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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  My Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LScerbo - February 11 - 10:00 am

  One of the few vehicles that Ive bought which had so many things included in the base price...leather seating, 7 passenger seating, coded keyless entry, etc. I love this car!

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  Surprise - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mona - February 10 - 3:56 am

  After 2 months of agonizing over which vehicle to buy I finally decided on the Mountaineer. I gave serious consideration to the Toyota 4Runner but overall the Mountaineer won me over. This vehicle has auto lights and a few other things that only the limited 4Runner is equipped with. The 4Runner is also overpriced IMHO. I also had a really hard time getting comfortable in the 4Runner. I always felt like I was facing downward; it was a weird perspective so I finally gave up on it. I love the way this truck rides. Very powerful for a V6 and not as noisy as the 8. Very pleased overall although I do not like the interior door handle, just too awkward to grasp.

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  Needs Quality - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Davidio - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Great power and style in this 99. Just bought with 32,000 miles/. Some rattles in center console and glove box area. Working on trying to tighten up a bit. Hard ride-like truck. Heavy duty feel is great. American built cars/SUVs still need quality workmenship-concerned after reading several revues. After so many years of building vehicles, we still cannot master the basics-rattles, electrical problems, etc. should be a thing of the past. Hoping this one is a keeper!

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  Love It !!!! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mckerchie23 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  It is a graet SUV. Many people compare it to the explorer, I had an explorer before my Mountaineer and the Mountaineer hands on is ten time better than the explorer and well worth the extra money

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  2nd Mountaineer and better then ever.. - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Frank46 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  You have to drive it to believe it. Quiet at highway speeds, handles very well, plenty of gadgets and things to make this our best Mountaineer yet! We looked at the Aviator .. no match. Explorer .. not quite as well appointed. Mountaineer is THE SUV of choice and will continue with us as the vehicle we prefer. Well done Mercury!

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  Love My Mountaineer - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Joe - January 9 - 6:03 am

  This is my second Mountaineer, I just traded in my 2000. The Convenience package with the special edition 17" Chrome rims is a real head turner. The V8 really has some kick to it, great off the line power and smooth overall output. For the price, this is an awesome SUV.

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  Better Than Explorer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By daryll44 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  We have an 03 that we bot in Sept, 2002, loaded. A great improvement over the 3 Explorers we had during the 90s. The quality has been excellent! Almost went Toyota after all of our 99 Explorers problems. We now have about 25000 miles on it and there has not been one defect. Easier to drive than old Explorers... a little more "squat". Less bounce and easier/lower entry for my wife Two complaints. Major: the so-called leather seats. The drivers seat is clearly beat up at 25K mi and will certainly reqire sheepskin covers at 50-75K. Minor:the rear window should have a more solid closing mechanism. But other than that, its been great.

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  lvc - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lvcollins - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I love the mountaineer. Its comfortable and has a smooth ride. The only problem that Ive experienced is that the car wants to stall out in either cold or warm weather. The engine begins to rev up, the car lunges forward repeatedly,then proceeds to stall when I decelerate upon approaching a stop sign/light or into a turn. Eventually I have to put the car into park and give it a little gas to stop the revving. Its an intermmitent problem occuring a few times a month. I have had it looked at twice and they cant seem to find the problem. Today it is in the shop for an oil change, hopefully they can correct the problem.

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  little problems - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By roack1 - December 24 - 1:03 am

  This is my 3rd mountaineer, and on all 3 the windows froze and wouldnt thaw till driven 15 min w/defrost hi. Wipers also a problem-froze up quickly. 2001&2004 check tire pressurelite always came on even when pressure was ok.I love the OD on/off-I do a lot of just riding in the mtns. Never been a problem w/ control in heavy snow-I can get right thru snowbanks when Im plowed in. I guess I love it if I have had 3 mountaineers since 1998.

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  Bought mine in 2012 - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bondianwolf - December 5 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my 1997 Mountaineer in 2012 with 155,000 miles. I am the third owner. Did some minor DIY fixes and the thing just keeps shining. It shifts a little hard. And I did some work on the cooling system after driving it across country in summertime heat. But overall very happy. I luv the strong motor. 2WD but performs well in snow and Ive even taken it off-roading and been impressed. Comfortable interior. Surprisingly durable. Easy to find parts at any junk yard. Ford got this one right. They are a leader in truck sales and I understand why now.