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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  1 year ownership - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Richard Miller - May 24 - 3:50 pm

  Solid SUV with all the features we wanted including a strong towing capability. One body flaw found was a piece of weld metal the size of a pea on the roof that was painted over. No trips to service in a year and everything functions well. Quiet ride and very comfortable on long trips. Steering and suspension seem to be a little looser than Explorers with similar equipment but not a major detractor. Easily handles our 6000 lb boat and the standard hitch integrates nicely. Wish the mileage was better but all things considered, we are very happy after one year of ownership.

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  Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Fletch - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying it we started hearing a noise like a clutch fan or the transmission slipping. Have since had it to the dealer 2x and they say they can do nothing. They say it has to do with the powertrain control module software and that "they" are working on a fix. Not exactly the answer I wanted to hear, especially considering you can actually feel the transmission slip at times. The vehicle now has 6347.0 miles. Also, the vehicle only gets 12 miles per gallon, which very much disappointed me.

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  Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fletch - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying it we started hearing a noise like a clutch fan or the transmission slipping. Have since had it to the dealer 2x and they say they can do nothing. They say it has to do with the powertrain control module software and that "they" are working on a fix. Not exactly the answer I wanted to hear, especially considering you can actually feel the transmission slip at times. The vehicle now has 6347.0 miles. Also, the vehicle only gets 12 miles per gallon, which very much disappointed me.

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  190k miles and still going strong... - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Clovis - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in 1996. It currently has 191,000 miles and my wife drives it to work. I am in sales and put a lot of miles on it initially. The only mechanical problem we have had is a cracked manifold at about 160,000 miles which would be expected. We have only performed standard and preventative maintenance. I wouldnt trade this type of car experience for anything.

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  Terrible buy!!! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Toyota is bettter - May 14 - 4:20 pm

  I bought this car exactly 1 year and 2 months ago. It is a piece of junk. It rides well but it doesnt ride as well as GMC or the Japanese companies. This car has okay pickup and terrible gas milliage. The quallity of this car is cheap since it is a Ford product. Next time, I will either buy the Chevy Tahoe, Infiniti FX45, or the Toyota Highlander, or the Honda Pilot or CRV. They all ride better and are nicer. I was taken and I bought an suv with a terrible value.

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  Great Value - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nvbanker - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Having now 26,000 miles on the clock and 2.5 years into ownership, Im impressed at how the MM is holding up. This was one of the first 2002s made and was actually acquired in May of 2001. It has amazing A/C, is the perfect size, the fold flat 3rd row seat and independent rear suspension are class leading, were industry leading at the time. Reliability has been flawless.

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  Sad to see it go - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jolin - April 24 - 12:33 am

  Ive had my SUV for over 5 years now and its the best thing Ive ever owned. Never once left me stranded & only had to fix normal things like tires, battery, brakes, & spark plugs. Would love to keep it but the family is too big and we need a 3rd row now. If I could buy new I would just order one that way. I think I will cry when I trade in this week. Currently at 92,000 miles and still going strong. Back wiper never quite worked right & light bulb issue on the dash but the stuff that really mattered and would cost a lot to fix stayed strong. Hope to own another one some day.

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  1st time Mountaineer owner - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By 1st time Merc owner - April 22 - 2:06 pm

  Weve been SUV drivers forever, live in rural area, and this has been a nice surprise. Purchased this Mountaineer replacing our Ford Explorer that had 170,000 plus miles. Took it on its first road trip to the mountains for skiing and the comfort level was top notch. We are also impressed with the quiet ride this SUV has as opposed to our older Explorer. Average gas mileage on this 500 plus mile trip ranged between 18-22 mpg which is what we are used to with SUVs. Love having the reclining second row seats in this Mountaineer since we didnt have it on the Explorer. Cargo space was great for all our ski gear.

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  our first suv - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Donald Sistrunk - April 13 - 10:36 am

  We have had many new trucks and cars, but this is our first suv. Very pleased with the smooth ride and good handling. Since Im used to driving a big truck, the gas mileage id not bad. the few bad points I have against it are the small seats that bit too high. It feels like my head is always touching the ceiling. also the door handle is too low to be comfortable. overall I am still pleased with my purchase of a mountaineer.

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  pricing vehicle - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By john doe - February 5 - 10:13 am

  nice vehicle to ride on bumpy roads with.