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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  3rd Mountaineer - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By C A Vars - June 6 - 5:13 pm

  Excellent for grandkids, they love putting up third row seats. Used daily for construction management, frequently used for lugging small construction materials. Works great for golf gear also.

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  Solid ride - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By vusford1 - June 5 - 1:56 pm

  I mostly enjoy my new Mountaineer. It has pretty good comfort in all rows, has a smooth ride, and decent handling for a truck- based suv, however I do wish that fit and finish was a little better, as I have had some minor problems. Ford motor company quality control could be better

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  Nice truck! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By pop123 - May 30 - 9:50 pm

  I love my mountaineer if you decide to purchase one always get the premier model its well worth it! V8 engine and security group, leather! The only thing is the gas milage on the V8 but the V6 doesnt have enough power after leasing a 2002 model.

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  Loved my Mountaineer! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By L - May 30 - 1:00 pm

  I loved this car! Very comfortable to drive and lots of room for 2 kids and their friends. Great for long distance traveling. Only things I didnt like were the poor fuel economy, I was forever filling up and a little road noise from the tires. Other than that, this is the best SUV around!

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  My Review -2002 Mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mountainowner - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Mountaineer has a very good ride, strong brakes and good pickup. We use the 3rd seat very often and find the exit and entry easy. The V8 pulls well and the mileage has changed from high 16s to low 18s in 12,000 miles. I have not had any problems with this vehicle at all.

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  Terrible SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By michelle - May 14 - 2:50 pm

  I bought an 06 Premier V8 new. What a waste of 30K. It is beautiful but has been nothing but trouble. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS and has had to be serviced once a quarter since I bought it. Ford has tried several different "computer calibrations" to fix it to no avail. Also motor on 3rd row seat went out even though we leave it down 99% of the time. Also, only gets 14 mpg, 17 HWY AT BEST. Seats are uncomfortable over 100 mile trips. Door handles are ridiculous & doors must be slammed to shut. I cant believe I traded in my Lexus on this clunker. Do yourself a favor and do not buy this car.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rpb - May 12 - 2:00 am

  After four months and 6,000 miles - the Merc. Mountie is the best vehicle we have ever owned. Quality is perfect. The ride w/ new suspension blows away the older version by providing maximum stability and comfort. A must buy in the SUV $30,000 - 35,000 market.

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  First car - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tylermex - May 6 - 8:24 pm

  This was my first car that i have shared with my brother. it was very easy to drive and pretty fast. it takes a second to kick into gear but its fast and handles good. my only main complaints are these: it is very shaky on the highway, the altinator dies pretty quickly (with car aftermarket audio), and my engine has made squeeky and clicking sounds everynow and then which were minor fixes. i am happy to leave this car for a new one only because of the 10mpg city and 17 highway, its rediculous

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  02 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By drewny - April 28 - 5:48 pm

  AVOID THIS VEHICLE... I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 137,000 MILES ON IT. I PUT IN NEW BATTERY NEW HUBS , NEW WHEEL BEARINGS ,HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE CRUSE CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, AFTER PUTTING 4 NEW TIRES ON IT , ALTENATOR GOES AND I NEED A 2ND NEW BATTERY. WHILE DRIVE N DOWN ROAD DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND INTERIOR LIGHT WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD BEEP OVER AND OVER.. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING I HAD REPLACED 4 MONTHS EARLIER STARTED TO GO AND THEN ONE WEEK AFTER GETTING TIRES THE TRANSMISSION WENT.. RUN FAR FROM THIS VEHICLE DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY LIKE I DID.. JUNK

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  5th one, best yet - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nvbanker - April 26 - 6:56 am

  I have owned a 94 Explorer, 97 Mountaineer, 98 Mountaineer, 02 Mountaineer, and now an 04 Mountaineer, AWD Premier. Each has been better than the last, although the 94 is still running, and we sold it with 140,000 miles on it. Same transmission, engine, A/C still worked. 4WD had quit at about 110,000, and I never fixed it. The independent rear suspension offered since 02 is class leading, and only now are some of the other manufactures offering it. It improves handling dramatically, and allows for the 3rd seat to actually be functional and comfortable for an adult. The rear air, coming through the ceiling is extraordinary as well. Love the V-8 power. I still think its the best value.