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:
Showing 271 through 280 of 614.00-
Happy Driver - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
By Lynn V. Holaday - May 18 - 12:26 pmWe love our new Mountaineer--mainly for its comfort and performance. It drives better than any of our earlier SUVs and feels quite classy. Unfortunately it gets pretty awful gas mileage, but I guess thats the tradeoff with a SUV. Two thumbs up.
-
1st Merc - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By 1stMerc - May 14 - 2:00 amWeve only owned our Mountaineer for 3 days, and its our first SUV. Weve already used it to haul a number of large items home, and we love the roominess, power, handling, and convenience of the vehicle. Compared to the minivans, other SUVs, and cross- over vehicles we looked at and drove (Buick Rendezvous, Nissan Murano, etc.), this vehicle is an incredible value, even before the free DVD system offered at the time!
-
AWD - Awesome Worldbeater Drive - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By GeorgeT - May 13 - 10:00 amI wanted a 7 seater that could pull my 3000lb boat. I got the V8 with side curtain air bags and tow package, white pearlescent with tan interior.Everybody thinks it looks great. It is still not broken in but I am already getting 14 mpg around town and I have a heavy foot.The rear seat has lots of room and it is easy to enter .The transmission shifts beautifully and the V8 has lots of power.
-
Mountaineer #3 - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
By Kathy - May 12 - 9:10 pmI have owned a 99 Mtnr, 03 Mtnr and now a 05 Mtnr. I enjoy driving this auto and feel that it is very dependable especially in the winter as I sometimes get 10 to 18 inches of snow overnight and Ive always been able to get out of my driveway. The 03 and the 05 have better stability and cornering than the 99. I also like the extra room in the cabin. When we take out of town trips of 300 miles or more I am very comfortable after the long trip due to the comfort of the seats. I also enjoy the heated seats since I have frequent back pain. The service dept. at our dealership gives excellent service.
-
great truck - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By Ryan O. - April 28 - 10:00 amGreat power actually i have a 2002 mountaineer!!! When the pedal hits the floor instant results!!!!!!!!!! And i also just love the design i dont want them to stop that design! I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING ANOTHER MERCURY MOUNTAINEER!!!! Very satisfied! I love the regular engines my wife has a ford explorer with a flex fuel engine. i dont care for the engine not as much power!!!
-
Great Vehicle....So Far - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
By poophead - April 25 - 3:00 amPurchased my Mounty from a friend for $800. Had to put brakes on it, and replace a rear spring shackle. I have less than $1100 in this thing!!! Engine/tranny run/shift like new. I live in the country, and my Jeep is broken down, and I needed a 2nd 4wd anyway. This thing climbs my muddy/snowy driveway w/o any difficulty. I get about the same mileage as I did in my 97 wrangler. I have 190k on her, and the 5.0liter w/ AWD. Im getting spoiled by the creature comforts, and everything works!! Definately recommend one of these to anyone considering purchasing a midsize SUV that gets so-so mileage.
-
What a shame - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
By KC - April 23 - 1:00 amGreat for all the reasons you read in the other reviews. But watch that hard shift b/w 1&2 gear. Ours (14 months old, 13,000 miles) is now in the shop for the third attempt to repair this. Two torque converters and two transmission rebuilds later, we hope it is fixed for good. Ford, in their infinite wisdom, would not authorize a replacement transmission. So the mechanics keep rebuilding and replacing torque converters. Do not ignore the hard shifting b/w first and second gear if you have it in yours. Otherwise we love the truck in all respects (except for the lack of door handles). When it ran it ran great. What a shame.
-
Newbee - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By Frank - April 16 - 10:56 pmWe bought this and a week 1/2 later the transmission warning was on, cost us 1500 and 4 trips to fix the issue. The car is a slug in 70 degree wheather and inconsistant with its performance. Some times it flys Odd. I love the way it looks and handles in inclement wheather but we need more power in that big V6 or a turbo diesel
-
Great Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
By Paul J Foxcroft - April 14 - 11:26 amLoaded with more features than my Mercedes. Only one minor problem in 32,000 miles. Get over 22 mpg on highway. Best trip was 25.5 mpg with wind behind from Fort Davis to San Angelo. Very quiet and smooth. This vehicle has fully restored my faith in American vehicles. Can hardly wait for the MKS with the turbo engine to replace the Mercedes.
-
Great SUV to own - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By ajktopdawg - March 30 - 1:26 pmI have owned my 02 Mountaineer for 2 years. Traded into it from a 96 BMW 328i convertable. Granted, its not a BMW with as speed or open air, but makes up for many other options. The only issue I had was an alarm sensor went bad a 50k miles and that cost me $120 at the dealer to fix. 20 mpg on the hwy at 75 mpg is as good as you get with 5 speed automatic. Front seat is hard and can hurt sitting too long. Plenty of HP and get up and go, quicker than my wifes 3.8 Mustang and thats an 03!
