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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  Shapest Looking mid-sized SUV hands down - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By californiahub - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a mid-size SUV with a fold-flat third seat. My brother-in- law had one for 18 mos and raved about it, and mentioned he had no problems with his - a good endorsement from a serious car buff. COMPETITORS/WHAT ELSE I LOOK AT: The GMC Envoy XL was too long and looked to goofy from the back, the MDX was just too expensive (another $200/month) ,and the Pilot was slightly too big, a little more expensive($100/mo), the front styling butt-ugly (a porpoise nose), the vision was poor and the feel from the driver seat seems like I was driving a huge cave around, and the 3rd seat is an absolute joke.

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  never buy this car - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jeff - March 20 - 10:26 pm

  Had the suv for a little over a year.Transmission and a few other problems fixed a month ago while under extended warranty. Warranty ran out a month later and right wheel berring is bad, heater coil is leaking and ac coolant is leaking. I like the suv but its having nothing but troubles. I called Mercury about the problems and they said there was nothing they could do for me. Never buy anything ford or youre stuck with it.

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  Fully loaded included - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bpmiller87 - March 18 - 9:10 pm

  I bought this car used and absolutely love it. In my opinion everyone thing is right where is should be. The stereo controls are easy to find, importants gauges or readings are located near each other, so you dont have to search for what you need to read. I have the optional v8 which is great for towing and will throw you back in your seat real quick! Leather comes standard, 3rd row comes standard, heated mirrors, tons of storage, it has it all and then more, great SUV.

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  The Best Car! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By John Victor - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for everyday use and has wonderful third row seat.

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  Buy it! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Pj - February 16 - 10:00 am

  The strong point is the ride. I tried a number of high end SUVs and bought this one because of its superior ride. Very stylish for a SUV with comfortable front seats.

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  pricing vehicle - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By john doe - February 5 - 10:13 am

  nice vehicle to ride on bumpy roads with.

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  Ausome - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Neverbethesame21 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  AUsome car

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  my first suv - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By puritan al - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The first day we pick up our new suv,we traveled to Boston about 233 miles oneway.I have to say that,I have test driven many suv,s but on a long trip this suv comes into it,s own. The ride,leg room and enough head room even with a power sunroof was great.

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  Happy with my Mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By yankee down south - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Just got my Mountaineer two weeks ago. $23,100 w/16K miles. We love it. 13.8 mpg so far - but all local driving w/a V8.

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  97 Mountaineer Review - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By tryeasy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have put 60,000 miles on this vehicle over 4 years. I have owned 50 plus cars in my life. this has everything I need and like. Great reliability too. However, I did upgrade shocks, exhaust, and tires to improve performance. great seats and power options.