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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  Please take this car seriously!!! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bebopdeluxe - September 29 - 1:16 am

  Criteria: AWD, powerful engine, 3rd row of seats, 5000+ lbs towing capacity, SAFETY, and fun to drive (I own a 6-speed BMW 540i). The MDX fell short on towing capacity, and the engine seemed to lack "hop" when I hit the gas. The X5 was also no competitor here - not only no 3rd seat, but laughable space for a $54K vehicle. The M-Class? Great to drive, power, VERY safe. Build quality/reliability? The newer ones were thought of as more solid, but now the price had a "5"

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  Luvvin It - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By scf21 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Our 2nd Mountaineer. The 2004 Premier is worth the price (if you stay near invoice!). DVD player - WOW! Quad buckets are a blast. The sound system is rich and the radio comes ready for Satellite - go figure! Seating is very comfortable for 4, 3rd row seating looks nice but only kids will love it. Interior and exterior appointment is extremely well done. Youll like the improved ride on the 17 inch tires - smooth and great handling. The interior sound at highway speeds is better than previous cars .. even the radio has a compensation for highway noise .. we are definitely spoiled. Thanks, Mercury.

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  2002.5 Mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jay9890 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of a 02.5 Premier Edition Mountaineer on 4/29/02. So far so good. The ride is very smooth for a SUV. Much better then my 96 Explorer. I test drove the Explorer and the Mountaineer. For the me, the Mountaineer was a better choice, and cheaper.

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  Mercury Mountaineer 4.6 L - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Vince Trolla - September 10 - 11:06 am

  This SUV has a comfortable ride. Its almost as comforting as Fords full size sedans. Controls on the dashboard could be a little better and they should add a power lumbar seat on the passenger side. An LCD weather temperature gauge should be added on the dashboard. When compared to other SUVs its handling characteristics are excellent.

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  Nice Ride - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Danpemby - September 5 - 8:23 pm

  Bought this car against my better judgment. The wife really wanted it so we got it. I was surprised by the performance and comfort of this vehicle. We drive it on winy back roads and it handles like a true champ. I recommend it to all. Gets 21MPG (non E-85)on average which is great for such a large vehicle.

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  No major problems yet. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Erie, Pa - August 30 - 1:33 am

  Looked for an SUV for a long time. Chose because of price and Explorer reputation. So far have had minor problems with the vehicle not being able to start. After three tows, found out it was bad ground wire. vehicle sometimes seems to lag into gear from park when cold. Also transmission at times acts like something is going wrong. Have 75,000 mile warranty, hope it goes before then. A fine vehicle otherwise, gas mileage around town is 13 and highway is poor at only 18. Questionable whether I would buy another. Also seat foam on drivers seat began to bunch up along left part of seat, I dont weigh a whole lot over 170. Had to have it taken off and fixed. $125.00

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  2000 Mercury Mountaineer - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Moniquer - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Leased vehicle just turned in after 36 months. Very good comfort, all the extras anyone could want, very comfortable interior. Quality was above average. Some initial build quality problems on interior trim and had the radio replaced under warranty during. Handling subpar although it is a truck. V8 gas mileage in city nowhere near as EPA advertised; 10-12 max. Highway mileage 18-20.

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  Solid Comfort - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By c2h6os - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a used 2000 Mercury Mountainerr for over 6 months, I am absolutely pleased with my decision to buy it. The V8 power and AWD stability provide much relief for winter weather and towing/hauling/etc. The luxurious interior is the most comfortable I have known, even having driven Mercedes sedans and Chevy TrailBlazers.

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  Go Mountaineer! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Harry Zechman - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful! We have driven new JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITEDs for the past 8 years. This car makes the Jeep feel like a truck.

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  1999 Mercury Mountaineer - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BigTime - July 29 - 7:20 pm

  The Mercury Mountaineer for the 1999 model year is a solid, fairly luxurious SUV entry from Ford Motor Companys Mercury division. The 5.0 L V8 is a gas-guzzler that despite only putting out 215 HP propels the nearly 4500-pound car well. The interior quality is fairly formidable, though its aesthetics are lacking. The cargo room of the Mountaineer allows it to function as the ideal vehicle to carry baseball, golf, or sporting equipment. The car is extremely reliable, far more so than the current mid-size SUV slate Ford offers. The fifteen-inch chrome wheels are aesthetically-pleasing as is the cars grille which sets it apart from its Ford Explorer sibling.