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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  Best, safest, ride ever! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TCS7777 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The coupling of a V-8 with a great shifting automatic, equates to sheer power! Besides the Performance, there is safety, that goes way beyond dual air bags. With Side curtin protection and great view of the road, I feel safer in this vehicle than any I have ever owned! I would put this Mountaineer against any vehicle on the road today!

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  Like the vehicle - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Richard Keller - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Takes the bumps a little hard. I compare the ride to a Donali which I have driven but do not own. I guess price does make a difference.

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  My 3 Mountaineers - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MaryJ - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Mountaineer, i started leasing them in 96 when the 97 first was available, i will be leasing my 4th very soon, this is the best sport utility, with class, comfort, sporty, luxury and very safe and dependable. I am very pleased with this SUV and the dealership i lease from. If you want comfort, reliability, and style this is the sport utility for you, I cant wait to be in my 4th one, they just keep getting better!

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  Surprised, really won me - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By axeman - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Very simply, when my wife said she had been car shopping and selected the Mountaineer, I thought she was joking. She wasnt and this vehicle has performed wonderfully. We like the style design and comfort. Of the many different brands test driven, this has the best and most quiet ride of those in its class.

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  Twice the pleasure - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Hillary - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second mountaineer and I do tend to agree with most that my 2002 was better built, the engine was more powerful (v8) yet the fuel economy was good for such a big suv. With that said, I also love my 2007. I have done nothing but oil changes (66,000) and never had any kind of work on it. I have five kids of my own and also use it for work transporting kids and the interior (leather) cleans easily. No problems with any plastic parts inside its actually pretty solid.

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  excellent vehicle! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Eric Knutson - September 23 - 10:00 am

  We researched the midsized SUVs and test drove 6 different brands before settling on the Monutaineer. It had the best value for the price and so far we love it! Very fun to drive after only driving 2 door sedans in the past. Great bang for the buck. Standard options offered on base model are far better than Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Envoy, and Trailblazer on their entry models.

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  Likes and dislikes of ownership - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By r Holmes - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The 5.0 engine is very adequate for this vehicle, and the AWD works very well in snow. The only problem Ive had is that the check engine light comes on all too often, and the dealership does nothing to repair the problem except to turn the light off and then charge a large bill for a service that takes 5 minutes

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  Nice SUV - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By APD - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this SUV. I have owned a number of trucks in the past and this one by far is the most comfortable one yet. Because of its relationship to the Explorer, you are able to find many parts to upgrade mechanical and appearance.

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  Super Nice SUV - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mike Philpott - August 31 - 7:03 am

  Have owned this 07 Mountaineer Premier for just two weeks (and 600 miles) but its already an irreplaceable member of the household. We like just about everything about the Mountaineer. Looks great (love the color - White Chocolate paint with two-tone tan leather interior - as well as the overall style) plus its very comfortable to drive and extremely stable on the road. We also like the fact that the 3rd row seats fold down flat into the floor at the touch of a button and will accommodate two full-grown adults in at least semi-comfort. We are very happy with our purchase. A great vehicle that Im sure we will enjoy for many years to come.

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  Sport Ute Van - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By William Graham - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I only have 5500 miles so far. I like the room and the third row seat. The transmission is quite rough at times in the shifting. The V6 is adequate for my uses but a dog on gas consumption. The ride is not as choppy as my 1998 Explorer. I love the exterior appearance.