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 Mountaineer - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought this for my wife with 24k miles now it is up to 58k miles. Sure there have been a few things wrong but hey we got a warranty. I love the pwr and the ride this thing has when I drive it. It gives you a commanding feel of the road. It has road noise between 40 and 50. Also the rear window hatch cracked, you see it on a lot of Explorers and Mountaineers.

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  Mountaineer is great - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gail - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, would buy again

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  Dont buy a Ford - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dJM - June 10 - 10:00 am

  The bumper on the vehicle started to rust under the plastic trim. Ford paid for half the cost of repainting it. The body shop, Otis Ford, on Long Island could not install the plastic bumper cover without cracking it after four tries. They said the bumber had a defect. This has been going on for a year and still not resolved. No support from Ford or the dealer. I plan on selling the car and buying a new Honda. Dont buy Ford

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  So far, so good . . . - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By newmountaineerowner - June 6 - 2:00 am

  As a former "comfy" car driver (Olds Aurora) I was a little hesitant about how I would like a "truck." But I have been pleasantly surprised. Very comfortable, handles extremely well. It is definitely affected much more by the wind, in both handling and noise. I ordered a cargo area shade, and am much happier to have a "trunk" area for concealing purchases. Overall, I like having the freedom to transport bulkier items without sacrificing comfort.

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  04 MOUNTAINEER AWD - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LIVE214 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV FOR GREAT DEAL FROM KRONON L M IN CHICAGO. I SHOPED AT 6 DEALERS AND THEY GAVE ME THE BEST PRICE THOUSADS LESS THAN ELSWERE

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  enjoy this vehicle - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By enrico farro - May 20 - 10:00 am

  many people have stopped me and told me how nice this suv looked and thought it had a lot of class

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  Best Suv - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Maria3678 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car...

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  GREAT IN EVERY WAY! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Shorti8105 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car we have ever owned! We came all the way from Tampa to purchase this car and we wouldnt get rid of it for anything!

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  Not Bad - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By skp369 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this truck for almost three years. I was very suprised and impressed at its very good performance and handling on dry roads as well as deep snow. The V-8 is strong and steering is excellent. The 2000 Mountaineer has one problem area and that is its ride. The leaf spring rear suspension causes an uncomfortable ride on any but the smoothest roads. It has proven very reliable and adaptable to most uses.

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  Finally a winner - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By KUHNSTER - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Monterrey mountaineer 3- 4 years ago. Had 50,000 miles when bought as 2nd owner now has 83,000 and running strong. Love the pwr. sunroof, 5.0 v8 power, interior is great, looks good going by. Never had a problem,routine maintenance (oil,brakes,rotors) The AWD is great and handles Ohio snows without a problem. Had a 2000 GMC Jimmy-lets see. 2 computers, 4 alternators, 1 starter, electrical problems that would stall vehicle (once in Tennessee), transmission x2. Upgraded to this Mountaineer-no regrets at all.