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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  Love the SUV, but poor interior quality - 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ron - April 19 - 7:26 am

  We love the room, the ride, the v8 power, the appearance, and we know from the past that we will love the AWD. The MPG is acceptable for an AWD mid-size SUV. We test drove the vehicle on a bright sunny day 98 F and heard no rattles or noises, but took delivery in the evening after sundown, temp 71F. On the way home the upper console started making an annoying noise when we hit seams in the road. We made 2 visits to fix the problem. Another Mountaineer that hadnt been prepped did the same thing, as did the 08 Explorer Rental. Service manager said that if more than 2 do the same, then Ford would say theyre built that way. Excuse me? Dealer put foam in that area. Problem solved for now?

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  Room for six - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MM - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle rides great for the large towing job it can and does do.I use it to help with the upkeep and care on my horses.It looks as good as vehicles that cost more and haul less.

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  VERY GOOD SUV - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By ART DEJESS - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED THIS SUV NEW AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAVE THE V6 ENGINE. I LOADED IT WITH ALL OF THE OPTIONS. THE ONLY OPTION THAT I DID NOT WANT WAS THE LEATHER SEATS. THEY ARE COLD IN THE WINTER, AND HOT IN THE SUMMER. THE CLOTH SEATS ALSO HELP TO CUT DOWN ON THE NOISE INSIDE THE SUV. THE AC AND HEATER ARE GREAT. THE RADIO IS THE BEST THAT I HAVE EVERY HAD. I ORDERED IT WITH THE TOW PACKAGE, SO WITH THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ON I HAVE REAL 4 WHEEL DRIVE. (TOW PACKAGE GIVES YOU BOTH REAR WHEELS WORKING ALL THE TIME, THIS IS A VERY GOOD THING). ON THE OPEN ROAD I GET 23 MPG AND AROUND TOWN 16 MPG. I WOULD BUY ANOTHER.

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  Mercury Mountaineer - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By PatMColl - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. I live in the mountains and the all wheel drive is great. Excellent for carrying "stuff"! Good height for me to get in and get out of the car without struggling to get up and out!

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  Great Mid-size - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tgv - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Mountainteer is truly a well designed mid sized sport utility which brings a lot of value to a flooded market of "wanna-bes". It seems to have all the basics and more for interior finishes and performs suprisingly agile for such a beefy design/capacity. Very happy Owner!

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  2002 Merc Mount - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jt_fl - March 28 - 7:06 pm

  This baby is a looker. Fub to drive with a very solid feel. Outstanding interior design. Have driven it 3000 miles without a shake, rattle, or roll( except for the slight vibration in the accelerator pedal around 30-40.)

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  A Real Let-Down - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mfultz - March 17 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this 2002 Mountaineer in 2004 with about 37,000 miles. Initially, I was impressed with the car, especially the 3-row seat. About a year later on a trip from LA to San Francisco, I noticed an "clunking" in the transmission. We really do not drive the car except on long family outings because we have two other smaller, more economical cars. Now at 89,000 both the transmission and the rear axle have gone out. Trans cost $2600; rear end $600. Now I see people indicating there are suspension problems. I am terrified. This is not American! Ford has numerous complaints about trans. Problems. The American thing to do, Ford, would be to back your product! Shame, shame, shame!

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  Mercury Problems Ford Sucks - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jeffrey - March 15 - 7:03 am

  I have owed nothing but Fords, 12 to be exact. That ends NOW. I had a 1997 Taurus, it needed a new transmission at 39k miles, Ford was not going to cover it initially, then I screamed and yelled and they covered it. This Mercury had MAJOR electrical issues at 45k miles, Ford said too bad not covered. The dealer ended up covering it for me. Now, the transmission on the Merc is out at 49k miles. Junk Junk JUNK. No more Fords for me.

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  Luv it - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Wanda - March 7 - 10:46 pm

  I bought my car used when it was one year old, and have had outstanding service out of it. Would definitely buy another. I have a V6, which does everything I need it to do, whether it is driving 95 on the interstate or 20 in town. The sound system is great!!

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  Great truck - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kim - February 26 - 7:30 am

  Im just writing to tell everyone, how much I love my Mountaineer. I bought it used with 49,000 miles on it. I only have 2 things that bother me. The crack on the back liftgate with I found is a common problem with them. Had issues with it stalling in reverse. Took to dealer and they couldnt find a problem, and couldnt help because the check engine light didnt come on. So I visited many other sites and found that others had the same issue. One guy suggested putting dry gas in it when you fill it. Well, we put the dry gas in it at everyfill up and it hasnt done it since.