2003 Mercury Mountaineer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.51/5 Average
75 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Mountaineer comes in three different versions for 2003: Convenience, Luxury and Premier. Mercury has added standard equipment this year, including security approach lamps, automatic headlamps, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, heated exterior mirrors and power-adjustable pedals. Luxury models receive color-keyed running boards and an Audiophile sound system as standard, and Premier adds to that a power sunroof and a Security Group that includes a Safety Canopy system of head airbags and rollover protection sensors bundled with a reverse-sensing system. Inside, Mountaineers get new trim for the doors and dash, a three-point seatbelt for the center of the second-row bench and an easy entry/exit system for the third-row seat. Luxury and Premier models can be outfitted with a new DVD entertainment system for the rear seats and a tire pressure monitoring system. A leather-upholstered center console cover is added and leather is a no-charge option for Luxury and Premier models.

Pros:
  • Independent rear suspension, comfortable seating for up to seven, strong powertrains, available rollover protection system, DVD entertainment system.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 75.00
  • Major Defect - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Beware of KNOWN rear axle defect in the 03. A mth after purchase, I heard humming from the rear. took it back to John Eagle. informed by serv mgr that there existed a known defect w/ rear axle. Ford had to replace the entire rear end of my SUV. In April 04, my wife was driving the car in the HOV lane when the rear axel locked up. The vehicle began to skid and black smoke was coming out of the vehicle. Thru the grace of God my wife maneuvered the vehicle without having a rear-end collision. In the vehicle w/ my wife was my two boys (3 and 1 mth) and mother-in-law. BEWARE! Fords not telling purchasers of this KNOWN defect.

  • Never Had A More Reliable Vehicle... - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I have owned and driven anything from a Hummer H2 to a Ford Escape, to an Acura MDX and I praise Fords engineers for the work put into this SUV. I own a 2003 Mountaineer Premier AWD V8 with stock GoodYear Fortera HL tires and this truck performs incredibly. I have a heavy foot and the 4.6L V8 suits my every need. I own a 21 foot boat and the towing abilities are great! Also, being in NC means I enjoy the Outer Banks where I regularly take to the sandy beaches and have NEVER gotten stuck. Even without the Explorers AdvanceTrac traction control, the Mountaineers full-time All Wheel Drive performs admirably in virtually any situation. I simply love this truck... 200000+ miles and no issues!!

  • Best SUV Ever Driver - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    The style is prestigous and properous looking - I do not have money but this vehicle makes me feel like do. Peolpe stop and stare at my Mountaineer. It gets good gas mileage, the DVD player makes my kids and friends feel like theyre at the movies. The AWD hugs the road and provided safety in the recent ice storm. There has been no mechanical problems with this vehicle. Forget the expensive imports, we have a great value in the Mountaineer.

  • Premier V8 Review - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I purchased this suv 3 months ago and have been very pleased with my purchase.

  • Wonderful SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I purchased this just before Christmas and there wasnt any snow yet. But, last weekend we had a bunch of snow and it handled great! Fun to drive, and it holds a lot of people, too. Great and fun car! We love it!!

  • 2003 Convenience V-8 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Bought Dec 31, 2003, got a great deal on it! It was the last 2003 on the lot, 4WD just in time for winter!! Love the commanding view of the road, versatility of passengers & cargo, use it to haul my DJ equipment, it all fits!!! Handles much better than a "truck", rides firm but comfortable, handles well foe such a high center of gravity. Note: I finally replaced the OEM Goodyear Eagle LS with some Bridgestone Dueler Alenza H/L tires, the vehicle has been transformed. It now rides & handles almost on par with my 2003 Sable. Steering feel & response is now superb!!! Did have some recalls, on the rear glass hardware & the rear axle, starter, battery, rear shocks replaced.

  • Mountaineer, bad transmission, good looker - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I thought this would be the perfect vehicle. But two transmissions in 2 years at $1500 dollars and wheel bearings in less than a year was a little too much. The air conditioner shows no results on leakage testing, but it was filled 2 times a year, it would be freezing then high points on vents would be cold and lower vent warm. Ford could not find what the problem was, but suggested another Mountianeer because this was a used purchase. Another problem was the transmission stick is located on the bottom and will require a special instrument to check fluid level. bad idea.

  • What a Great Buy!! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I looked at many of the midsize SUVs, and the MM won hands-down. Styling, build quality and performance were all as good or better as anything else in its class. The fact that I got mine for $24k brand new didnt hurt either. Fuel economy is not nearly as bad as I had expected; Im getting 19mpg in combined city/highway driving.

  • A Great Ride. - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I have been very pleased with the ride, handling and performance of my Mountaineer, for an SUV. Fuel economy is great for the class of SUV it is in. I routinely get 19-21 MPG highway. My only gripe at all was with the design of the rear storage compartment. It should be able to go flat and not be on a slant. Aside from that minor beef it has given me 36K miles of outstanding service.

  • mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    good options for the price with a v-8

Mercury Mountaineer Reviews By Year:
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