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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  Very Nice SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jhalle - December 7 - 7:13 am

  We just traded in our 2003 Mountaineer for a used 2006 Model. We were very pleased with the previous model and are even more pleased with this one. It handles much better than the 03 Model and the interior is much more luxurious. Spent months comparing and trying 3 row SUVs. This was by far the best value. Sure the Highlander and Pilot were a little more refined but not enough to justify the extra $8000-$10000 price tags. Wish they would not have changed lift gate.Paid $17,500 for a loaded model with 19,000 miles on it. Some have complained of the door handles. Though a little awkward at first you do get used to it within a week.

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  My 4th one - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By 4th one - November 21 - 7:56 pm

  This is my 4th Mountaineer all purchased new. 97/02/04 and my current 06. No problems with the first 3 whatsoever. Unfortunatly the 06 has had trany problems from day one. 30,000 miles on it as of today and the trany probley remains. Hard down shifts 2/1, almost like being rearended every time. Dealor and factory rep say this is normal. I find it totally unacceptable. Must be in the design. Other than the trans probs,and the ridiculous design of the inside door handles, I could not be happier.

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  2004 awd merc mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By m. buendia - November 19 - 2:00 am

  tremendous improvement over older mountaineer models. ride is carlike and the seats offer great comfort to both driver and passengers. adequate power, good brakes, convenient and logical instrumentation. poor mileage (15 highway). well priced due to incentives.

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  I Fell In Love - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Sherese Booker - November 18 - 9:36 pm

  When I saw my truck on the lot for the first time, I FELL IN LOVE!! I just knew that it was meant for me. I love the way it handles the road and its reliability. I like the fact that I dont really have to turn my attention off the road to adjust my sounds or my temperature.

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  No Roll! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Heidi - November 5 - 6:06 pm

  For a woman, its been great! Great space. Plus has a smooth ride.

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  I love it but I hate it too! - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Rodney and Pam - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2000 Mountaineer for 1 year. The first week I had it the message center had to be replaced. Ok. I can live with that. I had an awful growning noise in the front end after several trips to the dealer the problem was the CV joints. Now my big problem! The transmission went out at 50K!!!! Now I have a rebuilt one and the SUV is for sale! I love it and I dont want to give it up but what happens when my rebuilt trans goes out after the waranty is gone?? So I must say bye and I dont think I will buy another one.

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  Top Trucks - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By samsung v206 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the Mercury Mountaineer its a beautiful truck and fun to drive

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  Love-Hate - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Love-hate - October 12 - 4:03 pm

  I love the cars ride, features, looks, comfort and value. I have the V8 with poor gas mileage. 14mpg around town and 17mpg on the highway. Had transmission problems (solenoid) replace at 20,900mi under warranty. Rides fine now but searching the web revealed that this may reoccur on 2004 Ford Explorers and Mountaineer and costs approx $1000 to replace if not under warranty. Had I know about the transmission issue I would have bought another SUV.

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  Best Vehicle Owned - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mike - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle new. It is the first SUV ever owned and a great performer for pulling a boat, carrying a load, and overall road car. Highway average mileage is 20 mpg with nominal load and no boat. Town driving not as good averaging about 16 mpg. Regular maintenance per owners manual has kept this vehicle extremely reliable, it has not let me down yet.

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  Looks can be deceiving! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jayd96 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I had nothing but problems from the start. The passenger rear door would not open from the inside, it takes me several times to start the car in cold weather, the back glass leaks when it rains, and the window rattles. I had this car for two years, and it has been in the shop for over three consecutive months for transmission problems, they say it is fixed however, Im still having problems. I will never purchase another domestic vehilce if I can help it.