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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  Disappointment - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By John - December 5 - 6:10 am

  I have owned a 1995 Explorer and a 2000 Mountaineer. The 2006 is not an improvement but a huge disappointment. The ride is not good, very stiff! Even my 8 year old says his rear hurts after only 15 minutes. The transmission shifts hard and you feel it. There is very noticable jerky feel to the ride when at a steady mph. The 3rd row seats have a hole in them from the metal brackets when the seat is folded. Rear visiblity is very poor due to the headrest not going all the way down to the seat on the 2nd and 3rd row. I wish I kept my 2000 Mountaineer!

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  Transmission is Terrible! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By sucker - November 22 - 2:53 am

  I love this SUVs design and ride. I HATE THE TRANSMISSION! Ive had it in the shop numerous times with transmission issues - bad sensors, replaced parts, etc etc. Now it shudders when shifting into overdrive and has started to shift hard when in first gear or going into reverse. Guess what? Just told by delearship that I need a new transmission! Ive had 3 Fords/Mercurys over the years and 3 Fords/Mercurys with transmission problems. I wont be a buy of theirs again. FIX YOUR PROBLEM FORD!!!

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  Very Nice - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Shari - November 21 - 7:20 am

  Love the car--bought it brand new in 2007 with only 200 miles on it. Ride is great, kids love the extras. Retractable step bars are great in winter--they dont collect snow.

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  Some what Dissapointed in NY - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jose Orona - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I presently own a 2004 model purchased 4 weeks ago.I had a problem with the throttle body control that caused the car to shut down with Me and My family that includes My two year old daughter,and My eight year old nephew at 11:45PM, at night, on the Saw Mill River PKWY,in 40 degree weather.The road side assistance was horrible and left Us to fend for ourselves, to make it home back to Brooklyn 60 miles away.To top it off I had to pay for the tow, since they only covered 35 miles or nearest dealer.This is MY second Mercury product and it will be MY LAST.

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  Used to have a chevy blazer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By skipp98984 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Driving this SUV is much better then the old chevy blazer, very roomy inside cabin, better gas milage then expected, even going from a V6 to the nice 4.6 V8. Great pickup, cant wait for the snow! Smooth ride, would like to take it off road, but the paint is still way too nice! Great build, check out the undercarrage.

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  Transmission Probs--Beware - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mrs. C - November 3 - 6:56 am

  After having owned my 06 Mountaineer with all the extras for a year--this is what has happened. Been in the shop three times now for the transmission slips--they keep changing the computer settings (so they say). Had to have master cylinder replaced at 10,000 miles (Ford cannot answer why it went bad). Now the motor has gone on the running boards. Yes, they are all warrantied problems--but a pain in the butt to get to the service center all the time.

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  The Hot Moms Minivan - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Nicole - October 25 - 12:36 pm

  I see it as a womans truck. It holds the kids, the gear and tows the boat. For camping we set up the tent as a storage closet and sleep in the truck. I love the rear controls, they come in handy to teach the kids how to work the radio and for the nights sleeping in the back, the temp and radio are at my fingertips. Looks nice, handles awesome, and is very fun to drive. It is a TANK in the rain. I have the V8, so it uses gas, but it is an SUV. Its a classy Explorer with lots of little added features that make it more luxurious.

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  2002 mercury mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By papapochi - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle june 2001 and until now reliability has been very good.I recommend this vehicle to other consumers.

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  Our 4th Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By michele - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Serious vehicle. The 2004 has been completely re-styled and is better than ever. Top-quality look and feel. Great for families or sport enthusiasts - lots of room.

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  2007 Mercury Mountaineer V8 AWD Premier - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Hinrich - October 17 - 4:00 am

  This is our 5th Mountaineer and not the best we had. Quite a few problems within the first 14,000 miles (check engine light on, 6-speed transmission shifting abrupt, airbag light on, bad body panel and door fit, rust on some body parts) required multiple dealer visits. The engine is powerful and more refined compared to the 2004 model we drove before. Gas mileage is bad, get about 14 MPG in mixed driving. Truck is comfortable except for a choppy ride over short bumps. Interior comfort is good with lots of space (Im 66" tall). Quality of some interior materials a step back from 2004 model.