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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  Mercury Mountaineer Owner - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By charbrosgirl - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car 8 months ago and I am very pleased with it. I had previously owned a Grand Voyager so I have been accustomed to more space. However, I have easily adjusted to the versatility of my SUV. The third row seat offers me more flexibility in how I utilize my space. There are many things that I really like about my SUV. I love my automatic headlights and how my dashboard looks when it lights up at night. I also like the fact that I can get into the back without having to lift the whole door open. I basically get about 18mpg around town and 22mpg when I travel on the highway. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Deeanna - October 18 - 11:50 pm

  This SUV is wonderful on trips. Took a trip south and averaged 23.5 MPG highway. In town driving I get 18-19 MPG I have owned several SUVs, 1 Chevrolet Blazer and 2 Ford Explorers...this Mountaineer will dance circles around anyone of them. I am very satisfied with the performace and comfort of this SUV.

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  Couldnt live without it now - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By 1st SUV - October 18 - 6:46 am

  I bought my Mountaineer when I became disabled: easier to get up than sit down. It has everything I could ever want in an SUV, except for better gas mileage. My kids love the moonroof, the heater for the backseat and the ability to haul. I recently moved and used my Mountaineer and a friends Durango and had it done in a day and a half!

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  04 Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Susan - September 30 - 9:50 pm

  Passenger windows on both sides wont go up and down. Been worked on, need more work apparently. Heated seats are fabulous. "Leather" on seats not holding up that well, showing wear and cracks. Runs great, no mechanical problems yet at 55,000 miles.

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  Not Satisfied - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Meg - September 30 - 2:30 pm

  This is the 3rd explorer/mountaineer in my family, and I am very disappointed. The first two were fabulous cars, hence I bought another one. It is 2.5 years old, 42,000 miles, and Ive had the following replaced (accident-free): tires, rims, shifter, radiator, intake fan, and belt. A new car should not need so many repairs especially when it is well maintained.

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  Check the roof before you buy it!! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Sue - September 28 - 11:13 am

  Nice size car for the money, however, we had a serious problem with the welding on the roof area. We could see weld marks all throughout the roof edging (inspect carefully your roof before buying!!!) Was told by the dealer this happened on several other of their cars!! Now is leaking transmission fluid-- What a piece of junk!

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  Bargain 2001 Mountaineer - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Alf - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We needed something to tow our boat and navigate Michigan winters. The 2001 Mountaineer was a bargain due to the intro. of the all new 2002 model. This truck was sold new in Oct. of 2000, so it had about 18 months of service. We were able to get a 5 year 75,000 mile warranty (from date of original delivery) so we have 3-4 more years of coverage due to the fact it was a 2001 vehicle still covered by the orignal factory warranty.

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  2002 Mercury Moutaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By winevisit - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Excellent SUV that is fun to drive. Great ride and handling. The only complaints that I have are lack of leg room for 2nd row passengers and lousy gas mileage. Very reliable, virtually zero problems.

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  great vehicle - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By suv driver - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle that is fun to drive. It is easy to put passengers in the third seat. Everything works and has not been back to the dealer for anything.

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  Great to drive... - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ronald James - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle now for almost 3 years and the lease is about to expire. My Pros are the gas mileage is great for a car with its power and size. i average over 20 miles per gallon on the road. I have a factory ordered 4x2 with every option you could install on the car. My only con is it is just to noisy on the road. Lots of wind and road noise.