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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  Best 3rd row seat SUV for the price - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Dwayne Perkins - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Although it is an upgraded Explorer, the price of a loaded Mountaineer is actually cheaper than a loaded Explorer Limited and still has more features. I like the way it looks, drives, and the interior comfort. It handles great for an SUV and the performance is excellet. I hit every dealership in Hampton roads and looked at every SUV with 3rd row seating. I also researced every one on the internet for features and pricing. This vehicle is the best for the price.

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  Gas Hog - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jacko - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Fords powertrains are much inferior to GM. I would have bought the Encore with a better powertrain and fuel economy except for the features. I like to have the 3rd row seat without the half mile extension on the GM SUVs. However, this truck can pull my boat without any issues. Overall I like it better than GM. I just wish it got better fuel economy.

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  Great SUV, but bad transmission - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gldnbr2 - July 27 - 2:36 pm

  The Mountaineer is a solid SUV with many good qualities. Its somewhat quiet inside and doesnt have any rattles after 22,000 miles. The AWD is excellent in poor weather conditions. The inside door handles (which are lacking for the most part) are very poorly located and difficult to use. They improved this design in 2007. The worst part of this vehicle is the transmission. It began slipping and hesitating at 4000 miles, then it got worse. At around 8000 miles it started to slam into 1st gear from 2nd gear when stopping. Feels like somebody hit me from behind. Now after 22,000 miles, Ford has yet to find a fix for this very annoying problem. I know others are having the same problem.

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  I love my Mountaineer - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Totally Satisfied - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased one of the few 2000 models with a V-6. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I now have over 90K miles on my vehicle with no problems. I have pulled a trailer a lot and done a lot of city driving on a regular basis and this vehicle has always exceeded my expectations. Way to go Mercury.

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  The Best - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Phoenix - July 22 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle does its job better than any vehicle I had previously. I am able to haul anything and everything that I need as a musician with no complications. The performance is the best I have ever seen. My godfather is looking to get the same vehicle, just not the same year. The only flaw it has is the back applica on the liftgate. The quality of the material is shabby. It cracks on its own within the center of the applica around the emblem. Other than that, the vehicle is an excellent vehicle to have.

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  great truck - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By aficionado - July 4 - 2:00 am

  great design, functional interior, nice options, great power, good stereo, nice 17s and great grip from the tires, feels well built, overall would recomend this over explorer and any other suv in the price range

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  Best Used SUV Value. - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By T-Bare - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The 99 Mountaineer is a great all around SUV. It is great for the Michigan winters and very comfortable to drive. I average 15-17 mpg in the city. I realized an impressive 24 mpg on a 19 hour straight thru trip to Tampa, Fla. I bought the vehicle 3 years old with 35,000 miles on it and truly believe it will outlast my 5 year financing.

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  Step Up - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jose Romero - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Vastly improved Suv. Traded 01 Mounttaineer. Independant suspension,smother acceleration, all the way thourgh the band, more horsepower, roomier, great towing capacity, I could go on & on. Mercury really did it right. Well thought out with great safety features. Bang for buck, Big Bang!

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  Mountie Rules!! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By levismith - June 13 - 5:56 am

  I absolutely love my Mountaineer. Beautiful, solid, great build quality. My V6 is very smooth and gets 23mpg on the highway. For the price, it is absolutely unbeatable!

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  cold feet - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By C - June 10 - 3:16 pm

  the only bad feature that I have found is that the air conditioning vents on the front floor do not turn off even though the controls indicate that they do. I asked the dealer about this and they told me that they contacted Ford and that this is normal. That there is no way to turn off the air comming out of the bottom vents. This is a problem for women that are wearing shorts with sandles on. It is to cold on their feet.