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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  Mountaineer Mania - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By wizard - January 6 - 5:13 am

  My 2002 Mountaineer is fabulous. The 4 wheel independent suspension dramatically improved the ride. It drives, corners, and handles great. The V-8s fuel economy is not the greatest but I love the get-up-and-go it has when merging on freeways or trying to pass. The interior dash display is awesome at night. Coming from a snowy state I love the all-wheel-drive. No worrying about when to switch to 4-wheel drive, and it appears to work great. In 8 months of driving not a single concern.

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  Longest Lasting SUV in this family - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By amkrug2 - December 28 - 3:49 pm

  My father bought this car in 03 with just over 30k miles on it. Being a repo, there were a couple small problems that the dealership happily fixed, such as a new steering wheel (Lady who owned before broke all the buttons) and one seat replaced. We modified the intake by putting an aftermarket spectre cold air intake on it, but besides that is totally stock. This car lasted like that for 160k miles. The transmission was starting to slip and the front hubs needed attention. We went ahead and replaced them. Now, mind you, nothing ever broke, we just went ahead and replaced before they did. 62k miles later, it broke down for the first time and was just the pump. She is still going strong!

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  Car has 147,000 miles and it drives like new - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By jwdia - December 16 - 4:30 am

  Pros: *At 147K miles engine and tranny sounds, and performs like brand new. *They were not kidding about the V8 Power. * Body well built and solid. Quality steel - no rust yet. * AWD really grips the roads ( Iowa winters..no problem here) Cons: *Factory radio works but no display - common issue. * rear wiper does not work - again common issue. *Keyless entry quit working, and door locks need some TLC. * some road noise. ( cant tell yet if it is in need of a muffler or just the roar of the 5.0) * no rust yet but a little pain bubbling on the bottom inside of the rear doors. not noticable to the public

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  Still Works Great - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mobagman - December 11 - 2:00 am

  It has been a very reliable vehicle. I have changed tires, brakes, oil..thats it. Who ever buys it needs to change the sparkplugs. One of thoose cars that just wont let you down.

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  2006 Mercury Mount. - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Danyse Keiser - November 19 - 10:36 am

  My husband and I have had this SUV for one year. So far it has been the best vehicle we have ever purchased. It is comfortable and fun to drive. the kids love the DVD player and T.V. We now have peaceful trips to the beach. Thanks LLM.

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  Remarkable SUV - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By RoadKing - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Im at the end of my second lease w/mountaineer. My 98 and my 00 have been great. Im not a Ford fan and these are the first Fords Ive owned out of about 16 vehicles in my life. This is my last SUV (just dont need it) so its not that I am in any way dissatisfied. If Ford made anything remotely comparable to the vette I might consider it (on second thought, probably not). You wont second think you purchase of a Mteer tho.....

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  97 Mountaineer - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By grigsby3 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I drove a few other similar cars but none had the comfort of the power leather seats with adjustable lumbar support.The next consideration was the performance of its 5.0 litre V-8. I havent experieinced that much acceleration in quite a few years ( and this together with good highway mileage).I have had very few problems- the only one I recall is that the "check engine" light will come on for awhile and then go off and then come on again.

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  Excellent - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By acoleman - October 29 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our new Mountaineer and enjoy it alot. We bought a new one after our 1999 was totalled in an accident (in which it saved my life). I will always buy Moutaineers from now on. I feel very safe in this one with all of its safety features (side/front airbags, breakaway pedals in case of accident)and overall size.

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  Mercurys Best Kept Secret - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TexMax - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Mountaineer and I was really pleasantly surprised at the advances. This vehicle has a smooth quiet ride, plenty of power, does not sway or feel top heavy like some SUVs and Vans of the past. The third row seats are great for children , the pedal adjustments, traction control, back up sensors, plus the improved sound system give a sense of user friendliness, safety and security.

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  Great Alternative to a Pickup for Family Men - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Al Anderson - October 23 - 4:12 pm

  I really, really, wanted a pickup truck but was convinced by a mentor to buy a good SUV and a trailer given the other things I needed to do with my vehicle. I found my mountaineer for a steal of a price and havent regretted it one iota. Its been a champ through and through. The gas mileage is what one would expect, but it more than makes up for it in the lack of repairs. The one thing I was warned is that it will chew up tires, but I bought a good quality set some years ago and have them rotated with each oil change. Theyve lasted just fine. The interior is roomy and altogether very manipulable- seats fold up for hauling kiddos and fold down very well for hauling cargo or sleeping in the back on a long road trip. It tows my small to medium loads very well and offroads without hesitation. The tech is outdated but reliable and user friendly. Aside from the usual routine maintenance have not had one breakdown yet in 10 years. I think my favorite is its incredibly tight turn radius. I can maneuver this thing as tightly as any car Ive driven, perhaps moreso. It puts our minivan to shame on this front. All around a great vehicle.