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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Amazing SUV to own - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
By Chase Stratus - October 23 - 7:03 amI have purchased my 06 mountaineer luxury package with 173k and its been 3 months now and so far my driving experience with this vehicle has been nothing but smooth and comfortable. Yes i have had a few things done to make necessary repairs to drive shaft and a set of tires, but besides that the repair bill was not that high. i have gone Thousands of miles so far and has never broken down on me or my family. Kids love the rear seats, but will not recommend an adult sitting back there. it can be done but the head room will not be sufficient for someone over 5 ft tall. Starts every time, attractive and my favorite is that its really smooth driving. surprisingly, not much road noise, but you do hear some.
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Best SUV on the market - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
By BEST Small SUV - October 23 - 5:53 amOutstanding SUV. Great to drive and I do lots of it. This SUV has been on cross country trips, local trips, and long trips. I have towed trailers, boats, and jet skies and it performs well. With the onboard computers you dont need to worry about traction, skids, reversing, mirrors, speed, moving the seats, you can focus on driving. Passengers are well entertained with the surround sound DVD player. It does it all for you so you can focus on driving. This has been a dream car, better than any car I have ever owned, even my 7 series BMW. 80K miles and only routine maintenance. It is as strong as when I got it. Perfect choice for anyone needing a small SUV, its the whole families first choice
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Luxurious SUV with Manners - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
By Jay - October 20 - 10:46 pmThis is my first Mercury Mountaineer and I am very happy with the vehicle. It is a luxurious SUV that can be purchased at a very good price. The layout of the console is nice and very attractive. I really like the more refined looks of the detailing on the Mountaineer when compared to other SUVs. For an SUV the vehicle rides smoothly down the road. The engine performance of the V6 is adequate, and the transmission is smooth. Mercury really has a winner!!!
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Pretty Standard? - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
By bill denver - October 14 - 2:00 amGood value if you pay only blue book! The certified programs are a racket since you will inevidibly be back in the dealership for something little every other month. Things here and there add up when you are spending $100 deductible every visit. Ive already had three recalls on mine...mostly minor. Had rear wiper motor, turn signal switch, exhaust sensor, fan blower motor replaced in first year. Overall, the v8 has great pick up for an SUV and it has lots of power. The styling is nicer than same platform explorer. Still rugged! LOUD,LOUD,LOUD! Interior noise is deafening.Handles roughly, very rigid!But it is an suv, not a mercedes.
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Love My Mountaineer White/LtGrey - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
By Helene M - October 13 - 10:00 amLove My Truck.....rides great have 29,000 miles, never had a problem with her. She is quick n very comfortable, n she is very pretty,gas mileage is ok ,but its an 8 cyl!! Love it so much I released it 4 another 6 months!!
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Nice Looking Vehicle - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
By Premier - October 13 - 1:20 amGreat vehicle except the retractable running boards, need grease fitting to lube joints. Super vehicle in the ice/snow. Had to have the transmission adjusted at 10k miles. Suggest Ford look at the transmission in these vehicles, does not shift smoothly at low speeds.
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Best SUV on Market - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
By Ksde4321 - October 11 - 2:16 amWe have owned this SUV for 2 years and have had absolutely no problems with it. It drives well both around town and on the highway. It is equally adept at towing a trailer or taking us out for a night on the town. If you need a car that gets over 30 mpg then get a Smart for 2. But if you need a vehicle that can do anything you ask of it then this is the one.
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An Upscale Explorer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By Andrew A. - October 9 - 10:00 amI traded a 2002 Nissan Altima 3.5SE that I bought new from Norwood Nissan in Rhode Island because we needed the extra room and didnt want a mini-van. At first me and my girlfriend looked at a 2001 Lincoln Navigator but the payments would be around $800 a month. Definately out of our price range. We also looked and test drove a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer with everything and figured out the price a month, the salesman told us a brand new Moutaineer would only a little bit more money a month but still in our price range. We decided on a black on charcoal and grey two-tone leather Mountaineer Premier and love it.
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Upscale Explorer - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
By Rob78 - October 7 - 10:00 amAfter my wife totaled our Contour, it was time buy a SUV. We looked at the Explorers for the longest time. We couldnt find the right Eplorer without the ugly brown interior, so we started looking at Mountaineers. This is the one of the classiest looking SUVs on the road. Get all-wheel- drive!!! If you cant, get the limited- slip diff.
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The 06 Mountaineer - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
By Wolfmann - October 4 - 9:46 amThe vehicle I purchased lacked only one thing as far as my needs where concerned, daytime running lamps. Other than that the car is fun to drive, sure footed on wet pavement. Responsive 4.6L from the 4.0L in the 02 version. In upstate NY on RT 17 theres a hill 5 miles long and goes up about 2700 ft, no problem the 06 doesnt shift out of O/D to maintain 64 - 67 mph with cruise control on. Im 6-2" and driver and shotgun are very comfortable, 2nd row probably ok for 5-9"s , 3rd row kids only. The rear area HVAC is great for cooling down the car and holding it cool on hot days. The 6cd w/satelite radio has great sound. Its a car you get into n say this is the way they should have done it.
