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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  Better than Expected - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By thomas otey - January 19 - 11:20 pm

  For the money, the looks and the performance this SUV is a very good deal. The interior is well fit, no squeaks ect., the leather still smells new and has held up very well. The AWD is exceptional in the snow and wet and my wife has confidence while driving it. More money than an Explorer but (I have had 5)worth the step up.

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  The Perfect Car - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Caitlin - January 14 - 2:00 am

  When I turned 16 in the fall of 2001, my parents bought me a white 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. I feel in love with the car immediately - something about being a new driver and having your own car. That car fit me perfectly. It was gorgeous, comfortable, and I felt safe in it. But early in March of 2003, I was in an accident. The other driver and I were both fine, but my beautiful car was not. It was totaled. The front of my car hit the right side of the other car - a small sedan. My Mountaineer did exactly what it was supposed to - the engine took the entire impact, and the interior of the car was untouched. I could not have wished for a better car.

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  Impressive - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tgroen - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The all wheel drive options is great, alot of people look at price such as the sister car the Explorer however once you take into consideration that the Mountaineer comes with the 3rd row seat standard, plus the all wheel drive which are both options on the Explorer, the vehicle handleing and suspension are even a larger upgrade over the Explorer. If you are looking for a sensible, reliable SUV that fits function and style look no futher than the Mercury Mountaineer.

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  Been a Great Car - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jrho - December 26 - 9:30 pm

  This has been a great car for us. Its safe and reliable, comfortable, and Ive been happy with fords free oil changes they offered us for the time we own the vehicle. Its a very nice car and great up in the mountains.

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  Mountaineer -Great Ride - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By ceil Rydzewski - December 1 - 8:43 pm

  The SUV has given me no problems.I tow a 2-horse trailer and it pulls great. Why have a truck when the comfort and tow is all in this car. I am about to buy a new one

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  Solid Performer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Steve D. - November 25 - 8:10 pm

  Purchases about two years ago with about 50K miles. Now at 120K and and very happy with purchase. Two repairs - one front wheel bearing at about $300 and a $600 complete brake job (front/rear rotors, and rear calipers). Otherwise, no problems. I do mostly highway driving and get about 20-21mpg with a V8 consistently. Comfortable ride. Good quality build. Amazingly, after 120K miles, no rattles or squeaks! Styling still looks fresh after 7 years. Bottom line - very solid SUV and a very good value.

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  Good all-around family vehicle - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Pchampi - November 8 - 2:00 am

  We were won over by the styling and additional features of the Montaineer, most notably the standard third row seat for hauling around the relatives and little league team on occassion. The Mountaineer handles this task admirably, with suprisingly good legroom and comfort for the third row seat. The independent rear suspension provides a very comfortable ride, and the 5.0L V-8 is very peppy with good torque for trailer pulling. Very smooth riding and extra stable at highway speed. Quality has been excellent. Mileage of 17 to 20 Mpg could be a bit better, but overall the truck has provided a very enjoyable ownership experience.

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  GREAT SUV - GAS MILEAGE YUCK - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BLUESMAN - November 8 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THIS SUV. CAN HAUL ANYTHING THAT CAN FIT INSIDE. BACK SEAT COMFORT FOR LONG TRIP IS SENSATIONAL WITH QUALITY LEATHER AND CUSIONING. INTERIOR DASH AND PANEL LAY OUT GREAT AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS CONVENIENT AND WORK WELL. COULD USE MORE CUP HOLDERS WHICH THEY DID NOT ADD IN THE 2003 REFRESH. WE LOOKED A MANY NEW SUVS AND CANT FIND ANYTHING WORTH SPENDING MORE MONEY ON.

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  Help!!! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tom Mehringer - November 7 - 11:03 am

  We bought our 2002 Mountaineer new based on our favorable experiences with other Ford vehicles (Bronco, Windstar). However, we have had a very different experience with the Mountaineer. So far we have had the car in for transmission work 13 different times. The transmission shudders when shifting into overdrive and slips noticeably. The Ford dealership we purchased the car from finally overhauled the transmission last week ($1400.00 to fix of which we paid 10%, the dealership paid 10% and Ford paid 80%). Its still not fixed, so I am contacting dealership and Ford tomorrow in hopes of one day getting this resolved...HELP!!!

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gschwartz - November 5 - 11:56 am

  Exceeds expectations in ride, quietness, performance, fuel economy & transmisssion shift quality. 15,000 miles, about 1500 off-road on very rough roads ... NO squeaks or rattles. A world-class SUV bargain.