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 Ive owned - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Nichiar - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought it as an excutive car with 10k on it. I have put 16k on it since then. Considering that its awd, it has worked well both on steep mountain rocky trails in northern Arizona and in sane in the desert.I do a lot of hunting and get off road frequently. It could do a little better on gas (getting 14 to 18). Other than that, I have not had any problems with it.

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  They dont make em like they used to! - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jesse - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Its too bad we regulate fuel economy and wont tap into our own fuel resources to make gas cheaper. It has caused all these new cars to have overly fragile transmissions and week motors that fall apart. I purchased this car 9 years ago with 150k miles it now has 228k miles very reliable no major repairs except I did replace the heating box in the dash because it only blew hot air (a flap inside malfunctioned)$400. There were no check engine lights on until a couple 1000 miles ago the parking brake light came on not bad for a car pushing a quarter million miles. Im returning a 07 Ford edge off lease with 38,000 miles feels like its shaking apart at 60 mph transmissions shot.

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  This SUV is underated! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fairlanecobra - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is great. We looked at several others, ie Pilot, Highlander etc. While slighty more expensive the feel of the SUV is so much better than the others, very comforrtable and space for every thing the family needs. Ride is great and very quite.

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  Never Want to Drive a CAR - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jerry Riley - August 12 - 5:50 am

  I Love this truck. We go the DVD package and our little girl will ride forever without interruption I believe that is a selling point in its own, all the kids want to ride with us because of the TV and headphones, you can still listen to your channel and they can still watch TV without interruption. But the truck itself is AWESOME I will never own another CAR at all. The gas prices may stink now but they will go down and I will still have my GREAT truck

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  2003 Convenience V-8 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rabgolfnut - August 9 - 12:36 am

  Bought Dec 31, 2003, got a great deal on it! It was the last 2003 on the lot, 4WD just in time for winter!! Love the commanding view of the road, versatility of passengers & cargo, use it to haul my DJ equipment, it all fits!!! Handles much better than a "truck", rides firm but comfortable, handles well foe such a high center of gravity. Note: I finally replaced the OEM Goodyear Eagle LS with some Bridgestone Dueler Alenza H/L tires, the vehicle has been transformed. It now rides & handles almost on par with my 2003 Sable. Steering feel & response is now superb!!! Did have some recalls, on the rear glass hardware & the rear axle, starter, battery, rear shocks replaced.

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  car - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By john davis - August 7 - 10:00 am

  this is a really great car.I love it a lot I love to drive soon

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  Couldnt be happier - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fernley - July 30 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased with 48000 mi, after 3 years I have 126000 mi on the vehicle. The only repair needed to date has been an A/C hose at $500. This one has all the bells and whistles and they all work properly. It has plenty of power when needed, its very comfortable driving. I tow a 3600 lb travel trailer using a weight dist hitch. The V6 wont take the mountain grades too fast but it does a very good job of towing. Im amazed at the fuel mileage I get with this vehicle. 20-21 mpg is routine. Recently (gas prices) Ive been driving 55 mph on the freeway and I get 24.9 mpg. Not just once, but consistently. Great mileage and all this luxury, and I can tow with it. Whats not to love?

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  Best car I ever owned - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Kessel - July 29 - 11:23 am

  I bought mine with 150000 mile on it it had a 197000 miles on it when it was invloved in an acident. I only thing i had to replace (other than fuilds) was a battery. the biggest problem i had was a flat tire.

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  great vehical but it sucks gas - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Larry Parsons - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We Love it, drives great, runs great lost of power under the hood, lots of room inside, great looks, wonderful package, one problem average fuel economy is 16.5....... maybe it will do better after the engine is broken in we will see.....only 2000 miles on it....

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  Mels Review - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mel - July 11 - 4:40 am

  I have only had this vehicle for a week. However I feel it is a good and reliable vehicle. It is also very classy looking. I had an Expedition prior to this and it was not good on gas at all. I can truly tell a difference.