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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  This car saved my life - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By anned1993 - March 30 - 8:05 am

  Bought this car in 2002, my mother drove it for about 5-6 years and then she gave it to me (19 year old daughter) when I became old enough to drive. Shared it with my siblings on and off for two years. drove it everywhere, had about 110000 miles on it. Boyfriend was driving the car after a long day of hiking, I was in the passenger seat. He dosed off and swerved across the lane hit a fire hydrant that tore off the wheel and then hit a pole that sent us upside down. Airbags deployed on impact and we were wearing our seatbelts. We both walked away from the accident with 2 stitches each. If & when accidents do happen, you want a car that will keep you safe. I thank god for this car.

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  I wish I bought a Toyota instead - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Dai Nguyen - March 29 - 6:33 am

  Ive owned several import cars in the past (Honda and Toyota) and a friend talked me into this "mistake". needless to say were no longer friends anymore. This has been the single worst automobile I have ever owned! I have owned it for 3 months now and only been able for drive it for approximatly 3 1? 2 weeks. My fuel pump has gone out, the power window motors on both front door have been replaced, AND the transmission has blown up. Never..NEVER will I buy another domestic car as long as I live!

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  2nd Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nealc - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife has the identical vehicle as a 2002 model with no glitches at all (her previous car was a Honda CRV and we were a little wary on domestic vehicle quality). This one is a V-6 and its almost impossible to notice a performance difference. We live in flat Michigan--no real need for extra power. Comfortable, reliable and great in winter. Great safety ratings. Outstanding value.

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  Was nice - not now! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Cindy L. - March 11 - 7:33 am

  Looked for 2 years until we decided on the Mountaineer. Really liked it, took it on many long vacations, very comfortable to ride in and drive for hours on end. Now at 110,000 miles, its all over. Trans is difficult to get back into park, wheel bearings shot, running boards cracked, back hatch cracked right down the middle. I can only afford to drive this thing when absolutely necessary. Went out and bought a $1500 beater to get around in. Ford does not stand behind their product. Too many complaints out there about bad transmissions and bad wheel bearings. Ford should recall and fix these continual problems before someone gets killed.

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  Gotta Admit... - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Krys - March 9 - 4:36 am

  Even with the price of gas this SUV is fun to drive. I love the power and speed this truck brings and the "Two- Tone" paint is a nice custom-look touch. Everyone one around here seems to have one. Very popular truck.

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  Mercury Mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LJT - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the car and so far love it.. put almost 2000 miles on it the first week on a trip. Traveled with 3 other passengers and we all felt comfy. Third row seating is a plus for those times I need to pack more kids in, but dont put a big adult back there. Hidden storage in second row seating was nice discovery. As a former mini van mama, I find this car easy to get into with the running boards and easy to drive.

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  No Regrets - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BGustoff - March 1 - 2:10 pm

  I upgraded to SUV to accommodate third child, drive in winter on hills & use for outdoor activities. I have been pleased with the purchase. Seems solid and reliable. Only minor issues so far (rear wiper stopped working twice & digital display on radio goes crazy now and then). My gas mileage is lower than expected based upon other reviews, but I drive a lot of short distances with a lot of steep hills. I get about 10-12 in town, 18-20 on highway. But I did not expect much more from a V8 AWD. Other features are great and I have been generally quite pleased with the purchase.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By brian bigb - February 24 - 9:43 am

  I have had this suv since my jr. year of high school and had a great experience. I bought it with 82,000 and have 60,000 on it and have had no major problems, just an alternator. I am very rough on it and like to take it into the fields and muddy roads a couple times a year, never has gotten stuck yet! Its great for a trip or an evening out. I tow with it and have had no problems.

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  1997 Mercury Mountaineer - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Rink Rat - February 14 - 7:10 pm

  I have had the car for 7 years bought it in 2001 with 65K miles on it. Overall I have enjoyed the car, However over the last few years (130K + miles) have had lots of issues. Have had to replace ball joints, tie rods, idle arms on multiple occassions (I dont even go off road). Engine has too much weight over the front end, also had to replace 02 sensors yearly. Car is getting around 13 mpg and with gas prices edging closer & closer to $5.00 have come to the realization that its time to get rid of it. Car always started (did replace battery & alternator) and would consider the car as dependable just very costly to drive. Heater fan, AC compressor also need to be replaced.

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  TERRIFYING TO DRIVE - 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mercuryhater - February 11 - 4:31 pm

  Oh my god how could a car be so bad. Bought used in early 2011 with 34,000 miles around 65,000 miles it was leaking transmission fluid everywhere took it the best transmission mechanic in the area they sucked they charged us 3 grand for a rebuilt transmission.at 75,000 the trans started clunking when down shifting it was bad then the check engine light and a wrench (which means power train malfunction came on took it back it needs a new solenoid pack it was there for over a month not exaggerating a month took it home it did the same thing took it back and the solenoid was defective then replaced a rod in there too.In 2014 we traded for a beautiful Subaru Tribeca.