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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  97 Mountaineer Review - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tryeasy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have put 60,000 miles on this vehicle over 4 years. I have owned 50 plus cars in my life. this has everything I need and like. Great reliability too. However, I did upgrade shocks, exhaust, and tires to improve performance. great seats and power options.

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  Happy Mountaineer Owner - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dk - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Like the SUV, after almost 50,000 miles. Had persistent problems with noise in the front suspension at first. taken care of with nothing since. Have 6 cyl, 4.0 liter - gas mileage is great for a SUV. 22-26 hiway, 16-18 in city. We found that aspect just great

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  WLC-Fla. - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Warren Clinch - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Improve fuel economy, change seat belt in the drivers position it almost never retracks proper

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  Glad to have re-considered American - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ran Dee - November 29 - 5:46 pm

  Where do you go after driving a lexus and 2 infiniti sedans for the last 10 years? When switching to a SUV the next logical step is import right? Not a chance. Competition is either too small/big or without a 3rd row, and 10gs for the fancy tags, cant see the value there. We took a 600 mile trip the first week. We love this vehicle! Has all the features we were looking for , and for the right price. We feel safe in this vehicle! Styling is strange for my taste. But the monochromatic Ivory Parchment on the Premier is growing on me. Same color and most features of the Lincoln Aviator for 10 gs less. Too soon to tell on reliability... Ill update if something goes wrong!

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  Very good all around mid size suv - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By 2000MMountain - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle when my puppy grew out of my car and it is very nice. Hard to find aftermarket parts for except for the fact that most 2000 explorer parts are interchangeable. Drives well, handles well, and good pickup for a heavy suv. It does not absorb bumps like your independent rear suspension luxury suvs but its american built tough truck handling makes for a go anywhere kind of ride. Hit a curb..no biggie, off road..not a problem. OEM tires are kind of crappy. A nice set of Pirelli scorpion A/T and its all good. All in All a 8 in my book.

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  Does what I got it for... - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By robin - September 25 - 3:46 pm

  I live in the snowbelt in northeast Ohio and needed a reliable vehicle to handle country hills. This vehicle is up to the task. Disappointed in the road noise and just average seat comfort. Had significant electrical problems fixed under warranty. Still, I know when the snow is flying and the kids are in the vehicle well get where were going and back again.

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  No problem - great truck! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mitch - September 19 - 8:50 am

  I have a very early 02 w/ v8, loaded. Engine is very strong, but trans really is lousy - kicks and slips, but havent had it serviced yet, as it doesnt seem to be getting worse. I have extended warranty, so not to worried. No locking glove compartment or gas cap. Kind of strange. MPG 13/19 - goes up a little if you are easy on the gas or use cruise. Tires lasted 40K, and I was rough! Front brakes lasted the same -very good! Would definitely recommend new 06 w/ that super v8! Hope they fix the trans probs, and honor warrantys! :)

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  Not a bad vehicle - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Heynow - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle and even though I have only had it a short while I am pretty pleased. This is my first SUV and it is a nice change after driving a Toyota Corolla for three years. I love the leather seats and all the cool gadgets like service updates and the mileage updates.

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  Nice Styling and Quality - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lduke32 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Mountaineer looks like no other SUV. Its interior is richly appointed for the price. The ride could be smoother and the 4.0 liter smoother but overall it is a solidly made vehicle. I recommend the Mercury Mountaineer

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fordman - July 27 - 9:03 am

  Being one of the last true SUVs on the market this could use some improvement in the model offerings and options. I like the color, the new Flame Blue exterior and the black leather interior except for the hideous tan headliner. What a mismatch of colors. I have about 800 miles on it and the temperature is below freezing or zero and the gas mileage is 19.5 on dash computer. Fuel economy on this vehicle is under rated. Wish it would burn E-85. six speed transmission would have been nice also. Wanted Premier model but was not offered in 5 seat version. The AWD is super on the snow and ice. Very quiet and comfortable vehicle with lots of cargo space and back seat room.