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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  The Best Car! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By John Bermudez - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car has been great trailering and driving to work everyday a sooth ride along with AWD control!

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  Its a great ride for the price - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By hajji - August 19 - 10:40 am

  Its my third one and they only get better. I never had to go back to the dealer for any problems. Looks good and drives great. I couldnt be happier.

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  great suv - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By vincent l. - August 17 - 10:00 am

  a very good suv for its price a little on the low side for gas mileage but besides that i love my mountaineer

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Drobby888 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Smooth ride, nice leather, AWD is great.

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  Crazy about a Mercury - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By TomK. - August 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned a series of Ford SUVs (96,99,02)and this new 04 Mountaineer is the most comfortable, smoothest riding one yet. Very pleased with the performance and mileage to date, and the deal from L-M was to our liking.The upgrade to leather seating and a few other small touches are a nice part of the Mercury package. Edmunds TMV was very helpful!

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By oscar173 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I spent over a year driving and testing SUVs and finally decided on the Mountaineer. A geat decision! Its great to drive and comfortable for seven, although a bit of a climb to the back seat. After a month I enjoy as much as the first day.

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  Got Pounded! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jose - July 23 - 2:36 pm

  Bought this SUV and within three months the battery died, this made passive alarm go off. After 3 DAYS and $300 the dealership finally made time to rekey it and get it started! 23 months later the tranny goes out with a minimum price of $2,400! Wish I would have saw these reviews sooner.In this economy who can afford to take this kinda loss? Yet after reading all these reviews, I cant afford to keep this thing without a government bailout. Im going to take a loss and by me a Honda.

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  Horrible Transmission Problems - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By sin143 - July 12 - 12:50 am

  To anyone that is looking to buy a Mercury Mountaineer. I never ever buy domestic cars, but needed a 7 seater so decided to go with the Mountaineer. 2 weeks into purchasing the car, the wheel bearing went out, so that was replaced by Ford at no charge. 2 years later the transmission went out on me. I had to fight it thru corp to get the dealership to fix it thru the warranty. Its been 2 years since I had that replaced, the transmission is starting to stall at 20-30 miles again, so another tranny problem comes. There should be a recall on transmission on these cars. If I have to replace 2 already in 4 years.

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  Mercury Money Pit - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By SD - July 11 - 3:36 pm

  I love the look of this car but it has been nothing but a nightmare. I had to replace the solenoid in the transmission at 38,000 miles. Apparently if your tires are the same size but have diff amount of tire life left to them it can total out your entire car. I got two new tires put on and because the circumfrance was different between the to sets it caused my rear differential and transfer case to go out. The estimated repairs from the Ford dealership is at 10k! My car is only worth 9k with 63,000 miles on it and its fully loaded. This has been a total nightmare. do not purchase a Mountaineer.

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  mercury mountaineer - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By seals - July 8 - 12:50 pm

  very enjoyable to drive, great handling. my second one, only had a wind noise air leak at drivers door window.