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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  04 Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Nolepat - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Had ours only one week. It is solid, very quiet, comfortable and well built. Wanted one without the third seat; glad we couldnt find one now. The loss of storage space is negligible and gaining the seat has already come in handy. Filled up today for the first time; got 17 mpg on all city driving. Mileage will only get better, looking forward to getting this "Brute"-what my wife calls it-on the interstate.

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  TSB 08-24-4 fixed transmission bump - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By JS - August 24 - 7:00 am

  Initially had bad shifting problem when coming to a stop and felt a horrendous bump from behind when it shifted from 2nd to 1st gear - as described from several other reviews. Ford Has a TSB 08-24-4 for reprogramming the transmission that they performed for free at the dealer I purchased from. Bought used with 56K with Ford Premium Care 48k mile warranty. The funnest vehicle I have ever owned now that trans is smoothed out. This is a issue that took Ford 2 years to get a final fix. This covers 2006-2008 Mercury Mountaineers, Ford Explorers and Sport Tracs with the 4.6 V8 6R60 transmissions. TSB 08-24-4 is the updated fix for the transmission bump that occurs when stopping. Google it.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned!!! - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Linda in NC - August 16 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased my 97 Mercury Mountaineer in September 96. It has approximately 235,000 miles and is still as reliable as the day I bought it. I have only had to replace the brakes, the tires (of course) and just a few miscellaneous "pieces and parts". It has by far been the best vehicle Ive ever owned and if I ever do decide to trade it in, Ill get another Mountaineer. Why mess with a good thing??

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  very nice Suv - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By sugar2 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Our experience with this suv has been enjoyable so far it has many many neat features of luxury and comfort for the driver. Not to big but big enough to be usable. we like it so far.

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  Mercury Mountainer review - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By PJJMC - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Mercury Mountainer is a beautiful SUV in design, comfort and performance.

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  mercury mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By chris k - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle all around, If you dont have one get one. Only 2 bad points, bad gas milage, and needs more horse power.

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  Does what it does with style - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rlupetin - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Our Mountaineer has already earned its keep by twice taking the family on ski trips, carrying building supplies from Home Depot, and doing daily chores. It also looks good when pulling up at a function. The gas mileage kind of stinks, but average for an SUV this size. A very nice alternative to its sister the Explorer. In fact, its like getting a Lincoln ride for a Ford price. The 4.6 engine has nice power and the ride is quite comfortable, even for long distances. The AWD makes shifting from dry to wet to ice to snow a no-brainer. Very happy with it.

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  Comfort, Handling, Utility, and Safety - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By shuklasr - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We have taken our new Mountaineer on 2 long trips and a few short trips within the first two months of purchase. We have thoroughly enjoyed the drives in terms of comfort and handling. The interior has a nice luxurious feel and I have had the most comfortable ride experience in my life for long trips. The highway mileage was not too bad for an SUV averaging 21 MPG.

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  Outstanding Value! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Happy Family of 4 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Were very happy with the blend of performance, styling and the overall utility. The 4.6L aluminum V8 is much smoother than the 4.0L V6 and gas mileage is very similair. Go with the V8 if you are thinking about towing or if you are concerned about resale value. Nicer overall than many "upscale" imports we drove such as the Volvo XC90 (sluggish).

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  not too bad not too good - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By not too bad - July 14 - 3:00 am

  overall i am not too impressed. i am glad i leased it and did not buy it. it is extremely poor on gas mileage. all the doors and trunk do not latch well. the keyless entry does not alwasy work. since the transmission recall my vehicle "needed" was done, it works worse. three car seats do not fit in the second row. heating system does not heat up fast enough, but the heated seated are awesome. rear speakers are terrible and tinny sounding. needs trunk release button in the vehicle (its only on the remote). mercury service stinks. I thought having a third row was a plus until I tried to get to it. BOTTOM LINE - I BOUGHT THIS AS A FAMILY VEHICLE --BAD CHOICE!!!