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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  it looks good and drives great - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By turlock - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. It is perfect for a family with yooung children.

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  A little of everyting - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By perezgoasm - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a little of everyting...3rd row seat sold my family...love the way it drives...salesperson was the icing on the cake!

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  Great vehicle ! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By edile - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought vehicle in January 04. Looked at the Explorer also. Mercury has the interior nailed down. Got the V8, has lots of power. Much better than the Lexus 330 we test drove. The 330 is way over rated.

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  Excellent so far! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mom plus five - March 8 - 2:00 am

  So far, it has been great, runs well, looks awesome and a little heavy on the gas usage.I enjoy driving it and everyone comments on the good looks of the vehicle.

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  Great Value - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Great Value - February 23 - 5:13 am

  Shopped Honda Pilots, Toyota Highlanders, Toyota 4Runners, Ford Explorers, Subarus, and some of the smaller SUVs as well (Rav4/Mariner/Escape/CRV). Finally came across the Mercury Mountaineer. Really liked the exterior styling of the Mountaineer over the Explorer and it seemed to offer more standard features. Compared to the Honda/Toyota counterparts, the Mountaineer offered far more for the money (about a $6k - 8k difference for the Honda/Toyota equivalent). Really like the smaller SUVs but was able to pick up the larger Mountaineer for about $1k - 2k more. Once again, a great overall value. Gas mileage is on par for a SUV of this size.

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  200k miles easy! - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Feralcat - February 21 - 2:20 am

  This vehicle was passed onto me from my parents when I went back to school, and it has been the most reliable that I have ever owned. Comfortable leather seats, awesome stock stereo, moonroof, and some serious balls on the road. About to hit 200k miles with nothing but basic maintenance. Unfortunately a cross-country move made it angry and the transfer case is has gone bad, but its still drivable, just getting a lot of clunking from the chain connecting the AWD. The back bumper rusted out from the MI winters but other than that this truck still runs like a champ.

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  What a Great Buy!! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Okie7597 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I looked at many of the midsize SUVs, and the MM won hands-down. Styling, build quality and performance were all as good or better as anything else in its class. The fact that I got mine for $24k brand new didnt hurt either. Fuel economy is not nearly as bad as I had expected; Im getting 19mpg in combined city/highway driving.

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  My third mountaineer and its a lemon! - 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
  By defectivemntnr - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Does Ford Motor Co care about losing a loyal customer?In my case the answer is no, not at all.I leased a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer 11/07,our third one.It was fine until 4/09 when it didnt start one day.Then it began to happen more frequently.My family ha been stranded countless times due to this problem. After several attempts at Ford Lincoln Mercury dealerships to fix the problem it still exists.The alternator,starter bad relay and battery have all been replaced yet several times a week I am left stranded somewhere with this defective vehicle that wont start.I have been in communication with the Ford Cust. Solutions team through two courses of repairs,a Special Ford Engineer was even sent

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  Saying goodbye to a friend - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Rob - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has been a great ride. At 140,000 miles it needed a transmission and transfer case - think my son learning to drive had something to do with that. Now at 220,000 miles, its time to replace it. We really dont know what to but next. We prefer Mercurys, but Ford is ending that. Mariner? Too small. Ford Edge? Pricey. Maybe we wont sell the Mountaineer!

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  are you aware of the back window defect? - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By hercules911 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Three weeks ago my back window blew out on my 12 year old daughter. This was after I was warned by the dealer that the window might drop due to faulty hing. They repaired it and then it exploded as my daughter shut the back hatch. Are you aware ford has send their service departments a bulletin warning the service to watch out for broken hinges? This is a know defect that can be dangerous to the owner or a hazard on the road should it drop and explode on public highways. There is no recall as of yet.....