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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  BEST/COMFORT - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mahoney - December 13 - 10:00 am

  PREMIER- LOVE THE HEATED SEAT- EXCELLENT LUMBAR SUPPORT - IF YOU HAVE A BAD BACK BUY THIS CAR...YOU WILL FEEL BETTER... RIDE IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE EXPORER, EXCELLENT FINANCING - RCO - AWD - V6 -MEANS YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE!! in comfort

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  Wrong Chassis for an SUV - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jerry - December 9 - 7:53 am

  Dependable, very powerful engine, but do not get that secure,always in control feel, one gets with a newer and different chassis Suv. Wrong purchase for me!

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  Fun on the road - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bentley - December 7 - 10:23 am

  We just traded in a Mercury Grand Marquis in April, 2004. I like the Mountainer for the reliability and the safety. I like sitting up higher when driving than you would if driving a car. One feature I feel they could improve on would be the locations of the switches for adjustments of front seats. Why not put them on doors like the Marquis do? Plus there could be more head room in the front seat area. I have noticed taller people close to top interior. Overall I have enjoyed the Mountaineer and it is likely we will keep this one for a few years.

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  Its much better then a Jeep - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Tivler - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th suv I have owned since 1990. The first two were Explorers which I loved. The next one was a Jeep which I had only for two years. I hated it. I could not stand going anywhere in it. I now own a 2004 Mountaineer. I love it. First of all it has a lot of room, its big but not huge. It is pretty easy backing into parking spaces. The turning radius is great. Another feature that make it worth the money is the all wheel drive. The only bad thing is that I noticed it uses more gas then my other 4 x 4s did. So far I have almost 3000 miles on it and I love driving it. I cant wait to take it on a road trip.

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By deacon - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has been performing vewry well. Great with fuel mileage for a SUV. Plenty of power with this V6, easy to drive, and handles very well on dry and slippery conditions.

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  2002 mountianeer AWD - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By frenchyct - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 23 miles on it so far so good got it in nov of 2002 it now has 5400 miles on itIm ready for my 2nd oil change WOW!!

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  Transfer case problems - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Brian - November 4 - 8:23 am

  Nice looking vehicle and drives well for an SUV, however body of vehicle is lacking quality. Mechanically our new vehicle needs a new transfer case and has been leaking transmission fluid like crazy. Also, the roof of the vehicle has many welding defects.

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  Excellent value vehicle - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Vickimac - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has really surprised us. It handles superbly, rides great and the instruments are easily accessible. We originally looked at a Lincoln Aviator but when we test drove the Mountaineer it was very obvious that the Linclon just wasnt worth the added cost. The Mountaineer had an equally good ride, great looks and lots of room. We drove this across the country this summer and it was a real pleasure. Highly recommended

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  Just like our 9 year old Explorer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BoSoG - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 MTR replaced our lovable 95 Ltd Explore. This truck has the feel of my old Acuras that I enjoyed so much in terms of firmness in the interior. We took the 0% financing since we will keep for 6-10 years.The 4.6 is a VERY powerful engine. Fun to drive and the 3 kids love it too. They like it better than our 2001 Yukon XL.

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  Excellent Mountaineer! Best One YET! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By pop123 - October 25 - 11:46 pm

  Yes this mountaineer is the best one yet out of the 4 i have leased already! Out of all my mountaineers there hasent been any problems whatsoever! if decide to get one get the "PREMIER MODEL" its well worth it!