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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  Love my Mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Holli - June 26 - 8:40 am

  Ive had my mountaineer for 2 1/2 years and have not had any problems. I just took it in for a recall. Some bolts needed replaced on the rear glass. I think I have every option available there is to get, so it makes other vehicles seem like theyre missing something. We have a V8 and it has the best pickup Ive ever driven. Great in the snow. I live in Indiana, so we get plenty of it and ice. The only things I would like to see different are in the 2005 model, such as reclining seats for the 2nd row. It would also be nice if the seats were softer and there was a high/low switch for the heated seats. I dont plan on getting rid of this SUV.

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  2002 horrible Mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tim - June 23 - 5:30 pm

  Our Mountaineer has 67,700 miles on it and the transmission already has to be rebuilt. The transmission shop told me there was nothing that I did wrong or I could of done to prevent it, that this is a commom problem with this transmission. The dealership and Ford wont help us because the warranty is up. I contacted The National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration and made a formal complaint. If you have any problems with yours please do the same it only takes 10 to 15 minutes.

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  great suv - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By pct - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Love this suv. Previously owned a stripped down Ford Explorer ... cant compare for comfort and reliability.

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  VERY COOL SUV - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Livia - June 21 - 10:00 am

  My Mountaineer is a 2002....I Love my Mountaineer! It is a pleasure to drive and I feel very safe and secure in it with my two kids.. I really love to drive this SUV its much nicer than my 2000 Mountaineer, and I would highly reccommend it!! The third row seat is great too!!

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  Impressed - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By hollowman186 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I recenty upgraded from the 2003 to the 2004. Although the differences are subtle, they are quite enjoyable. The feel of the 04 is great, handles like a champ. I am used to driving Ford F- 150 and 250, and evertime I get in this thing it floors me with its size/performance. Holds a turn, pushes you into the seat, and keeps you beggig for more. I love it, and I am sure I will continue to.

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  2002 Mountainer, surprised by quality - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gabrielu - June 10 - 3:26 am

  Wife loved it at first sight but later wanted a smaller car, so I have driven it for the last five years. We occasionally think about selling it but do not. I have never had a problem with the car other than very minor issues (door open sensor, heated seat) both inexpensive to fix. Otherwise I have just changed oil regularly and done the 60k checkpoint (not much there either). Is my first Ford and I am completely turned around on old perception. We have a Mercedes and a Toyota in the family, The former is a money pit, the latter is good but feels so much cheaper. We are almost at 100k and cannot find a good reason to sell it. I guess I got the lucky one

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  I love this truck! - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Shannon - June 4 - 4:40 am

  My truck has 215K miles and I have had pretty limited problems with it. It is showing its wear now so I am retiring it to our summer home where we will use it for local drives and towing our boat or camper. Its very comfortable with nice leather seats.

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  I like it - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gcmhn - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it 9 months and gone through one winter with a fair amount of snow and loved the way it stayed on the road and handled. We love the comfort on long trips and the room inside.

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  reliable - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By STEVE - May 17 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this with 47,000 miles on it...change the oil every 3K and it runs like new. Highway gas mileage averages 18mpg which is about same or better than newer premium SUVs. It also takes regular gas. My Mercury service manager said I could expect another 100,000 miles without a sweat on the 5.0 liter V8 engine.

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  2006 Mountaineer Needs human engineering - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By George Houchens - May 17 - 7:00 am

  Great vehicle except for interior. Dash and doors need redesign with attention to human engineering and style. Door handles are very inconvenient (too low and far forward), Seat belt needs to be longer for easy hookup (I am a big guy), and heater controls need to be located higher above radio so I can use them without taking eyes off the road. Center console shifter is ugly! Square seats look blocky, and interior metal trim looks cheap. Rear fold down seats leave too many holes for things to fall into when hauling cargo. Vehicle interior is NOT an improvement over 2003 Mountaineer. My wife agrees. Otherwise, car has great ride, very quiet, handles well. Outside styling great.