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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  Love my Mountaineer for the most part! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Amurr1991 - August 23 - 5:10 am

  I have had My Mountaineer for quite a while and Love it! I have only had to replace ball joints and Put new tires on it (standard maintenance). This vehicle is such a workhorse and handles great in all weather situations! The fuel economy is awful though, (only about 13-15 combined). Overall I have been pleased with this truck. The only complaint I have is that the interior quality could be better. The truck has 110,000 miles and does tend to have some minor rattles, but not too bad, other cars I have had dont generally start to rattle until much later, but hey Its a Ford not a Mercedes!

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  Best Buy - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By yoleeta howell - August 14 - 9:56 pm

  I purhased this vehicle after having owned 2 Izusu Rodeos since 1999 and a Trooper for 7 years. None of the vehicles compare with the cost or quality of the Mountaineer. It is powerful, classy and beautiful; it is the best vehicle I have ever owned and consider my money well-spent.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rapids man - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with the Mountaineer, during a recent trip to Colorado I was very pleased with the power of the V6 in mountain driving. The ride is very comfortable and the vehicle is pleasing to drive. Im quite happy with the purchase of this vehicle.

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  Good car but early transmission problem. - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mtango - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Greatly enjoyed our 03 mountaineer until transmission died at 12,000 miles. Dealer promptly repaired under warranty and provided loaner vehicle. Compared with Explorer with similar options Mountaineer is a better deal. Paid $500 over invoice. (Thanks Edmunds!) Also looked at Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Both were more expensive and not as flexible with the seating space.

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  Premier Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bud - August 4 - 12:36 am

  There has been an inherent problem with the drive train in this vehicle. Also, the vehicle gets terrible gas mileage, nothing near what was posted on the sticker. It has good power with the V8 engine and the ride is more like a car than a truck.

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  It will make you feel good - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mlavender - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Poor Gas Milage. Great everything else. No matter what, get running boards. It looks horrible without running boards.

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  Too Much Gas - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Geof - July 11 - 7:46 pm

  Only concern is the poor gas mileage around town. During cold Minnesota winter a little over 10mpg is all we can get out of it. Compared to a colleagues V-8 Toyota we are unimpressed. While the official figures are under ideal conditions, this is the farthest off we have ever seen from a vehicle. Thankfully we use it only about 8,000 miles a year. Full marks for the dealership who were great with purchase and after sales service.

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  Excellent Vehicle - Very Happy! - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By 1st SUV - July 1 - 9:13 pm

  I purchased this 2006 vehicle about 1 month ago from a private party, with about 28k miles. After reading all the reviews about poor transmissions, and all the problems people were having, I almost turned away a great SUV! I have had NO problems whatsoever (knock on wood) so far. Transmission is very smooth & very fun to drive. Interior design is very nice and unique, but the exterior presents nothing truly exciting. I have been getting about 385 miles per tank, roughly 20 gallons to fill up, at about $60 bucks a pop...but its well worth it, and its an SUV so that was expected!

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  Read this before you buy! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BrianDY - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Horrible customer service. My Mountaineer was taken in the very next day after buying because the A/C didnt turn on. The Auto repair shop at the dealership had my car for 2 weeks. They didnt even give me a rental, I had to buy my own. I cant believe how much hassle Ive gone through, its utterly ridiculous.

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  awesome - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jay - June 8 - 3:26 am

  This vehicle has been a pleasure on the road and city for such a big vehicle i barely feel the engine!