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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  Love my Mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Wendy - January 25 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my Mountaineer as a program car and have been extremely happy with it. In the 4 1/2 years that I have owned it, my repair bills have been minimal. I have had brake work done twice, purchased tires one time, and purchased one battery. There are now 113,500 miles on the car and it is still going strong. Everyone in my family loves driving it. I am considering getting a new car in the future (just because I want a new car), and we will probably keep this vehicle for a spare. It just seems too good to give up. I have never had such good service out of a vehicle.

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  AFFORDABLE SUV WITH HIGH PRICE STYLE - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By FIRST SUV - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I found the Mountaineer to drive and handle better than the land cruiser and seems to be finished off and built as well for 1/2 the cost. The ride is better than my concorde lxi, very stable handling, and lots of bells and whistles. controls are easy. I found the design to be a sophisticated explorer and get lots of compliments from co workers on its look. With the features and safty features that murcury has included its hard to find competition in the same class. I am happy with the purchase. Only defect was the CD player fade/bal buttons had a mind of their own and the dealer swapped it out with out waiting.

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  Great, functional SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By GLS - January 10 - 9:46 pm

  This is my 3rd Mountaineer (1997, 2004) and it keeps getting better. New ride is much smoother and quieter. New steering wheel design very comfortable. Turning radius seems better. Glad the heated seat control was moved to the console.Great size for times when you need the extra seating. Like the split 3rd row seat. Overall good value compared to other SUVs on the market.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fjrogers - December 28 - 1:23 am

  This is my second Mountaineer. I have been very happy with both. The 2004 is a V-8 AWD and it is great for towing and gets decent mileage for the comfort and power. It is a fun SUV to drive and great on long trips I get 15 mpg in town and 20 mpg on the highway. Towing my boat or motorcycle trailer I get 14 mpg. I highly recommend this SUV.

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  Premier V8 Review - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By JD1245134 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this suv 3 months ago and have been very pleased with my purchase.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bill Carowner - November 26 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Mountaineer and we are just as pleased with this one as we were with the first. The AWD is great, you never have to think about the roads being slippery. We can pack the whole family and our stuff into the car, and tow a trailer or boat without a problem. My 62" son often rides in the third seat and has plenty of leg room.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Chaseman5758 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this just before Christmas and there wasnt any snow yet. But, last weekend we had a bunch of snow and it handled great! Fun to drive, and it holds a lot of people, too. Great and fun car! We love it!!

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  Solidly built with roomy interior - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By S.K.LAHIRI - November 10 - 12:23 am

  I have recently purchased 2005 (Dec, 05) Mountaineer at Dubai (M/East) with possible all options like leather interior, rev. parking sensor, alloy wheel, 6 CD changer, 8" DVD etc. except moonroof. It gives me 14- 15L/100KM av which includes highway and city driving. Although it has a sluggish response for acceleration, overall safe and roomy feeling with all around clear view makes it a pleasure for driving. While shifting is slightly noticeable while AC is on, otherwise it is totally silky smooth. Its AC is powerful and responsive. I only regret that it does not have Xenon headlamps and nor as an option. Same goes for a retractable antenna. It is a commendable car

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  2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 4.6L V8, 5-A, AWD. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By car_enthusiast - November 3 - 8:28 am

  Wow, after reading so many terrible reviews about this suv, I must say I am a very fortunate owner then. (3rd owner to precise). My 4.6 has well over 120,000 miles on it and I never had any transmission problems. (Yes, never). The tranny shifts fast and has good gear ratios which enable this suv to have really quick acceleration. And all of the people that say this car has a terrible fuel economy probably drive too aggresively. We took this car out for a very long highway trip and we averaged over 20mpg during the trip and our car had 4-5 people inside, full trunk of heavy bags, and our avg. speed was over 70mph. Mixed Mpg with mostly city driving ranges from low to high teens.

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  I love this truck - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By hhunter - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Mntr last year and have enjoyed almost every day since. I agree with theother posting about the el;ectrical problems, they seem to happen. I cannot see my radio lights at all. I wish the middle compartment opened from the side instead of straight up, it is annoying. The gas mileage is a bite also. The vehichle drives great and looks awesome. The value has dropped significantly in the last year which is another downside. I would buy it again, but a six not an eight cylinder.