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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  Mountaineer Rating - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By stonchef - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Most enjoyable vehicle we have owned in years. I like the styling as opposed to the 2002 Explorer. I also like the fact that not everyone has a Mountaineer. Ours is equiped with the 4.0 6cyl. We have made a couple of trips and averaged 20.1 MPG. I commute 32.0 miles to work a day and average in town/commute driving I get 18.5 to 18.7 MPG at 65 MPH. Comfort and Convience are all excellent. AWD makes for some different handling but when the snow arrives this year it should prove itself valuable.

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  Great until you hit 80k - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mommy to 3 - October 29 - 10:03 pm

  We bought this car in 2004. I loved it for the first two years or so. The it started falling apart. We have had to replace the transmission and it needs to be replaced again now. Other replacements, power window motor and switch pannel, window regulator, back glass, wheel barings, door hinges, cracked running boards, air compressor, power seat motor and various timing belts. I have just been advised the ABS is out and my rear end may or may not be going out and the doors no longer lock. Interior wise its comfy. Some of the paint on the steering wheel and radio started peeling and flaking at about 50k. Basically this car is junk. We are trading in tomorrow on a Land Rover LR3 tomorrow

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  LOve it! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By FrankiesMommy - October 23 - 10:00 am

  The whole truck is AWSOME! Even though gas is a bit much with city driving, it is well worth it. The extra space you get by lowering the 3rd row seat makes traveling and shopping a breeze!!!

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  Love it much! - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LibbyTFerguson - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I actually love the "bumpy" truck ride of my 2000 Mercury Mountaineer. I will be so bummed out when I need a new one and have to settle for the smoother ride. But, I dont know if I will ever buy another type of vehicle EVER again. It is my favorite of all time and I was one of those girls in the late 80s early 90s who had a Chrysler LeBaron convertable. Mine was even manual turbo transmission with cruise control! My dealer keeps sending me notices saying "We want your 2000 Mountaineer, its in demand!" I know its a ploy to get me to buy a new car, but I agree with anyone who would steal it from me. What a TRUCK! XXXOOO to whoever designed it.

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  Overall, a great suv. - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gregory wu - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Aside from the gas mileage and the noisy moonroof, the car is solid as a rock, reliable, and powerful.

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  Smooth ride, great pick up - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By sandb - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Drove the Ford Explorer first then drove the Mountaineer. I was sold. Basically the same car, but much smoother ride due to the different suspension system. Powerful engine, surprisingly easy to manuver. Only issue so far is once in a while when I start the car and dont let it warm up (even on mild days) I threatens to stall when I stop at the bottom of the hill in my neighborhood. It lunges forward and repeatedly reves until I shift into Park then back into drive a few seconds later. I need to get that checked. Overall, I highly recommend this smooth driving, fun SUV

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  Great Vehicle - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By DarkCherryRose - September 16 - 5:20 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. It drives great, is comfortable , great stereo , LOVE the sunroof. This was my first car and I only paid $500 for it, it needed a new head gasket and a few other fixes which cost me about $300 and it was up and running great. I love how you can set your lights to come on by themselves when it is dark out

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  Totallt satisfied - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Dr Don - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Had a 95 explorer..excellent sold with 163000 mi never a problem. Bought 99 Merc Mountaineer with 23000 mi, a joy to ride and drive, never any problems, best vehicle EVER had!

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  Our 1st SUV - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By linwoodrascals - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our first SUV. This vehicle appears very large but actually is an inch shorter than our previous sedan. The interior is spacious and well appointed. The only change needed is a new location for the seat warmer switch. Its down on the side of the seat where it cant be seen or easily found by touch. My daily commute has been very enjoyable. The V6 provides adequate power. Merging and passing on the highway are no problem. Fuel economy has been better than expected averaging 18 mpg. Handling is predicable and secure. Parking is simple especially with the rear sensors. The cabin is quiet. The sound system with 6cd changer exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend this SUV.

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  Love My Mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Sue - August 21 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased my Mountaineer in 2005 with approximately 25,000 miles on it. I recently took it to the dealership and had a new hose put on it. It is and has been the most comfortable and reliable car that I have ever owned. I love it.