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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  Nice vehicle for the money - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Brooks Gardner - June 8 - 8:50 pm

  My wife and I love our 2002 Mountaineer. We also have a 1998 that is still in excellent condition. V8 in both with most extras on both. The 2002 has everything you would ever want. 2002 has great power and very smooth and quite ride. I only get to drive it when my wife is off work that day.

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  My Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Pookie - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is not only powerfull, but comfortable. It drives like a car, but has great visibility. It looks very good both inside and out and gives a smooth ride.

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  Ft. Myers - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Chip - May 29 - 11:36 pm

  It has been at the dealer 3 times for warranty work. The rearend went out at 12K miles. When you turn the steering wheel it makes a grinding noise, which the dealer says nothing is wrong. They cant fix it. I have owned Ford truck/SUVs for the past 10 years and never had any problems. My wife has had only Honda/Toyota products. I am going to sell it and put her back into either a Honda/Toyota product.

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  So glad I bought this one - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mddd - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I am a physician with 2 small girls very concerned about safety and comfort for 2 car seats. This SUV is perfect for us. The dealership did a great job making the sale throwing in all of the options including V-8, luggage rack and tow kit. We would have taken the back seat captains chairs but this is inconvenient with 2 car seats. The ride and handling is stable-- I feel comfortable and safe even during the worst storms in Texas. My only complaint is the gas mileage (about 13.5 MPG), but I love the computer features-- even tells you how many miles you have left to drive on your gas tank.

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  my review - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mgotimer - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Very good car, never unimpressed.

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  my review - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Alex - May 16 - 1:16 am

  i like it. it runs good and had plenty of room. folding 3rd row seat is great. fuel mileage isnt the best in town.

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  My Second Moutaineeer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By kcbillybob - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Mountaineer. My wife and I are very happy with this SUV, it is one of the best out on the market to drive, our 2002 on long trips got over 20 mpg, for the money the Mountaineer has it hands down....

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  runs long, dies HARD - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By drivenitall80 - May 2 - 5:14 am

  It was a pretty good truck. bought it for my girl when her taurus died, had around 80,000 when we got it, we drove it hard, off roading, 90 down the highway, it lived through everything, we got an 08 explorer xlt to replace it cause it had 254000 and was falling apart BIG TIME. i dont know what was worse, the engine ticking, whining aslound as it could, leaking different fliuds, stalling, not starting. it totally startedto fall apart, wegave it to my daughter when she got her license, she drove it for about 2 weeks and the engine took a s****.

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  enjoyable ride - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By russell - April 25 - 12:50 am

  The ride is very comfortable. Steering is a dream to handle. All of the controls are placed for a safe drive without taking your eyes off the road.

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  Great Suv - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Danielle - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my mountaineer about 3 years and I love it. I am currently looking at buying a newer model. The only problem Ive had in 3 years (aside of the tire recalls) is the check engine light goes on all the time for no reason.