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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  Mountaineer - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By robertn78 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  After looking at Explorers for a couple of weeks, we found that there were way too many options and interior and exterior colors. Finding a V8 with grey interior and good options was impossible. We found the Mountaineer to have all the upgrades we wanted and had more of a luxury feel. The head lights, tail lights, and grill set it apart from the Explorer. The V6 is powerful, but if you tow or just love power (like me), you have to get the 5.0 V8.

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  97 merc mtnr - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By buzzbaylor - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Consider the 97 Mercury Mountaineer as one of the best cars I have owned. Would buy another one if I could get as good a deal as I did on this one.

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  Perfect - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By frb - December 27 - 7:53 am

  I really enjoy my suv.Its roomy very comfortable and smooth ride.When going up long mountains I turn overdrive off and the power and speed is amazing. Its a sharp lookin vehicle also.Classy and rugged at same time. Big and strong feeling but still feels like a suv not a truck. Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!

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  has your mercury spit a spak plug latley - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mike - December 23 - 4:20 am

  This vehicle was purchased used with 19k miles on it from a local mercury dealership, it has all the options, we bought this instead of the lexus rx300 big mistake, weve been ford people for 25 years, have had several ford vehicles but this ones been pretty much junk and the bad thing is that they know they issues with these vehicles but dont want to take the responsibility to take of there problems. This vehicle has had both rear wheel bearings replaced before the warranty ran out, constant transmission issues, rear axel leaking oil, rear coil spring broken, and it blew a spark plug out the head last week. Not to mention all the sensors replaced. We wont be buying this brand any more.

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  I Love it - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By cAROL aNN gRATTA - December 22 - 11:46 pm

  This is the second Mountaineer Ive owned and this one is even nicer than the first. It rides so smoothly and quietly that I forget Im in a truck. The interior is very nice and comfortable. My only complaints is that it doesnt have a standard garage door opener button, and the door grips are too low and in an awkward spot.

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  Our First SUV....An Excellent Choice! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By chinchilla - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Researched and drove the Envoy, Highlander, Pilot, Endeavor, and Mountaineer. Simply put, I could not find a vehicle that had the options, performance, safety features, styling, and quality that the Mountaineer had to offer at a price under $35,000. This vehicle really tackles the toughest Wyoming snows while returning a very compliant, quiet ride.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dimes_for_slim - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This has ben a bullet proof, reliable vehicle on all accounts. Perfect compromise of size, space, and fuel efficiency. Other than the Firestone tire debacle, the only service this vehicle has required was oil and filter changes.

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  Pretty Good a 140k - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Viper Guy - November 23 - 10:20 pm

  Yes, Ive had problems, but overall its been good. The transmission was an issue, as is common. Mine went out at around 60k miles. The bill was about $2k, but Ford covered all but $500 and gave me extended coverage of the entire drive train to 100k miles. Okay, so my rear axle started leaking and i had to repair the clutches and bearings just recently. Also, I had to replace the front bearings last year. At over 100k miles, Im not sure what people expect. It doesnt bother me that those problems came up at that point. I also had a couple of oil leaks. The paint is still in great shape, as well as the interior, the AC is cold as ever, engine runs great. It looks as good as new SUVs.

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  Good Deal - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bigdaddy - November 12 - 3:33 am

  Bad on gas but has plenty of power handles like a car no problem as of yet lot of room inside and very quiet ride

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  Great SUV for a Ford Product - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By CO Driver - October 29 - 1:06 pm

  The Mercury Mountaineer is an all around great SUV with a nice standard package as well as a great option list that will make the price shoot through the roof. The 4.0L V6 is a great motor offering 210 hp and 254 ft-lbs of torque at 5100 rpm and an average of 20 mpg. Living in Colorado I can really test the performance of a motor! At an average altitude of 5,280 ft and many passes that climb well over 12,000 ft, the 4.0L V6 had power to spare. The handling of the Mountaineer is better than other SUVs test driven. With the Stability Control system, it really helps the Mountaineer really stick to the road. With minimal body roll and tight steering, their really is no "wishy washy" feeling