whith very little trouble 6 cyl. The value of the vehicle is terrible. The resale dropped like a rock due to heavy dealer discounts on new vehicles. Also the rear glass has problems with the gas struts shooting off in hot weather.

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  this car is great - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By girl - October 16 - 11:00 am

  i bought mine with over 100,000 miles and its still running GREAT! i love the body style and all its power... very reliable and well built! i would definately but another! only problem is gas

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  Bad Transmission - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jack8351 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is actually a 2002 Mountaineer Premier. The transmission developed a stutter at 17,000 miles. It now has 63,000 miles and Ford has refused to take the vehicle back under the Lemon Law in my state. I would recommend the 4X4 or 4X2 Explorer, but NOT the AWD version of the 5 speed transmission.

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  Disappointed in Ford - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mountain Woman - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck. The third row seat is very comfortable and handy. I hate that weve had to have the back window replaced because we got a crack in the frame right above the Mercury emblem. The most disappointing thing of all is that the rear end had to be replaced at around 24,000 miles and now again at 58,000 miles. Ford paid for the first replacement but refuses to cover this one. Also, the door hinge on the front passenger side keeps getting loose. Even though I have owned two Explorers and now this Mountaineer that I love, I will NEVER purchase another Ford product again. Ford does not stand behind their products.

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  Great vehicle - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Shirley Ryan - October 10 - 7:56 pm

  I just purchased this one new. I have purchased other vehicles but none really compare to the Mercurys that I have purchased in quality and comfort for the price. To get any better vehicle you will have to spend more money for certain. I dont think you can get comparable quality for the money.

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  a perfect fit - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By strypz1 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  besides a few minor hardware problems this vehicle is a steal for the money. bought this as a replacement for a grand cherokee that was driving us to bankruptcy with repairs. we haul 2 adults 2teens and 2 dogs comfortably. the v6 has plenty of power for us , we also tow a utility trailer no problem . get the v8 if towing campers.

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  Please take this car seriously!!! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bebopdeluxe - September 29 - 1:16 am

  Criteria: AWD, powerful engine, 3rd row of seats, 5000+ lbs towing capacity, SAFETY, and fun to drive (I own a 6-speed BMW 540i). The MDX fell short on towing capacity, and the engine seemed to lack "hop" when I hit the gas. The X5 was also no competitor here - not only no 3rd seat, but laughable space for a $54K vehicle. The M-Class? Great to drive, power, VERY safe. Build quality/reliability? The newer ones were thought of as more solid, but now the price had a "5"

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  Nice Ride - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Danpemby - September 5 - 8:23 pm

  Bought this car against my better judgment. The wife really wanted it so we got it. I was surprised by the performance and comfort of this vehicle. We drive it on winy back roads and it handles like a true champ. I recommend it to all. Gets 21MPG (non E-85)on average which is great for such a large vehicle.

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  No major problems yet. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Erie, Pa - August 30 - 1:33 am

  Looked for an SUV for a long time. Chose because of price and Explorer reputation. So far have had minor problems with the vehicle not being able to start. After three tows, found out it was bad ground wire. vehicle sometimes seems to lag into gear from park when cold. Also transmission at times acts like something is going wrong. Have 75,000 mile warranty, hope it goes before then. A fine vehicle otherwise, gas mileage around town is 13 and highway is poor at only 18. Questionable whether I would buy another. Also seat foam on drivers seat began to bunch up along left part of seat, I dont weigh a whole lot over 170. Had to have it taken off and fixed. $125.00

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  2000 Mercury Mountaineer - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Moniquer - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Leased vehicle just turned in after 36 months. Very good comfort, all the extras anyone could want, very comfortable interior. Quality was above average. Some initial build quality problems on interior trim and had the radio replaced under warranty during. Handling subpar although it is a truck. V8 gas mileage in city nowhere near as EPA advertised; 10-12 max. Highway mileage 18-20.