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:

• 

  Nice SUV for the money - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bill - October 6 - 2:36 pm

  the AWD is so well implemented that you dont notice it - unless youre the one driving the speed limit in the left lane when everyone else is slowing way down. This was my second (after a 2000)and the ind. rear susp improved the handling over the prev model. Even my wife loves it.

• 

  Not happy with transmission - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dinger22170 - October 4 - 6:06 pm

  bought a 2004 mercury mountaneer in 1- 06 with 26000 miles had a front wheel bearing go out at 35000 miles now at 71000 miles transmission broke i have never towed anything with it the transmission has no dipstick i am very un happy with this vehicals powertrain transmission is very week and this vehical is suppose to have the towing package and is the premiere package with the v-8 and AWD i am not very impressed with mercury will never buy another one

• 

  This is my third Mountaineer - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fredroc_cohiba - October 1 - 8:36 am

  I have owned the 1998, 2002 and 2005 models. Each one has improved in quality of ride and workmanship. I wish gas mileage would improve, but I am willing to live with it.

• 

  A Strong SUV - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By aptkrs - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our Mountaineer for 2 1/2 years and have really enjoyed owning it. I love the power of the V8 and the little bit of rumble that comes from it. There are not many more options that you can cram into a midsize SUV that the Mountaineer does not have. The ride was very rough until we put some new tires on it and the ride is noticeable smoother, but still not "smooth". We have been talking about getting another vehicle, but we can find no reason to get rid of our Mountaineer.

• 

  our mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By deaconruss - September 26 - 10:00 am

  ok it could use better materials. interior looks cheap. dont like fake aluminum trim.

• 

  The Best Roadtrip Vehicle - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tre Five - September 19 - 10:03 pm

  I have had very few issues with my mountaineer. It now has over 212k miles and the thing runs great. Great performance as you can fly up steep mountain grades and it never gets stuck, even when driving alongside kentucky country roads in thick mud just because you thought it would be fun. It is very comfortable and aside from little problems here and there it is very reliable. 5.0 awd is the only way to go. IT AINT BAD FOR A FORD! However it is still a ford.

• 

  I Love My Mountaineer - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By hancock1119 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mountaineer. It has been a great vehicle and I highly recommend them to anyone who asks my opinion of SUVs.

• 

  Best SUV value! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By D. Pollard - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Just traded a 2002 Luxury 6cyl. for a Premier V8. Great styling, ride and power. With all the rebates available now, this SUV is a great value!

• 

  luv it - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MRS. A - August 20 - 6:33 am

  I bought this used. Had a moutaineer in 1999. Love this SUV. Navigation/radio went out but was replaced with warranty. I get 22mpg on highway,bad around town. Traded off because I wanted the 8cyl. was well worth it. Again could not be happier.

• 

  Beck`s - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jason Beck - August 18 - 10:00 am

  It`s a good vehicle. It`s powerful V8 engine works really good. It`s got tight steering.