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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  Great ride - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By vlmelm@aol.com - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Its been a good suv for me. For i have 5 grandchildren and they just love it. I had my daughter putrchase one also. She sold a friend on buying hers so she bought one also.I cant wait to but another in 2 yrs.

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  5.0 AWD Common Problems? - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MsDarla - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have 26000 miles on the Mountianeer and there is a lower radiator hose leak,Transmission lines at radiator are leaking,Front drive-shaft seal at pigtail leaks,Door seal is falling apart,Rear wiper works half the time,Back-up sensors stay on in a clear area when backing-up which happens more in warmer weather,Radio sometimes does not work. I looked at several other Mountaineer & Explorers AWD V-8 and alot seem to be leaking at the front drive-shaft seal at the pigtail and also leaks at the lower radiator hose.The V-6 vehicles do not seem to leak... Paint is fading near the door edges. In snow/cold weather I get 10-13MPG.

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  Rave review - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Eaglefan - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Im about to return my Mountaineer after a 33 mo lease and Im going to miss everthing but the fuel mileage. Ford did a terrific job with the quality of this vehicle. I had a few problems with the radio but that was fixed under warranty. I had more probelms with a Hinda I bought afterward than I had with this Ford. I recommend the vehicle for any bad weather region. It was great to have and fun to drive. Nice job Ford!

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  Eats gas - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Troy - June 10 - 7:16 am

  I bought this vehicle with 68,000 miles on it and now have about 120,000. I have had no major problems with this suv except a small transmission problem, for me its been very reliable.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mfc7 - June 9 - 10:19 am

  I was not sure about getting my Mountaineer las year with all the missinformation out there. I just wanted tp let everyone know, it is not true. My SUV even had a savage title and has been GREAT, it is an awsome vehicle and you wont believe how much space, comfort and how reliable it is in the weather conditions I live in.

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  2004 mercury mountaineer premier - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By arthur p.hang - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I THINK MERCURY MAKES A VERY NICE PRODUCT THAT IS RELIABLE WITH VERY GOOD QUALITIES IN THE VEHICLE AND RIDE.

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  I Like It - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By harrybob - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car. Exellent on long trips. (except for gas millage.)

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  Great Mountaineer! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bob341 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had this mountaineer for over 2 years now and never had a problem! i just love the exterior design! Great car recommended to anyone!

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  No.3 - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Carl T - May 20 - 6:16 pm

  Nice ride in bad weather is a plus.This is the 3rd mountaineer I have owned the previous 2 have given me many miles of fun. This years model is by far the best of the bunch.

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  Mountaineer, bad transmission, good looker - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Linda Davis - April 2 - 10:03 am

  I thought this would be the perfect vehicle. But two transmissions in 2 years at $1500 dollars and wheel bearings in less than a year was a little too much. The air conditioner shows no results on leakage testing, but it was filled 2 times a year, it would be freezing then high points on vents would be cold and lower vent warm. Ford could not find what the problem was, but suggested another Mountianeer because this was a used purchase. Another problem was the transmission stick is located on the bottom and will require a special instrument to check fluid level. bad idea.