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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  Mountaineer Fan - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By D Webb - February 19 - 3:40 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over five years and it is one of the best cars I have ever had. The worse problem was a noisy alternator. Other than that just the normal brake, battery, and such replacements have been required. I would buy another except for the gas mileage issue and somewhat harsh ride quality.

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  One great SUV - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Harry Marks - February 3 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Mountaineer last March. For me this has been one fantastic vehicle. My average gas mileage was around 18.5mpg in combined driving and 25 on the open highway with three adults. The optional steering wheel controls for the radio, fan, and cruise were fantastic. I never needed to take my eyes off the road to make adjustments. The optional 3rd row seating came in handy on more than one occasion and were easy to operate. The only thing I did not like were the gaps in the cargo area when the 3rd row seats were stowed. I frequently haul a set of timpani (kettle drums) and the wheels wanted to fall in the cracks. Other than that, I love the vehicle.

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  The Best Vehicle America Ever - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Teresa - January 30 - 9:13 am

  We purchased this vehicle when my husband came back from iraq. Our first suv and it is the best. We get great gas mileage it is spacious and very roomy. We were looking for that. We test drove somany suvs and this one drove smoothly. We especially love the heated seat. This is a vehicle america needs to take adavntage of!

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  Overall Standings - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kinipela 2301 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My overall opinion of the vechicle is that not only does it allow you to carry a lot of people or equipment, but it ride just like a car. Starting off with small car, and moving to a mountainneris a step thatI would get to at some point in my life and I did. I would always have a mountainner, a car that I love, and have the feeling of being safe and looking good in it is something sacred. For the first time after have the suv for 3 months I was actually not driving it, but I experienced a ride in the far back seat as a family member was driving and now I always want to sit back there. Its comfortable spacious and separate.

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  They just keep getting better - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By davdor - January 9 - 3:56 pm

  This is my fourth Mountaineer and there are significant improvements since 2005. The V8 is smooth and quiet, and the ride is much smoother. There is very little road noise and the body appears to be stiffer. A consuner magazine claims the Mountaineer has above average mechanical problems, but I have never had even one.

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  big Ds Merc - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bigdaddy@localnet.co - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The handling and get up is great. The fuel mileage isnt so good. Lots of blind spots because I have the seat all the way back when I drive. Very comfortable on long trips. Good stock sound system. 3rd row seating is cramped for adults. The computer area is hard to see.

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  Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Brede - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the feel I have when driving this vehicle...just want to keep it washed and clean all the time. Sound is great. It turns heads.

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  The best by far - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jcio - January 2 - 4:00 pm

  I bought my Mountaineer used in 2003. It has now reached 222000 miles and I just had it inspected. Needed a few spark plugs but that was it. I asked if the engine and transmission were ok and the mechanic said they were. I love this car. I am looking for another used suv, not because anything is wrong with the mountaineer, Im just getting worried about mileage. But, I wont be selling it. It will take my daughter to school when she starts driving. They are hard to find used because everyone hangs on to them. This is the best vehicle I ever owned.

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  Mercury Mountaineer: Great SUV - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Kevin Mountain - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. Smooth handling, superior performance, little noise in cabin, only complaint is poor fuel economy relative to other SUVs. Feels solid on the road and very comfortable.

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  One Great SUV - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jtaylor644 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  A very tight vehicle. Rides great and handles well. The turning radius isnt something I thought I would care about - - until you make a "U" turn, the vehicle turns a very tight circle. I drove a friends V6 Explorer, if youre power hungry, spend the money and get the V8 (robust and very smooth). A little loud on accleration, but hey, its an SUV. This vehicle has plenty of room, the third seat comes in handy for the across town trips (I wouldnt recommend it for long hauls). We purchased the luxury version with power everything, the memory seat are a plus. If youre in the market for mid size SUV, consider this one.