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 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By zachW - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I am only nine years old but I really like this vehicle. It is my favorite one that my mom has owned.

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  97 Mounty - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By NYgeorge - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with this truck so far. 101k and counting, I bought it used and was definately a good deal. The market is flooded with explorers which hurts the Mountys value as well, so you can get quite a deal.

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  WONDERFUL - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By D. Lloyd - August 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have never been fans of American cars but, we love our 2003 Mountaineer. Its only three weeks old which probably isnt a true assesment period but we love the comfort and feel of this SUV. The only complaint we have is that the seat back doesnt adjust automatically when using the memory.

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  Driving on a cloud - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By neilfarrell - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The most comfortable riding SUV I have been in. Third row seats a big hit with the kids. I really enjoyed my 2000 Mountie that my wife now has.

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  Very Reliable - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Edward - July 16 - 10:13 am

  I bought it at 32K miles and now it has 107K miles. Very reliable. The all-wheel-drive feature handles superbly in snow, ice, and rain. ABS is top-notch. Nice V8 power. The sound system and cruise controls on the steering wheel are an excellent touch. My only complaints have been a seat belt that pulls too tight, spotty FM reception about 25 miles outside Nashville city limits, and a rear-windshield wiper that never completely wipes the back glass.

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  buy mercury - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lgm - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Having driven mostly Chevrolet trucks and 4x4s i was excited about driving this model of vehicle. I am very satisfied with the performance and ride but believe the economy could be improved with more available axle ratios without hurting the performanc

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  My Mercury review - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jksmist - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Car is good, have a hard/stiff suspension

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  Great SUV except - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By suzie - June 21 - 1:43 am

  I loved this SUV, of course gas mileage stinks, but for an AWD it rides like a luxury car. Heated seats, 3rd row seating, great. Cons...wheel bearings. They all go too early, AC wires rusted out. I also knew 3 people who had the same problems, bearings and AC rusting out. Mercury knew this but never recalled the vehicles. Tires, I went through two pairs in three years. Other than that, a fine vehicle.

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  Bad Tranny - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tom - June 7 - 6:16 pm

  Nice SUV, the V8 is a must. Lots of power for towing. I had a 1997 with the 5.0 and the 4.6L is a much better engine. However the transmission is aweful. Clunks, and has troulbe shifitng. Had it in several time and the problem is still there. Looking to sell.

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  Piece of Poop! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lambo - May 28 - 6:56 am

  Driving from SLC to Colorado, broke down - rear differential, tried again, broke down half way - front differential. Supposedly fixed, didnt feel right so I got it home took it into Mercury, they said both front and rear differentials were "fried". Took it apart, correct gear ratio. They dont know why it has been destroyed in 400 miles. Already paid around 3k, they say this repair will be 5-6k. Trying to fight with previous place that did repair, but appears to be a problem with the design of the drive train!! Do not buy one of these. Pure nightmare.