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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  Looks can be deceiving! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jayd96 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I had nothing but problems from the start. The passenger rear door would not open from the inside, it takes me several times to start the car in cold weather, the back glass leaks when it rains, and the window rattles. I had this car for two years, and it has been in the shop for over three consecutive months for transmission problems, they say it is fixed however, Im still having problems. I will never purchase another domestic vehilce if I can help it.

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  Transmission and drive train problems - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Dane LaGrow - June 22 - 4:56 pm

  Ford used many poor quality parts on my vehical. Replaced fuel pump.Replaced both rear springs(broke in man spots).Rear wheel bearings. Transmission had to be rebuilt twice. Transmission was rebuilt at Schmit Bros.Ford in Saukville wi. at 83000 miles. The transmission failed again at 112000 miles. They refused to stand behind there work.The owner said they installed Ford parts and it was Fords fault the transmission failed.I contacted Ford and they refused to stand behind Schmit Bros work. We have not had the tranmission repaired yet. This is the last Ford I will ever Buy.

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  Terrible SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By michelle - May 14 - 2:50 pm

  I bought an 06 Premier V8 new. What a waste of 30K. It is beautiful but has been nothing but trouble. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS and has had to be serviced once a quarter since I bought it. Ford has tried several different "computer calibrations" to fix it to no avail. Also motor on 3rd row seat went out even though we leave it down 99% of the time. Also, only gets 14 mpg, 17 HWY AT BEST. Seats are uncomfortable over 100 mile trips. Door handles are ridiculous & doors must be slammed to shut. I cant believe I traded in my Lexus on this clunker. Do yourself a favor and do not buy this car.

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  A Real Let-Down - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mfultz - March 17 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this 2002 Mountaineer in 2004 with about 37,000 miles. Initially, I was impressed with the car, especially the 3-row seat. About a year later on a trip from LA to San Francisco, I noticed an "clunking" in the transmission. We really do not drive the car except on long family outings because we have two other smaller, more economical cars. Now at 89,000 both the transmission and the rear axle have gone out. Trans cost $2600; rear end $600. Now I see people indicating there are suspension problems. I am terrified. This is not American! Ford has numerous complaints about trans. Problems. The American thing to do, Ford, would be to back your product! Shame, shame, shame!

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  Wrong Chassis for an SUV - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jerry - December 9 - 7:53 am

  Dependable, very powerful engine, but do not get that secure,always in control feel, one gets with a newer and different chassis Suv. Wrong purchase for me!

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  Avoid at all cost! Not worth the money - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MaryMo - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I will never ever by another Mercury and Im seriuosly considering abandoning Ford Products at together! The Vehicle had serious suspension/frontend design flaws! Had to have it fixed multiple times for a serious frontend shimmy. On top of that the Mountaineer, which cost 35000$ + a 1500$ warrenty, Has been in the shop 13 times in 2 years! Furthermore, the service I have recieved is horrible and the company is unwilling to do ANYTHING to make it right. Do Not Buy a Mercury Mountaineer.

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  worth vechicle i ever purchsed - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By glenda gray - May 22 - 2:00 am

  ever since i have had this vechile it has been in and out of the shop.touble rattling in the motor, radio gone out, abs gone out, willnot stay started in the morning when its cold. it is the worse vechicle ive ever purchased. no one in the whole town like the suv. they hate they purchased it. it looks good and have great features but the motor is awful. and thats what really count. i think the worse thing is when you put it in the shop they cant even fix the problem.

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  Disappointment - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By John - December 5 - 6:10 am

  I have owned a 1995 Explorer and a 2000 Mountaineer. The 2006 is not an improvement but a huge disappointment. The ride is not good, very stiff! Even my 8 year old says his rear hurts after only 15 minutes. The transmission shifts hard and you feel it. There is very noticable jerky feel to the ride when at a steady mph. The 3rd row seats have a hole in them from the metal brackets when the seat is folded. Rear visiblity is very poor due to the headrest not going all the way down to the seat on the 2nd and 3rd row. I wish I kept my 2000 Mountaineer!

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  crud - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By sorbain - September 26 - 11:03 pm

  bought our 99 mountaineer about 3yrs ago had nothing but problems since within 6 months the number five injector started fouling repaired dont no how many times and it still fouled.every time time it goes for inspection it needs at least 400 dollars of repair.now just replaced upper ball joint and sway bar now the tire keeps wobbling. i hate this car want it gone thank god its the wifes.

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  Ft. Myers - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Chip - May 29 - 11:36 pm

  It has been at the dealer 3 times for warranty work. The rearend went out at 12K miles. When you turn the steering wheel it makes a grinding noise, which the dealer says nothing is wrong. They cant fix it. I have owned Ford truck/SUVs for the past 10 years and never had any problems. My wife has had only Honda/Toyota products. I am going to sell it and put her back into either a Honda/Toyota product.