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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  Great SUV - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dfstull - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and rally enjoy it. It has many great features that make it ride like a luxury SUV. With the rebates now it is a great buy.

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  My 2004 not a 2005 - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Frank Supiot - July 12 - 8:53 am

  Really the only complaint I have is with the fuel economy which doesnt quite reach 20 mpg. Last summer we went through the N/W USA to the Seattle area & returned through Northern Canada. This trip was for 7,776.7 miles and we averaged over 22.5 mpg. This vehicle is serving us well. We have less than 2 years remaining on the lease. Since all of our long vacations are history, we may go back to a Lincoln Town Car. Time will tell!

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  Watch Out for Transmission - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Herb - July 5 - 2:03 am

  Loved the way it looks and drives. I have a V8 and pulled a camper with no problems. The AWD, 6CD Changer, Heated Seats, and Memory settings work well. The only problem is the transmission. Had it replaced after the warranty went out. Now its slipping again. Supposedly, later models improved the transmission.

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  Ford cant do any better - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TBone - June 30 - 12:43 pm

  Whoever designed my Mountaineer should receive a Nobel prize. I bought it with 48K in 2003, and it now has 96K and the only trouble Ive had is a dead battery. The radio display went out, and I dealt with it a while, but had it fixed for a high price. It drives just the way it did when I bought it almost four years ago. Ive noticed my power locks acting up, but they arent causing any bad problems. Highway fuel economy is okay, but city is ugly.

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  Sophisticated Explorer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ed - June 22 - 8:36 am

  No problems, easy handling, and fun to drive. Its streamlined styling is an excellent alternative to typical gaudy stylings of other SUVs.

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  LEMON - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bryan Willams - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Fuel guage gone already not covered under warranty. Strange jerk in transmission when shifting into 3rd. Anti-lock guage has been replaced twice already? Door hinges come loose every couple of months. Front strut replaced. This is a 35K DOLLAR CAR AND ITS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. I WOULD EXPECT ALOT MORE. What a lemon!

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  Under rated 7-passenger SUV - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jerome Rich - June 18 - 10:43 pm

  A trouble-free SUV that does everything well. My only complaint are the cheap leather seats.

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  Avoid at all cost! Not worth the money - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MaryMo - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I will never ever by another Mercury and Im seriuosly considering abandoning Ford Products at together! The Vehicle had serious suspension/frontend design flaws! Had to have it fixed multiple times for a serious frontend shimmy. On top of that the Mountaineer, which cost 35000$ + a 1500$ warrenty, Has been in the shop 13 times in 2 years! Furthermore, the service I have recieved is horrible and the company is unwilling to do ANYTHING to make it right. Do Not Buy a Mercury Mountaineer.

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  Good purchase for the money - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By trbjfb - June 14 - 9:30 am

  I am overall pleased with the SUV. I have had a transmission problem, starting at 15,000 miles. Some other minor problems. I was in an Acura 3.5RL before and loved that car. It too was not perfect. I needed an SUV and thought this was a good priced purchase. I looked at many SUVs and decided on the Mountaineer. I have the AWD Premier V8. Tons of power and rides nice. We had a Navigator before and it rides better than the 98 Navigator. For the options this truck came with it was a good buy. I do not know if I would buy another one because of the transmission issue. After reading the reviews from others, I guess mine is not a normal Mountaineer.

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  Lovin It - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ox - May 31 - 10:33 am

  I have 200400 miles. V-8 still pulls strong. Still fun to drive. I have 2- wheel drive but have been able to drive through what I want. Replaced tranny at 105000 miles. I use a K&N air filter and installed a Tornado air mixer thing; I get close to 19/20 mpg. I change oil 3 mo/3000 miles. I pass emissions test annually in GA. On third set of tires, they wear evenly. Ride is comfortable, especially on long trips. It does good for taxi service. Tis is my third Mercury, they have all worked well-I do make sure I do regular maintenance.