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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  02 Mountaineer nicely re-designed - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MarkR - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive only driven my Mountaineer about 4,000 miles so far. Design wise its a heck of a lot better vehicle than my old 94 Explorer. The more I look at the outside, the more pretentious it strikes me. Still... Ive received alot of compliments on its looks. It handles great and has alot of those handy little storage spaces. I was a little nervous about going from 4WD to AWD but the thing was great in the snows of Vermont. It does occasionally knock slightly on regular gas but it seems like a good strong engine for a 6 cylinder. Overall Im very happy with it.

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  Premier V8 w/2WD - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By J. Lowell - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Currently have 3000 miles with no serious issues at all. Vehicle is very quiet riding and very good acceleration. The memory seats are very convenient as is the automatic exit positioning of the seat. There is one problem with the sunroom. At lower speeds ~ 20MPH, there is excessive pressure build up in the passenger compartment without any side windows down. Lowering a window or closing the sunroof to 1/2 eliminates the pressure. Overall, I really like this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone.

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  LOVE My Mountaineer!! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Darlala - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Its a 10! WIll buy this SUV again!

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  2001 Mercury Mountaineer - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Robert Zell - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Having owned this for 6 months now, Im very satisfied with the SUVs performance and quality. The only drawback has been the gas mileage which is extremely bad (5.0 liter engine and AWD). The overall ride comfort is good even though you should expect that this will ride like a truck....because essentially, it is. Cargo room is sufficient for most needs and the leg room between seats is satisfactory. The climate control feature works perfectly and in this particular model, the rear seat area can even control the climate. The one question most folks want to know following a review is usually, "would you buy it again"? My answer: most definitely.

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  Montaineer 2006 SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Lou Gayoso - August 3 - 5:30 am

  Love this SUV, which is my first SUV vehicle. I have been a passenger in several luxurious suv;s. this one is special, Mercury has a winnier competing against foriengn suvs; I have driven this suv on highways and city traffic, both of these esperiences were wonderful comfortable rides. I love the handling, especially, the six cylinder which has enough power and gas savings for my taste. Although, gas is an issue these days, the Mountaineeer you can live with and its reults of gas mileage - remember you are driving a truck - that is certainly a surpise and im pleased that i own a Mercury Mountaineer. Linclon vehicles are luxurious an American product you can be proud of. Buy One!!

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  Miserable SUV - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dencal26 - July 30 - 4:19 pm

  Transmission went at 51K. Bearings, Rotors warped, Calipers froze. Now the rear makes noise and at 91K I need a transfer case because it leaks and makes steering difficult. Never again will I buy a Ford.

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  great veh. except beware - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By boogieman - July 29 - 2:00 am

  everything is perfect except the starter motor. at 60,000 i have had to replace the starter motor twice.

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Scoops - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck after looking at several others (Highlander,Jeep,Pathfinder and Land Rover). I dont know what I was thinking by waisting my time test driving them. I LOVE MY TRUCK !! From the moment I got in it I felt safe and secure. Very comfortable and everything is right at your finger tips. Love how it turns heads and all of the toys. Benson Lincoln Mercury in Pittsburgh Pa was great. I got a great price and a quality vehicle.

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  MOUNTAINEER - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By excels - July 5 - 10:00 am

  this is the second mountaineer i have purchased it has proven to be reliable with good quality comfort is good and i love its design fuel economy is good for suv

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  I wish Ida had a V8 - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jefferyg - July 4 - 11:46 pm

  The Mountaineer is a great vehicle for taking long leisurely trips. We usually get about 21 mpg on the highway and have gotten as good as 23. However, it is impractical as a day in/day out grocery getter. We get only 14.5 mpg around town with the V6. I believe the V8 would have done just as well. Other than that it is a great SUV. Its quiet, comfortable, and my wife loves it.