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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Never Had A More Reliable Vehicle... - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
By alessing - March 29 - 6:07 amI have owned and driven anything from a Hummer H2 to a Ford Escape, to an Acura MDX and I praise Fords engineers for the work put into this SUV. I own a 2003 Mountaineer Premier AWD V8 with stock GoodYear Fortera HL tires and this truck performs incredibly. I have a heavy foot and the 4.6L V8 suits my every need. I own a 21 foot boat and the towing abilities are great! Also, being in NC means I enjoy the Outer Banks where I regularly take to the sandy beaches and have NEVER gotten stuck. Even without the Explorers AdvanceTrac traction control, the Mountaineers full-time All Wheel Drive performs admirably in virtually any situation. I simply love this truck... 200000+ miles and no issues!!
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Good car - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By benji88487 - March 24 - 10:00 amGreat looking car. drives nicely. Only problems with it have been cd player and light.
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The usual transmission problems - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By Suzi - March 18 - 3:13 amI see the 06 has tranmission problems, they started long before that, luckily I bought an extended warranty because the Mountaineer was in the shop every 3 months for 3 years. It got to the point where the mechanics would groan when they saw me walk in the door. If a manufacturer knows there is a long standing existing problem, they should fix it under warranty and not make the customer fight constantly. Dont plan to make my next vehicle a ford/mercury, too bad really because I come from a long line of ford dealers.
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Love my Mountaineer - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
By Slick Rick - March 16 - 12:50 pmI bought my 97 mercury mountaineer 7 mo. ago. I really enjoy driving it and it handles awsome in the snow. The only problem I have had is the transmission, which was fairly easy to replace. It definetly has enough power to get out of its own way with the V8. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone.
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Best SUV Ever Driver - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
By simp - March 15 - 2:00 amThe style is prestigous and properous looking - I do not have money but this vehicle makes me feel like do. Peolpe stop and stare at my Mountaineer. It gets good gas mileage, the DVD player makes my kids and friends feel like theyre at the movies. The AWD hugs the road and provided safety in the recent ice storm. There has been no mechanical problems with this vehicle. Forget the expensive imports, we have a great value in the Mountaineer.
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Love it - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
By my first - March 12 - 12:06 pmhad it almost a year. love it so far. no complaint other than gas guzler. but hay its a SUV! what do you expect 50 miles a gallon
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A much needed improvement - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By RocoMano - February 24 - 10:00 amWhat a pleasant change from my last Mountaineer! The comfort and handling are vastly improved. I am glad my old lease was up.
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Looks like new in 2004! - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
By Lucky in Texas - February 20 - 2:00 amI cant tell you how much I have loved this car! At first I was a bit apprehensive about upgrading to an SUV from a 93 Saturn SL. Once again I was one of the few that was able to get a 2000 with a V6. Condsidering all things the gas mileage is great! Only problems I have is the radio display has gone out (a common problm in Ford products I hear) and the sensors for the Transmission are causing it to miss a little bit. Other than that I cant tell you enough good things about it!
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I love it - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By Geir81 - February 15 - 10:00 amI traded in my volvo s80t6. I love the Mountaineer. Drove to Florida on my 2nd day owning it. NO PROBLEMS at all. Very comfortable leather seats. V8 is smooth and strong. Stearing tight. Radio not super, but acceptable. Very smart design inside. microfiber good touch. steering wheel control so conv. very sharp all-round. I love it!
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Doing it and Loving it! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By MARK O - February 15 - 10:00 amSafe,comfortable,power! Around town or on the highway this has been a dream. Had a minivan before leasing this SUV and glad I did.
