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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  Cant Complain... - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By PlainJoe - May 25 - 5:43 pm

  Got this used with 25000 miles, now has 55000 miles. At first, I expected trouble but the car gave me none. Has not been to the dealer. CANT COMPLAIN. Im really happy with the performance. Does really well in NJ snow.

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  Poor design - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lucky - May 21 - 9:20 am

  From reading reviews I guess I am lucky. I have a 2002 Mountaineer purchased new with about 77000 miles right now. The rear suspension rotted out on it 500.00 to repair, and now the ignition cylinder fell apart. 101.00 labor at the dealer and 100.00 for the part.About one hour labor. I am 62 years old and will be buying another new vehicle this year, but not a ford product. Toyota always has some vehicles in car and driver american made list. Which is why I did just purchase a new Toyota Tundra and will probably buy a Toyota car of some model.

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  My First SUV too - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Paul C. - May 20 - 5:06 pm

  Wow, I was looking into a loaded Eddie Bauer and could not get the options that I was able to get with this 2006 Mountaineer. I have every option except the Quad seat (have three kids) and the DVD Family Ent. Center (no jacks for games). I was able to get "A" Plan plus extra incentives for owning a 1999 Sable (almost $4600.00 off), I could not be happier. This model year on the inside is a big improvement over 2005. The ride is quiet and relaxing.

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  Best Car I ever owned - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bondianwolf - May 18 - 6:04 am

  I have owned Fords; Mercurys; Oldsmobile; Pontiac; Mazda; and a Mercedes. For the longest time the best car I owned was a 1987 Ford EXP. Yeah it was a tarted up 2 seater escort. But it was fun; practical and it never broke. Then I bought this 1997 mountaineer used (I am the second owner). The reason it is the best is because I got it dirt cheap and (after owning it a while) I recently drove it 4000 miles in blistering heat. At one point my wife and I were crossing the desert in 118 degree heat with the air conditioner running. Neither of us could believe the car didnt explode. It ran like a champ. All repairs have been minor and its easy and cheap to fix. Ford trucks r awesome

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  Love this SUV - Bad Gas Mileage! - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Petnannyz - May 15 - 7:20 am

  I bought this SUV used in Nov 2007 with about 18,000 miles for $17,900 and got an awesome prices. It is fully loaded and has the extra two seats in the back too. Have driven it now for 29 months through summers & New England weather. It does shift a little rough at times and has gotten stuck in Park but there was a recall for that so dealership will fix that for free. Love the AWD and how you can lock in the 4WD - pretty easy to do once you figure out the buttons. Love the extra two seats in the way back and they fold up & down so easy! Love my heated seats too; wouldnt get one with out them. Not too pleased with the speaker sound, sounds tinny to me. But otherwise love this SUV.

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  its OK - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By frank rachowicz - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Runs good, no real problems. Just rides like a truck. Should have waited one more year.

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  Terrible Transmission - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mark - May 5 - 1:03 am

  Mostly a very nice SUV. Many good qualities. As others have said, the transmission is a major concern and problem. Between 3500 and 8500 miles the transmission began shifting harsh between 1/2 gears. It was so harsh it felt like I was being bumped from behind nearly every time I was about to stop. Now after 21000 miles Ford has yet to find a fix, and refuses to acknowledge that this is a serious problem. Another "fix" is promised in the future, but this usually is a computer program download that solves the problem for a month or two. Be warned and stay clear of this model used or new until Ford can actually fix their new 6 speed electronic transmission.

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  Solid - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Chris - April 28 - 11:13 am

  Was looking for a 7 seater explorer of that age, stumbled upon the prettier sister vehicle at a dealership. Ours has been a solid, comfortable, trouble free vehicle. Looks nice, too. 22-23 mpg highway; decent for a heavy vehicle. Unfortunately I have had to have the rear bumper repainted twice; once was my fault (garage incident) and another parking lot incident. Goes like a tank in the snow (AWD). The downside to having such a nice SUV is that you cant really do the "utility" thing like you mean it. But at least it has more cajones than a minivan.

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  Great Vacation Vehicle - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By John - April 27 - 1:06 pm

  My wife and I bought this vehicle in March 06 with a sign and drive lease deal. We have had no problems at all. We have driven to California and Washington State from Ohio. We had 22 MPG on the highway until we got the the Mountains but overall average 19.5 MPG for the trip. It had good power in the Mountains even as a V6. Kids like the DVD entertainment package however that is the only time we have used it. Excellent vacation vehicle with plenty of storage.

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  Minor problems but quite satisfied - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By ER in SoCal - April 20 - 10:00 am

  bought the suv in 9/01 for the wife and new baby its very comfortable but handles light on its feet making the wife very happy (she had a sports car) ave mpg for suv great stereo and very nice on long trips ave power from v6 but no trouble passing on SoCal freeways great brakes have 30k and tires still at least 50% a little noisy at times but not really an issue with kids really have enjoyed owning this one weird problems 1.peeling paint on roof and roof rack 2.seat cushion got funny bulge 3.leaky moon roof all problems fixed by local dealership under warranty