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:

• 

  Solidly built with roomy interior - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By S.K.LAHIRI - November 10 - 12:23 am

  I have recently purchased 2005 (Dec, 05) Mountaineer at Dubai (M/East) with possible all options like leather interior, rev. parking sensor, alloy wheel, 6 CD changer, 8" DVD etc. except moonroof. It gives me 14- 15L/100KM av which includes highway and city driving. Although it has a sluggish response for acceleration, overall safe and roomy feeling with all around clear view makes it a pleasure for driving. While shifting is slightly noticeable while AC is on, otherwise it is totally silky smooth. Its AC is powerful and responsive. I only regret that it does not have Xenon headlamps and nor as an option. Same goes for a retractable antenna. It is a commendable car

• 

  2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 4.6L V8, 5-A, AWD. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By car_enthusiast - November 3 - 8:28 am

  Wow, after reading so many terrible reviews about this suv, I must say I am a very fortunate owner then. (3rd owner to precise). My 4.6 has well over 120,000 miles on it and I never had any transmission problems. (Yes, never). The tranny shifts fast and has good gear ratios which enable this suv to have really quick acceleration. And all of the people that say this car has a terrible fuel economy probably drive too aggresively. We took this car out for a very long highway trip and we averaged over 20mpg during the trip and our car had 4-5 people inside, full trunk of heavy bags, and our avg. speed was over 70mph. Mixed Mpg with mostly city driving ranges from low to high teens.

• 

  Pretty Standard? - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bill denver - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Good value if you pay only blue book! The certified programs are a racket since you will inevidibly be back in the dealership for something little every other month. Things here and there add up when you are spending $100 deductible every visit. Ive already had three recalls on mine...mostly minor. Had rear wiper motor, turn signal switch, exhaust sensor, fan blower motor replaced in first year. Overall, the v8 has great pick up for an SUV and it has lots of power. The styling is nicer than same platform explorer. Still rugged! LOUD,LOUD,LOUD! Interior noise is deafening.Handles roughly, very rigid!But it is an suv, not a mercedes.

• 

  Nice Looking Vehicle - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Premier - October 13 - 1:20 am

  Great vehicle except the retractable running boards, need grease fitting to lube joints. Super vehicle in the ice/snow. Had to have the transmission adjusted at 10k miles. Suggest Ford look at the transmission in these vehicles, does not shift smoothly at low speeds.

• 

  Best Ive owned - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Nichiar - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought it as an excutive car with 10k on it. I have put 16k on it since then. Considering that its awd, it has worked well both on steep mountain rocky trails in northern Arizona and in sane in the desert.I do a lot of hunting and get off road frequently. It could do a little better on gas (getting 14 to 18). Other than that, I have not had any problems with it.

• 

  Mels Review - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mel - July 11 - 4:40 am

  I have only had this vehicle for a week. However I feel it is a good and reliable vehicle. It is also very classy looking. I had an Expedition prior to this and it was not good on gas at all. I can truly tell a difference.

• 

  Great ride - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By vlmelm@aol.com - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Its been a good suv for me. For i have 5 grandchildren and they just love it. I had my daughter putrchase one also. She sold a friend on buying hers so she bought one also.I cant wait to but another in 2 yrs.

• 

  Rave review - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Eaglefan - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Im about to return my Mountaineer after a 33 mo lease and Im going to miss everthing but the fuel mileage. Ford did a terrific job with the quality of this vehicle. I had a few problems with the radio but that was fixed under warranty. I had more probelms with a Hinda I bought afterward than I had with this Ford. I recommend the vehicle for any bad weather region. It was great to have and fun to drive. Nice job Ford!

• 

  Eats gas - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Troy - June 10 - 7:16 am

  I bought this vehicle with 68,000 miles on it and now have about 120,000. I have had no major problems with this suv except a small transmission problem, for me its been very reliable.

• 

  I Like It - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By harrybob - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car. Exellent on long trips. (except for gas millage.)