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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  Sweet & Sour - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LMO - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new and maintained it. At 38,000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. Unacceptable. After threatening to protest at the dealer, they discounted the cost. 50,000 miles later, that one went too. Ford couldnt care less. This in my opinion is not normal. Even the dealer service agreed and they were equally frustrated with Ford HQ. I really had no other complaints besides the disappointing gas mileage however, like Ive read in other reviews, Ive lost my faith with American cars especially Ford. Im afraid to chance it. With 130,000 miles being on the 3rd tranny, its time to start looking.While I still cant really find anything I like as much, Ill skip Ford.

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  Best SUV for the dollar - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By moneymotives - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I think the Mountainer is a great buy. I love the comfort and smooth drive.

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  Awesome Truck - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nomorehonda - March 22 - 2:20 am

  I needed a truck with a third row seat. Looks are very important. This truck is not too common and the front is so stylish. Fuel is poor but many suvs are. The interior is spacious, so is the third row seat. Oh yeah, drives wonderful too!

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  What was I thinking - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By WHAT WAS I THINKING - February 28 - 1:33 pm

  I just bought this truck in May of 2007 with less than 50k on it have 80k+ on it now and I have already had to replace the bearings and now the front differential. My mechanic says it is because the all time awd is not good on the highway vehicles are not made to be in 4 wheel at such high speeds. The transmission is now slipping. And I still owe $9000 on it. Do not buy this truck you will regret it. I bought myself a beater as it is much cheaper to fix than the problems with this truck meanwhile I own a 13,000 dollar paperweight!

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  fun suv !!! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MrG - February 18 - 2:00 am

  its a fun car to drive and own, and is very practical, and reliable. handles great, and you feel very safe inside of it !!!

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BKB - February 8 - 10:00 am

  With 54K miles absolutely no problems with anything. Original tires still holding out great. Love the third seat and numerous available options. We bought the 6 cylinder and with current gas prices it turns out to be the best better choice ( V8 engine only provides about 15 more hp).

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  2000 Monterey Wedgewood Blue & Gold - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By DRJ - January 16 - 10:30 am

  Purchased used 8 years ago w/49,000 miles on it. Now have 118,000 miles and only significant problems have been the transmission (torque converter) rebuild at 87,000, and as with many others, radio display went out - had repaired and then all button functions stopped working (original radio a real piece of junk!). Replaced radio with newer OEM Ford radio w/6 cd changer from OEM Car Audio (on Ebay). Other than new tires , battery, brakes, shocks,serpentine belt, plugs and 13.7 avg mpg (mostly city), a pleasure to own and drive. Also a couple of minor factory recalls, big deal. At 118K miles, Ive got a lot more to go! Body in excellent shape even after subjected to Minnesota winters & salt.

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  I love my mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Cheryl Huff - December 18 - 5:13 pm

  I have driven a truck for almost 20 years and just love this suv. I wasnt really looking for an suv, but when I was looking at trucks saw this mountaineer and liked the looks. It gets good gas mileage. Looks great! Goes through snow or mud and handles on ice. The only problem Ive had was when I got so much mud on it that it clogged the windshield washer and the mud got in the door latch.

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  LoveD this car - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By seltz9 - December 18 - 2:42 am

  My parents bought this car brand new and gave it to me. They had no problems every, except that back hatch crack that is common, i get it and everything is wrong at 76,000. rain out of gas on I-80 recently because all of a sudden my gas gage doesnt work. my ABS light is always on and my cruise never works. my ac and heat do not work. back riper flew off, tranny is apparently going out, loud metal clinking, stereo bass and treble dont work, speaker goes in and out, leather had been cracked since day 1. i love this car cause i know what it was like brand new and have kept us safe but i offically hate it too

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  Best SUV deal out there - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Texas Steve - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought it used at a dealership with 64K miles for relatively very little $$$. Now at 78K, other than gas mileage, cant find fault with this car/truck/SUV-thing. All wheel drive, ABS, leather, power everything, a V8 with guts, CD changer, on-and-on-and- on. Like it so much, am giving it to my parents to drive. And I love my parents.