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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  One of many fans of this car - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By ajs - June 2 - 11:23 pm

  I learned from the dealer the 1999 to 2001 were the best built in this series and they have a strong following. I have found that out by talking to other owners. The Mountaineer is the top of the line. The V-8 engine is strong, transmission strong, solid body, has a truck feel (it is a Ranger w/ SUV body). With Zaino polish the paint shines great and people are amaised it is 10 years old. This car is a solid performer, a great winter car. If I keep the rpms under 2,000 on the interstate, Ill get 20.5 to 21.5 mpg. For good gas mileage drive with a soft foot on the accelerator. Fine a good one and keep it.

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  excellent suv - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By STEVE - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mountaineer for 2,500 miles now and I am as happy with it as I was when I left the lot. I have had no problems except the CD player acting up. the drive, the handling, the looks inside/out, the quality and firmness of ride is outstanding. Rides as well as the Land Rover for 2x the price of the Mountaineer and I like the styling better. Its fun to drive, stable and the front end stands out as a dressy explorer. I have gotten lots of compliments on it as you dont see many on the road. One reason why I like the Mountaineer.

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  The Good and not so good - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Pat - May 25 - 7:00 pm

  The Comfort, looks and performance are Great. The Problems are few but Should be weeded out by the Mercury engineers: 1) I purchased this SUV new and have the towing package but have never used it yet the 2 rear springs are broken. Never overloaded it either. Cant figure out why/how this happened. 2) Rear tailgate has a plastic body part with Mercury emblem on it. It cracked even though there was no accident. Heard of other owners having same problem. Why did/does this happen? 3) Power windows freeze up in winter will not work until they are thawed out. Overall I like this SUV. Its a pleasure to drive. Hopeful that some Mercury People will see my remarks here and find solutions

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  1 year ownership - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Richard Miller - May 24 - 3:50 pm

  Solid SUV with all the features we wanted including a strong towing capability. One body flaw found was a piece of weld metal the size of a pea on the roof that was painted over. No trips to service in a year and everything functions well. Quiet ride and very comfortable on long trips. Steering and suspension seem to be a little looser than Explorers with similar equipment but not a major detractor. Easily handles our 6000 lb boat and the standard hitch integrates nicely. Wish the mileage was better but all things considered, we are very happy after one year of ownership.

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  2007 Mercury Mountaineer Premier V8 AWD - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Justin - May 24 - 9:03 am

  The Mercury Mountaineer is a great suv the ride and handling is excellent the V8 power is superb and the comfort is great and from what i can see the leather and other interior materials are great quality and the navigation system is cool and the power moon roof and the Sirius Satellite Radio are awesome and the rear parking sensors come in handy when parallel parking and i am just really happy with my Mountaineer its been great so far not a problem and everything on it works great and its a great price for what you get mine was only $38,500 and the Honda Pilot with all the same equipment was over $40,000 so i got a great vehicle and a great deal i highly recommend the Mercury Mountaineer V8 ..

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  Mountaineer - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Wayne - May 22 - 1:23 pm

  The vehicle I have drives well, but chugs when cold. It only runs well on high octane gas. The V6 pulls my boat with no issues. Gas mileage is about 11-12 city.

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  Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Fletch - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying it we started hearing a noise like a clutch fan or the transmission slipping. Have since had it to the dealer 2x and they say they can do nothing. They say it has to do with the powertrain control module software and that "they" are working on a fix. Not exactly the answer I wanted to hear, especially considering you can actually feel the transmission slip at times. The vehicle now has 6347.0 miles. Also, the vehicle only gets 12 miles per gallon, which very much disappointed me.

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  Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fletch - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying it we started hearing a noise like a clutch fan or the transmission slipping. Have since had it to the dealer 2x and they say they can do nothing. They say it has to do with the powertrain control module software and that "they" are working on a fix. Not exactly the answer I wanted to hear, especially considering you can actually feel the transmission slip at times. The vehicle now has 6347.0 miles. Also, the vehicle only gets 12 miles per gallon, which very much disappointed me.

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  Never buying american car again - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Donald Steiner - May 18 - 8:53 pm

  I had a 3 year lease on 98 mountaineer. Absolutely loved the way it drove.I would frequently drive between Canton,Ohio and San Jose. I was very sad to part with it. Looked at acura mdx,jeep grand cherokee and lexus rx300. Nothing blew me away more than the redesigned mountaineer. My company gave me a corporate discount towards any ford motor vehicle. This made the mountaineer an even more ideal choice. I now feel ashamed that i leased it. At 10000 miles the cheap vinyl on the seats started to wear out as if it had 50,000 miles. At 15,000 miles i started having computer glitches. the dealer attempted to fix it 8 times before the lease was up. It never did get the problem fixed. I am now an audi bigot.

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  190k miles and still going strong... - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Clovis - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in 1996. It currently has 191,000 miles and my wife drives it to work. I am in sales and put a lot of miles on it initially. The only mechanical problem we have had is a cracked manifold at about 160,000 miles which would be expected. We have only performed standard and preventative maintenance. I wouldnt trade this type of car experience for anything.