2003 Mercury Mountaineer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.51/5 Average
75 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Mountaineer comes in three different versions for 2003: Convenience, Luxury and Premier. Mercury has added standard equipment this year, including security approach lamps, automatic headlamps, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, heated exterior mirrors and power-adjustable pedals. Luxury models receive color-keyed running boards and an Audiophile sound system as standard, and Premier adds to that a power sunroof and a Security Group that includes a Safety Canopy system of head airbags and rollover protection sensors bundled with a reverse-sensing system. Inside, Mountaineers get new trim for the doors and dash, a three-point seatbelt for the center of the second-row bench and an easy entry/exit system for the third-row seat. Luxury and Premier models can be outfitted with a new DVD entertainment system for the rear seats and a tire pressure monitoring system. A leather-upholstered center console cover is added and leather is a no-charge option for Luxury and Premier models.

Pros:
  • Independent rear suspension, comfortable seating for up to seven, strong powertrains, available rollover protection system, DVD entertainment system.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 75.00
  • Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    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.

  • Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    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.

  • Great Value - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    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.

  • Shapest Looking mid-sized SUV hands down - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I was looking for a mid-size SUV with a fold-flat third seat. My brother-in- law had one for 18 mos and raved about it, and mentioned he had no problems with his - a good endorsement from a serious car buff. COMPETITORS/WHAT ELSE I LOOK AT: The GMC Envoy XL was too long and looked to goofy from the back, the MDX was just too expensive (another $200/month) ,and the Pilot was slightly too big, a little more expensive($100/mo), the front styling butt-ugly (a porpoise nose), the vision was poor and the feel from the driver seat seems like I was driving a huge cave around, and the 3rd seat is an absolute joke.

  • Happy with my Mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Just got my Mountaineer two weeks ago. $23,100 w/16K miles. We love it. 13.8 mpg so far - but all local driving w/a V8.

  • Does what I got it for... - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I live in the snowbelt in northeast Ohio and needed a reliable vehicle to handle country hills. This vehicle is up to the task. Disappointed in the road noise and just average seat comfort. Had significant electrical problems fixed under warranty. Still, I know when the snow is flying and the kids are in the vehicle well get where were going and back again.

  • Love it - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I dont urn for any other SUV! This thing handles wonderfully - so much better than my old Mountaineer. It can turn on a dime - much better than many cars. Ive never had a problem with either of my Mountaineers - reliable, reliable! Love the 3rd row seat - tons of room!

  • WE FINALLY PICKED A WINNER - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    WE ORIGINALLY PICKED A NISSAN QUEST WHICH WAS NICE BUT IT SPENT MORE TIME IN THE SHOP THAN IN OUR DRIVE WAY. THE MOUNTAINEER WAS OUR NEXT CHOICE AND WE HIT THE JACKPOT. WE LOVE THE WAY IT RIDES AT ALL SPEEDS. THE OPTIONS ARE SUPERB. WE WISHED WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN 2-TONED PAINT WITH THE PREMIER PACKAGE, NOT A BIG SACRIFICE. 78MPH GOT US 17.5 MPG, NOY BAD WITH THE V-8 AWD MODEL. WE TRIED THE 6 CYLINDER AND DROVE IT 200 FEET AND RETURNED IT, THE V-8 IS A MUST!!. WITH A TON OF MONEY BACK FROM THE FACTORY AND A GREAT DEAL FROM THE DEALERSHIP, WE GRABBED A 38900 FOR 30500. WE OWN A USED CAR LOT AND IT IS A "SIN" TO BUY NEW, NOT ANY MORE!!

  • Mountaineer - Great SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Love this SUV! We took a long trip with the truck and were very comfortable. The ride was smooth. THe Dual climate control is great. When we folded the third row for the luggage, we were surprised at the amount of storage space we had. We highly recommend this vehicle to all.

  • Great SUV!! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    We have had our Mountaineer about a month-I had a Durango before that and loved it until someone tboned me! Researched every midsize to large SUV on the market,went back twice to see the Mountaineer.We were very impressed with all the safety features,especially the side curtain airbags.They offerred us such a sweet deal,we would have been fools to pass it up! This car drives like a dream and looks so good on the road! The kids love the DVD player w/ headphones-they are great on trips. I would reccomend the Mountaineer to anyone who wants a sharp SUV with great power and handling that drives like a luxery car!

Mercury Mountaineer Reviews By Year:
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× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

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