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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  You get what you pay for - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Louis - July 2 - 6:00 am

  Great all around visibility. Smooth ride at all speeds. Mileage is mid-range but true to advertised mpg. Controls are easy to reach while maintaining attention to the road. Previously owned 2002 Explorer and this has a smoother ride.

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  Good SUV for more room, but bad MPGs - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Manuel J Mathew Jr - June 29 - 7:23 am

  We bought this vehicle primarily for our budding family. It has been to FL twice from VA, and has performed in the mountainous dirt roads of AR as well. It is a good SUV all around, and hasnt let us down as yet. This is not an SUV to buy if you are interested in great gas mileage however. We had some problems with the clear coat, but were rectified by the dealer, that is all.

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  1999 Mountaineer - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By zcar690 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This has been an outstanding vehicle. I have never bee nmuch of a Ford/Mercury fan but I will be buying another Mountaineer. Unfortunately this vehicle has been in several accidents, but It has saved the lives of my family due to its sturdy construction. It is a bit of a gas hog but its safety and reliability have made it worth the additional cost of fuel.

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  enjoyed my mountaineer - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By foodguy - June 5 - 10:00 am

  had the vehicle for 3 years and i am getting another this weekend. service was great, had a few minor problems that were rectified at once. dealer was great with service and working with. looking forward to another 3 years.

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  headache in disguise - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Terrell.le - June 2 - 3:00 pm

  i bought my 2002 mercury mountaineer used in January of 2009, Truck did good for 2 hours then the both the front wheel bearings went. Shortly after the dealership fixed this problems i was back in the shop again. The power steering pump went along with the rack and pinion. I have only purchased the mountaineer 2 weeks prior. I made it another month until the transmission blew out on my on the expressway. Took the dealership 10 days to rebuild my new transmission and it still shifts kinda funny. Now 5 months later and the front differential is beginning to go, thanks god for extended warranties! Word of advise for anyone buying this model, DONT! Save yourself the trouble!

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  The best SUV - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Wardo - May 31 - 4:06 pm

  This is the best SUV Ford ever built. I plan on keeping this thing forever. Great on and off road capability. The 5.0l V8 is one the best engines that ever came from Detroit. Its acceleration is very surprising in a vehicle of this size. The performance and off-road uprgrades are plentiful. Adding just a dual exhaust and a cold air intake makes this thing sound awesome. No problems yet and having AWD will hopefully stem some of the front end problems so associated with these vehicles.

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  Happy Mercury Driver - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By buggin - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehical for 3 months and have put about 8000 miles on it. I have driven it on gravel roads, dirt roads, and ofcourse paved roads. Have not haf the heart to go off roading yet but one of these days I will. The mountaineer has a smooth ride and a quiet cabin with easy access to all the buttons. Needs more cubby holes for junk. Easy access cup holders. Indash CD player is great. However, it lacks the ability to go backwards or back to the begining of the song at the wheel ( a bit nit picky I know). I really like the back up warning system never thought I would like it as much as I do.

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  2007 V6 Mountianeer - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rmb181 - May 25 - 1:03 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about a week and I am very pleased with it. My wife and I are expecting soon and feel that this vehicle will be more than enough. It has a smooth, quiet ride. Overall, we are very happy with this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone.

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  worth vechicle i ever purchsed - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By glenda gray - May 22 - 2:00 am

  ever since i have had this vechile it has been in and out of the shop.touble rattling in the motor, radio gone out, abs gone out, willnot stay started in the morning when its cold. it is the worse vechicle ive ever purchased. no one in the whole town like the suv. they hate they purchased it. it looks good and have great features but the motor is awful. and thats what really count. i think the worse thing is when you put it in the shop they cant even fix the problem.

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  Mountaineer is Solid - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By M. Fitzgerald - May 21 - 5:30 am

  Solid vehicle through and through. This has been everything and more that I could have wanted in an SUV. You MUST have a V8 though.