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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jms review - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By billsRockAlot - December 13 - 10:00 am -
Great Car Terrible Dealership - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
By Bobby Baddeal - December 10 - 2:00 amThe overall look and performance is top notch. Premier package has everything that Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and Acura have at a fraction of the price. Add rear seat entertainment system and you have a vehicle the whole family will enjoy.
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What an improvement ! GES - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By GES - December 7 - 10:00 amJust traded in my 1998 Mountaneer V8 AWD, and the improvement in ride and on the road feel is immense. I even notice a slight increase in the interior width of the vehicle.The Body style is a knockout. I do believe that I notice a very slight improvement in Gas mileage over the 1998. It could just be my imagination because I like this one so much better.
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The Best I Ever Had - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
By Trevor - December 7 - 6:50 amI have owned my Mountaineer for two years and NOT ONCE have I had a problem with it, other than the MACH radio screen going out, and that was quite minor. Mine is the Monterey edition (equivalent to Eddie Bauer edition of the Explorer). It has AMAZING acceleration, and gets decent gas mileage on the hwy, but not so much in the city. I plan to drive mine until the wheels fall off. Ive had a Nissan coupe and a Chevy Blazer, and this is BY FAR the best of the best. Contact me if you want to know anything about it.
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Bortz Review - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By Bortz - December 5 - 2:00 amI was pleasantly surprised as to the ride, comfort and feel! I especially like all the special features that come standard with the Mountaineer! Most of all I am very surprised how quick this SUV is... Very impressed with its accerleration. My disappointments thus far are with the poor gas mileage and with all the rattles the interier has. The workmanship is not as good as I had hoped. Overall, I am very happy with this SUV.
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AWD Transmission leak? - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By emil schmultz - November 29 - 10:00 amGreat vehicle, new rear suspension handles well, have had occasion to seat 6 or 7 passengers, all comfortable. Plenty of space for cargo, and we traded a T&C, but still satisfied. This is the wifes car, who really appreciates the height & forward view. Her favorite features are the back-up alarm and heated leather seats. Im happy she liked a real truck, not a blown up wagon. Plenty of towing iron beautifully hidden behind rear bumper.
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Transmission problems - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By krose - November 21 - 12:43 pmWe have 2 and they are nothing but trouble. Transmission on both clunked so bad you had to look in the mirror to see if there were parts on the road. Dealer said it was computer calibration, but that did not totally fix the problem. Not the dealers fault, they received no technical bulletins from Mercury. Also we dislike the third row seat. Only small children could fit there. The seat doesnt fold down flat and should be optional.
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Kogt - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
By Larry OConnell - November 15 - 12:50 pmI have owned the SUV for 6 months and love it. I am more impressed with it the more I drive it. Mileage is an honest 13 mpg in heavy city driving and getting slightly better as it gets miles. The mileage on the road is where it really shines, it is easy to get 19-22+ mph on the open road. Combined mileage has been a solid 16+ mpg for our type of driving. I love the performance of the V8 and the 6 speed is able to find the right gear when needed. The SUV is solid, quiet,and fun to drive. We own a 2000 Mustang GT 5 speed that we love and I am shocked that I find my self wanting to take the Mountaineer on trips where the road is twisty. The Mountaineer really handles nice, and just feels right.
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Very Satisfied - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
By Vic - November 13 - 12:40 pmThis is the third SUV I have owned and am very satisfied with its ride and reliability. I cant say enough good things about this vechicle. I would definitely recommend it!
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I loved it so much I bought another one! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By TiminCleveland - November 12 - 2:00 amMy wife and I had always had minivans and thought we would try an SUV. We loved the Mountaineer. We bought a black Premier V8. We started posturing on who would drive it so I said to hell with it and bought her a pearl white Premier V8. The ride, room and comfort is great. The gas MPG could be better but oh well.
