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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  99 MOUNTAINEER - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tomc15 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  GREAT IN RAIN OR SNOW, FEEL VERY SAFE DRIVING IT. GAS MILEAGE IS TERRIBLE. LIKE IT BETTER THAN DRIVING A CAR.

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  Rear End Defect - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Seastar - March 24 - 2:00 am

  With only 2300 miles on my top of the line Mountaineer, that new car feeling disappeared when the rear end developed a vibration during low speed turns. The dealer determined that the rear differential had a manufacturing defect and the entire rear end was dissasembled and overhauled. The 2- month old truck was out of service for 6 days. Were a little nervous about future problems, but otherwise we enjoy the many features, the good looks and the roominess of our Mountaineer.

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  My favorite ride so far... - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tidbit - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I started out with my mind set on an Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer, and the salesman showed me this, and I am happy that he did. Im up to 128,000 miles and the only substancial repairs Ive had is with the heater flap motor that just went out. The dealership wanted $800 to repair it, but Ive gone with an individual for about half. Ive enjoyed the comfortable drive, being in sales - I practically live in my car, it is also good for the long trips for vacation. Im looking to replace it now, and am having a hard time finding something different with all the bells and whistles.

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  Cool SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kate lab - January 26 - 2:00 am

  In leather trim this SUV seems better polished than competing vehicles. The 6 cylinder seems more than adequate if you are not towing (I can not comment positive or negative on towing). All in all I am very satisfied with quality, handling, performance, etc so far. Personally, I think it is a better buy with the rebates than the Escape. With out the rebates it would be a tougher choice.

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  contender for mid-size SUVs - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Paul P - January 25 - 5:43 pm

  This is a great vehicle for practical SUV usage. I am however disappointed that it has the lowest horsepower in its class. Standing at only 210??? GMC envoy has 270;priced evenly. I am pleased with the overall performance of the vehicle, however unimpressed with the gas mileage, averaging only 12.1 on the streets and 16.6 on the highway. Being a car connessieur, I would recommend this vehicle for family use, however if youre looking for power this is not the SUV to buy. Head over to GMC or Dodge if you are in the American market.

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  Tough Truck for a V6 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jake - January 21 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my Mountaineer used with 40,000 miles on it. Other than a crack on the liftgate it was in great shape. Ive always driven my vehicles hard and I can say for just being a 4.0L it is a workhorse. Ive hauled thousands of pounds of supplies behind it in a trailer, driven off-road,done a few donuts, you name it. I bought it out of pure necessity having a third child on the way. This is my grocery/camping/work/family vehicle. I love the sound system and leather seats and 17 inch wheels. It handles great and has good power for passing. It has 109,000 miles now and all Ive had to replace was an alternator. I also nailed a deer at about 50 mph and virtually no damage. I have no regrets.

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  Best looking Explorer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tom76 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I recently drove a 03 Mountaineer for a distance of about 4000 Miles through the Southwest on a trip to the U.S. I liked this car very much, especially compared to other SUVs I drove before, incl. Expedition Eddie Bauer, GMC Jimmy and Montero Sport. While not as roomy as the Expedition, it offers superior handling capabilities and the same 3rd row flexibility. Interior materials are nice compared to other US build vehicles. Vehicle was very well equipped, leather seats are more comfortable than those in the Explorer XLT. Automatic climate control is a nice feature. Steering feel is good for a SUV, but could provide somewhat more feedback.