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:

• 

  Mercury has one Awesome SUV - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Kyle - April 5 - 5:46 pm

  My new 07 Mercury Mountaineer is awesome it has a killer sound system super smooth ride and a easy to use Nav System and the V8 Engine can beat just about anything you want it to its really cool i love the design and the colors look great Dark Cherry and Light Tan Leather the Mountaineer has it all and at a price you can afford and it has plenty of passenger space and cargo room and the 18 in chrome rims look great with the dark paint and the rear park asst is a great feature and the interior quality looks great and so does everything else and i never would have thought that when i was 26 i would own a Mercury but they have some really cool cars u should check em out u might like what u see..

• 

  jasmin Review - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jasmin2002 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The only problems I can report are 1. Transmission clunks into gear 2. When very very cold the heater doesnt come on for some time (i.e. 10 to 15 minutes)

• 

  Best EVER - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By navygrl183 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Out of all the SUVs-this is the one to have! It is excellent inside and out. You cant go wrong with a Ford made SUV. Better than another SUV around. If you are looking for an SUV that closely resembles the Lincoln Navigator or the Aviator, but you dont want to spend that much money-then this is the SUV for you! Look no further!

• 

  My Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dhalliburton - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mountaineer. It fits me to the T. I wished all SUVs got better gas mileage but what do you expect? My children like it too. As a matter of fact, my son picked it out. Thanks Mercury.

• 

  What a machine - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By styleguy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have a AWD Mountanier. What a vehicle! Great in any type of weather. You can not spin a tire. The vehicle has run flawlessly and only had a few minor repairs. The gas mileage does suffer a little, but you got to pay to play. The air conditioner will freeze you out on the hotest days, and pulls a trailer just fine. I think I will keep mine a while longer, I cant find anything that I like as much for a replacement. I Never thought I would like a Ford.

• 

  06 merc mountaineer - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By haf61 - March 11 - 9:10 am

  Bought my 06 mountaineer after driving most all competetors, including mercedes, acura, and saab, and land rover. Mountaineer outperformed them all and had the largest cargo area, most comfort and inexpensive price.

• 

  A lot of plusses, two big minuses - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mark - March 5 - 10:50 am

  My Mountaineer is the basic design with the V-8. No other frills. Fun to drive. Excellent smooth ride. Great stereo. Nice and dependable A/C. In all a great car to take the long distance as I have driven about 155K miles - mostly highway. Two big minuses: Transmission and rear axle. The right rear axle losing its fluid and freezing up could be chalked up to back luck. However, the bad transmission is a systemic problem for most of these Mercs. The local transmission mechanic told me this. One would be lucky to get in 50K miles. Mine started going bad around 40K, but not bad enough to use the drivetrain warranty - according to the dealer.

• 

  Best New Car Ever - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By pfoxcroft - March 2 - 1:33 pm

  I have owned Mercedes, Bmw, Acura etc. This is the best vehicle I have bought. No problems .Extremely quiet. Magnificent transmission. 21 mpg at 70 mph.Loaded with features . American cars are back. Why pay more for a funny looking more expensive smaller import? Have you driven a ford lately? Do your self a favor.

• 

  An average vehicle - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jhood1590 - March 1 - 10:03 am

  This is my second mountaineer, I bought it brand new and got a deal because the mercury dealership was going out of business. The interior quality has decreases dramatically from the 2002 model I previously drove. It looks nice inside, just cheaply quality. Navigation makes it look very nice, and is very functional. Sound system is great. Exterior quality is OK. The paint has always been excellent on Fords, but the rims are a real problem. I dont recommend the polished aluminum rims. They have a terrible protective coat and a week of salt will destroy them. Ford customer service has always been awful, but the vehicles are a pretty good deal.

• 

  Nice Looking Nightmare - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Angela - February 28 - 7:20 am

  In looks and comfort, this is a great vehicle. Repairs have been plenty. Had all 4 wheel bearings replaced at 80k miles, then front differential, rear differential seals, driveshaft and transfer case all replaced at 90k miles. At 107k miles, it is back in the shop for new front differential and transfer case. This truck is a money pit and will be used in helping me to buy my new Toyota. It is comfortable though but that doesnt help me if I cant drive it anywhere.