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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  A Rental Car that I would buy - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kkozicz - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I am using this SUV for 6 months as a long term rental. It has been great. it is very good in the snow, easy to put 4 sets of skis and poles and transport 4 adults the slopes in comfort. It needs a bigger gas tank.

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  Nice ride - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By domwestbury - July 14 - 11:50 am

  We owned a 2003 explorer and never had a problem over the 60,000 miles we drove it for. Never let us down. As a result of this we decided to stay in the ford family. We priced the explorer loaded and the mercury mountaineer loaded. Much to our suprise the truck was about $2,000 less. It was a no brainer we went with the mountaineer. Overall the truck is quite an improvement over the 03 explorer, rides great, more comfortable, just nice all around. The only draw back is the fuel mileage. It could be better. With the explorer we got spoiled after I changed the fluids to full synthetic. With the explorer we got about 15 town, 23 highway. the Merc gets 11 town 18 highway.

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  A good reason to buy a Honda. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By B Leslie - July 1 - 11:40 pm

  We finally bought this after searching for a new car for 5 years.We bought this used and got a good deal, but could have gotten a better deal new (always check 1st).Anyway, after having the SUV for 2 years a few things have shown their ugly faces.1)the transmission is a lemon. Ford has recalled this transmission, but not on a mountaneer. 2)the fake metal trim is just cheap paint on tan plastic. 3)the 4L V6 needs to be trashed (just spent $500 to fix a CEL and do regualar maintance).4)dont buy for fuel economy.5)The interior parts are garbage. It will hold its own on the road, its fun to drive for an SUV, and you cannot lose it in a parkinglot.

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  This SUV has treated me right - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TH - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall Ive had a great experience with this vehicle. Love the versatility - have hauled all sorts of things home with it - furniture, bags and bags of mulch, mountains of groceries - you name it. The front seats are very comfortable, the leather has worn well, dont know about the back seats since Ive never sat in them but havent had any complaints. Had a few minor problems covered under warranty - I have a great dealer so they are always taken care of quickly, plus a couple of recall items - the windshield wiper problem and the radio.

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  This SUV has treated me right - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By th - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall Ive had a great experience with this vehicle. Love the versatility - have hauled all sorts of things home with it - furniture, bags and bags of mulch, mountains of groceries - you name it. The front seats are very comfortable, the leather has worn well, dont know about the back seats since Ive never sat in them but havent had any complaints. Had a few minor problems covered under warranty - I have a great dealer so they are always taken care of quickly, plus a couple of recall items - the windshield wiper problem and the radio.

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  My favorite vehicle - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By RWH - June 29 - 4:10 am

  I love this SUV. Bought it new, have over 170,000 miles on it and hope to get another 170,000 miles out of it. The 302 V8 does and pulls everything I ask it to. This SUV still turns heads and get compliments on it after 10 years of owning it. I also drive a Jeep Commander. For snow I still prefer the Mountaineer. Had the shocks replaced a month ago and ride is very stiff now. Hope it will smooth out with a little more miles on them.

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  Transmission and drive train problems - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Dane LaGrow - June 22 - 4:56 pm

  Ford used many poor quality parts on my vehical. Replaced fuel pump.Replaced both rear springs(broke in man spots).Rear wheel bearings. Transmission had to be rebuilt twice. Transmission was rebuilt at Schmit Bros.Ford in Saukville wi. at 83000 miles. The transmission failed again at 112000 miles. They refused to stand behind there work.The owner said they installed Ford parts and it was Fords fault the transmission failed.I contacted Ford and they refused to stand behind Schmit Bros work. We have not had the tranmission repaired yet. This is the last Ford I will ever Buy.

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  Watch Out - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Patrick - June 16 - 7:00 pm

  I can say that I do like my new Mountaneer, but be warned have the dealership check out the instrument cluster before you leave. I bought mine with 23 miles on it, two days later it was in the shop having a new instrument cluster put in. Even having the new instrament cluster put in, they still had problems with it and it still sits there now after 4 days! Hopefully this will be the only problem I will have as I have always had good luck with Ford products.

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  Nice SUV - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rylo02 - June 11 - 6:43 am

  I purchased my 2001 Mountaineer with used with 91000 miles on it. This was a 1 owner vehicle and i have not had any real major problems with it. The only thing that i have had to do was replace the ball joints at 103000. This SUV is great in the Winter time and I like driving it. I am thinking about upgrading this to a 2004. i would recomend this SUV to anyone who is looking

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  lo e my mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By KS connection - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent would recomend to all I see and that would listen