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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Mountaineer, A Sleeper!! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By Jerome Rich - January 5 - 10:00 amI drove a new Explorer for 6, trouble- free years and wanted the same reliability with just a little more luxury. I found it in my new Mountaineer. I compared it with other mid-size 3-row SUVs: Toyotas 4Runner, Hondas Pilot and Chevys Blazer. This SUV seems to have it all. Ccomfort, space, reliability, 3 rows of seats and it looks good.
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New Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By recdry - January 5 - 10:00 amWe pull a horse trailer and went from a Jeep Grand Cherokee V8. No comparison. The Mountaineer pulled better had a much nicer ride quiet and comfortable. The back up monitor is very helpful when it comes time to attach the trailer. Put the special mud flaps on from Mercury and they blend right in with the design. Looks great
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MERCURY MOUNTAINEER - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
By DICK - January 2 - 12:33 amTHE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED
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Wonderful SUV for the price - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By Wrangler - December 27 - 2:00 amTo drive this beast is great! it feels so stirdy and reliable on the road, i dont have any worries with the ice storms we have. All of my friends cant believe its a mercury, they or i should say ford has done a very good job this time!
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Jias Mountaineer - 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
By Jia - December 13 - 10:00 amI replaced my 08 Explorer with a 10 Mountaineer. Even though I live at 5280 ft ASL my little 4.0 V6 runs like a rocket and this truck is beautiful. Gas mileage is what you would expect for a truck, about 14 MPG around town but I use it mainly for going to the gym, shopping, etc. Lots of room in the rear for big stuff and a DVD-video player for the grand kids (someday). Might be the last SUV I can buy with a truck frame under it. Nice sound system with bluetooth for hands-free phone. With the moon roof open I feel like Im outside. Well protected with front and side airbags. This quiet truck will take my anyplace I need to go.
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Happy Mountaineer Owner - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
By dk - December 8 - 10:00 amLike the SUV, after almost 50,000 miles. Had persistent problems with noise in the front suspension at first. taken care of with nothing since. Have 6 cyl, 4.0 liter - gas mileage is great for a SUV. 22-26 hiway, 16-18 in city. We found that aspect just great
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Hard to Improve On - 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
By dan ertel - December 4 - 4:16 amThis is my third Mountaineer (had a 2002 & 2005). They keep getting better. Fuel economy not a factor due to my low mileage - comfort, safety, traction in the snow, room to transport items and style, these are what counts to me and the Mountaineer is a 10 in all respects. Large lease discount from Ford makes this vehicle a great deal.
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WLC-Fla. - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By Warren Clinch - December 3 - 2:00 amImprove fuel economy, change seat belt in the drivers position it almost never retracks proper
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awesome value - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
By mike - December 1 - 3:23 amthis vehicle has awd capability, 7 passenger seating, exceptional performance, great exterior and functional interior styling and a plethora of standard features at an incredible price. cross-shopped vs. durango, envoy and pilot and they priced out to be in a range of 2500 to 4000 more, comparably equipped.
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Glad to have re-considered American - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
By Ran Dee - November 29 - 5:46 pmWhere do you go after driving a lexus and 2 infiniti sedans for the last 10 years? When switching to a SUV the next logical step is import right? Not a chance. Competition is either too small/big or without a 3rd row, and 10gs for the fancy tags, cant see the value there. We took a 600 mile trip the first week. We love this vehicle! Has all the features we were looking for , and for the right price. We feel safe in this vehicle! Styling is strange for my taste. But the monochromatic Ivory Parchment on the Premier is growing on me. Same color and most features of the Lincoln Aviator for 10 gs less. Too soon to tell on reliability... Ill update if something goes wrong!
