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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  Love this vehicle - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kuhny - November 11 - 4:00 pm

  I just purchased my 2001 Mountaineer about 2 months ago, and I love it. So far I love the 5.0 V8 lots of power, love the leather seats, power moonroof, the way it handles, and just the overall vehicle. Mine has 55,000 miles on it and sure there will be plenty more fun miles. Tows my trailer and family just fine. Downfalls are the display on radio (easy fix) and the gas mileage, but you are driving an AWD SUV. Gets about 15 in town and 20-22 mpg highway, still better than my Jimmy (and it was a V6). I am very satisfied with this vehicle so far, will buy another one when time.

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  Great American SUV - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By esch - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The SUV has a slight bit of wind noise that has been hard to find.

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  2000 Mercury Mountaineer Review - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Wildcat. - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun, reliable vehicle. Handles well. Comfortable and well-designed interior. Gas mileage average (17/23) for V8.

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  Got for a good price. So far so good! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By JackMaddy - October 17 - 12:00 pm

  Picked a Red Convenience up with all the bells and wistles. There are a few feature missing like rear motion detector and heated seats and DVD..but for the 24K i picked this AWD up for we love it. The 3rd row is not very practical..but we kinda knew that..it more of a nice option just incase you need to seat more people. Once in the 3rd row...its not too bad even for adults.it just getting back there that is the issue. However I think this is the case with most mid-sized SUVs. The mileage is not great..but cmon its an SUV what do you expect ;) I really love this car and glad we went with this instead of a Lame Toyota Sienna. Highly recommended..8.8 outta 10.

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  What a vehicle - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Very Pleased - September 26 - 8:00 pm

  This is an amazing vehicle. Ive had my Mountaineer for about 3 months, and Im always looking for a reason to take it out for a ride. If only gas price was a little cheaper. I feel in complete control when Im in it. I have driven a lot of cars and trucks but I have never driven a vehicle that handles this good.

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  Great Little Truck - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Rik - September 20 - 8:26 am

  After I addressed the mileage issue my changing to BFG Wranglers (my truck now gets 18-19 mpg) I now would drive it anywhere I need to go. I just got back from a family visit that took me from Jacksonville FL to Philadelphia and back, no problems. Mine currently has 134K and id parked next to my 93 explorer with 219K on its odometer. Lets hear it for Fords Truck division.

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  Love this SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jim - September 10 - 5:16 am

  Just picked it up the other day. It is everything they say. The ride, the look, just great. Recommend it to anyone.

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  Very pleased - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Smiling - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, has so many creature comforts, including 8 way power seats on both passenger and driver side. Feels solid and safe. Recommended

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  A great vehicle - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By iceout - August 29 - 1:20 pm

  This is truly a great SUV. It handles great is reliable and fun to drive but most important it is very versatile from carrying up to 7 passengers to haling a lot of stuff (84 cu.ft.) and I have done both. The high ground clearance makes back road travel a breeze without worry of going over a rock in the road doing damage.

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  A good Upgrade - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Larry Muse - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We owned a 1998 Explorer for 5 years and we were very pleased with it. When it came time for a trade, we thought about a Mountaineer. The third row seat was one of the reasons we wanted to trade, and being standard was a plus for me. The in-dash CD changer is nice, frees up a ton of space in the console. I also like the independant rear suspension. The ride of the new Mountaineer is much smoother than the Explorer that it replaced. I love AWD.