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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  636K on 2 - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mount4ever - February 17 - 11:32 pm

  Purchased my first 97 5.0L AWD off the floor. Had no idea how great it was to be. Drove it daily mostly hwy until I donated with 334K. Only major issue ever was a transfer case at about 200K. Normal wear and tear like rotars, pads and a couple alternaters. Changed the oil every 6 or 7K! Found a second 2001 model with 50K in 2005. Still using it as daily with 304K! Ford fixed the transfer case problem after 1998 so no issues at all with this one. Rotars, front barings one alternator and thats it. Better half got tired of looking at it so today I went out to look at F150s. Came across a 2000 model Mountaineer with 102K like new. Pick it up from the dealer in 2 days. BEST in snow and towing 2.

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  good vehicle - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jkaiser - February 15 - 7:56 am

  car is excellent to drive but should have more room in the second row. i wish the seats were more supportive due to my post polio

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  Docs Mountineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Charles Chrencik - February 7 - 6:03 pm

  comfortable and functional.. ride is firm but good.. Some wind noise over 60mph.. Controls are easy to read..Sound system is adaquate but not exceptional.. Fuel MPG is 17.5 city and 21Mph highway.. V-6 has enough power but can sound rough when pushed into high speed acceleration or passing gears..I am 64" and find the leg room good..Fit and finish are good with no major noted problems

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  WHAT HAPPENED - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By K - February 7 - 11:16 am

  I bought my Mountaineer 10 months ago and I love it. It drives smooth and quite, but recently my car hesitates at stop signs and when shifting gears, so we know what that meant. I was hoping it would fix itself, but no. It started to make a loud vibrated jerking thud when shifting gears. I have 56k miles on it. In a matter of three days it became an inconveince to I wont drive and took it to the dealer I bought it from. The o/d light came on and was blinking. Not sure yet what the problem is but it is transmission related, whether electrical or hydrolic. I love the ride but I dont think I risk buying another Mercury:(

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  Cant kill this truck - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Owned since new - February 4 - 7:13 pm

  I bought this brand new off the dealer lot. It has every option you could order. Ive never driven anything better in the snow. Ive only had to replace a front all wheel drive part and it has been hard on dash lights for some reason. It tows a boat twice the size of the truck. Expect about 13 to 14 MPG in the city in the V8 and about 18 MPH on the highway at 70 MPH. Ive seen several in crashes and they hold up like a tank. The AWD model gets 65 percent power from the rear wheels and 35 from the front. When slipping or in the snow the computer adjusts for traction. It rides like a truck but if you can find one in good shape you have a good truck for as long as you want to own it.

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  Best SUV I ever owned - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Steve &Bonnie - February 1 - 4:23 pm

  Very solid, safe well mannered vechicle. A real pleasure to drive on a long trip. We got up to 24 mpg, average 21-22 on long trips. Mileage varies depending on the brand of fuel you buy. Yes it does make a difference, I proved it to myself. I am curious though to see how well the AWD works as we will be going off road [within reason dont expect it to beat the trails I take with my Jeep] in Arizona this fall.

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  If shes happy, I am REALLY happy! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By RWB - January 27 - 10:00 am

  My wife is a glass half full kind of person. Dont get me wrong, I love her to pieces but, trying to please her can be a challenge. In 10 years of marriage I can count the things that she is completely satisfied with on one hand. Her new Mountaineer is one of them. She is a deposition court reporter, and drives to different destinations every day. She now feels safe and comfortable and is very, very happy. Needless to say, I am estatic!

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  Never wanted an SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By judy - January 26 - 1:00 pm

  My husband kept insisting I needed a 4WD vehicle. I buy a vehicle because of the way it looks, no other reason. The salesman showed me 5 vehicles the day I bought the Mountaineer. Each one had to be cleaned of 6 inches of snow! When I saw the Mountaineer, I said "ok I like how this looks. I drove it, and bought it that day. Its been 1 1/2 years and I love it.

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  Best bet as a Ford by-product - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By montaingirl - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Now this is a suv! Also, if the Aviator & Navigator are a little out of your price range this is the next best thing. I would change one thing -the gear shift should be on the lower console & it should be a digital dash -other then that & I Love this vehicle & will be re- purchasing when It is time . good luck shoppers & maybe by the time 4 a trade in the gas consumption will be much better. Then this would be the number 1 car -as far as I would be concerned.

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  2002 - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tmb0461 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Play tons of hockey in the Northeast. Car has been 100% dependalble. One of first Premiers to be delivered. All black, looks great. V8 AWD is the way to go! Have had several snow storms, no problem. At $29,000 delivered many friends with BMW X5 and Mercedes ML320 wonder why they paid $20,000 more.