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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  Not my Grandpas Lincoln/Mercury - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LuvMyMountaineer - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Prior bad experience with another SUV, Lemon that was bought back by the Manufancturer. Skeptical but with hope I bought the Luxury v8 AWD Mountaineer. What a treat! There is nothing like having other kids ask for you to chaperone field trips over their parents BMW and Lexus. With the V8 and AWD, living in Alaska and winter time is simple as point and shoot. It goes everywhere! Hauls everything, and looks good doing it. Easy to see out even for my 5 foot tall wife. Adjustable pedals, heated seats, auto dimming rearview mirror, and seating for 7. Nothing like seperating the kids on a long drive to keep peace in the family.

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  Love My 1st Car - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By chrishoops27 - April 14 - 11:05 pm

  I just graduated high school and this is my 1st car. I got it from my grandpa who treated it very well and is in great condition. It drives well, and the V8 is very powerful indeed. Granted, it does suck down a lot of gas in the city though hwy mileage is good. Ride is pretty good, though on bumps it doesnt really take them well compared to a sedan would. Excellent build quality, and everything; engine, transmission, electronics, theyre all perfectly fine Im keeping it until it dies thats for sure

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  Enjoy the Ride - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Baby Girl - March 16 - 10:06 am

  This SUV is nice for 2 young children. The third row is great for your childrens friends and converts easily when its time to do household shopping.

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  If only the mileage - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Baciball - March 12 - 2:00 am

  If onlythe milage were a little better, it would be the perfect vehicle. I get around 9 - 10 in the city, 18 on the highway. Other than that, there is nothing more that you could ask for. The vehicle rides superbly, handles great, and has excellent pick-up for those short on- ramps.

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  mm - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nancy rule - March 12 - 2:00 am

  its very different and i just love it and its like no other

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  Real nice truck - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By timh - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I own it for a year now. No complaints at all. I drove a few other SUVs, and I couldnt help but love the Mountaineer, and it does NOT feel like an Explorer. The performace of the 5.0L engine is excellent. I own a 5.0 Mustang with over 180k mile on it, and I am confident that this is a great powerplant. The interior is very ergonomic and comfortable for long rides. The anti-lock brakes came in handy a few times. The ride is extremelly comfortable, but the solid rear axle reminds you of its existence over unveven roads. I am getting about 20MPG on long rides, and about 17 aroung the city.

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  2000 Mountaineer - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By thunderbirdblue2 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. NO PROBLEMS!!!!

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  Test Drive One and Youll Believe - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Chris in FLL - March 3 - 10:06 pm

  The Mountaineer is much roomier and proves a quieter and smoother ride than the MDX. This vehicle has a strong structure and transmits NO noise, squeaks or rattles in the cabin. The power retracting running boards and the power 3rd row seats are a hoot. Having driven the Acura, the Mountaineer is clearly a much better deal and when fully equipped was still thousands less than the MDX after the rebates.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Wayne Greene - March 2 - 3:40 am

  This is a superb SUV. Very comfortable and easy to drive. It handles as well as a sedan which is supprising. The ride is like your typical modern day SUV. I had to settle for the Luxury model because of the lack of head room in the Premier with the Sunroof. I am 61". We have the V6 with a class III/IV tow package that pulls our 3500 lb boat better than our V8 truck. This Mountaineer is my wifes primary use vehicle but is also the vehicle we get in when traveling together.

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  I love this SUV!!!! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Lori - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Merc. Mtnr for over a year..driving over 25,000 miles and love it! Have had several SUVs...but this one is by far the best. Some real nice extras and has a different look than most SUVs. Have had -0- problems.