4 Star Reviews for Mercury Mountaineer

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
614 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 61 through 70 of 614.00
  • Mountaineer, bad transmission, good looker - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I thought this would be the perfect vehicle. But two transmissions in 2 years at $1500 dollars and wheel bearings in less than a year was a little too much. The air conditioner shows no results on leakage testing, but it was filled 2 times a year, it would be freezing then high points on vents would be cold and lower vent warm. Ford could not find what the problem was, but suggested another Mountianeer because this was a used purchase. Another problem was the transmission stick is located on the bottom and will require a special instrument to check fluid level. bad idea.

  • Great Value - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Shopped Honda Pilots, Toyota Highlanders, Toyota 4Runners, Ford Explorers, Subarus, and some of the smaller SUVs as well (Rav4/Mariner/Escape/CRV). Finally came across the Mercury Mountaineer. Really liked the exterior styling of the Mountaineer over the Explorer and it seemed to offer more standard features. Compared to the Honda/Toyota counterparts, the Mountaineer offered far more for the money (about a $6k - 8k difference for the Honda/Toyota equivalent). Really like the smaller SUVs but was able to pick up the larger Mountaineer for about $1k - 2k more. Once again, a great overall value. Gas mileage is on par for a SUV of this size.

  • are you aware of the back window defect? - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Three weeks ago my back window blew out on my 12 year old daughter. This was after I was warned by the dealer that the window might drop due to faulty hing. They repaired it and then it exploded as my daughter shut the back hatch. Are you aware ford has send their service departments a bulletin warning the service to watch out for broken hinges? This is a know defect that can be dangerous to the owner or a hazard on the road should it drop and explode on public highways. There is no recall as of yet.....

  • Member of the Family - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    We have had our Mountaineer since the middle of 2008. We could not be more satisfied. I have utilized every feature and function of this vehicle. Including the roof rack, Class II hitch, AWD, cargo area, child seating, etc., etc. We have 3 children all of which are able to fit in the second row, leaving the rear cargo area available. The stereo is strong, the power is sufficient, the gas mileage is fair for an SUV, it easily tows my boat, powers thru 12" of snow, is smooth on the highway, and is a joy to drive. Although our V-6 is far from a performance engine I find that is provides all the pep I need and is relatively quiet considering the size of the vehicle.

  • Great ride - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Was a little skeptical of anything Mercury, but this car really caught my eye. It has the V-6 which is fine for my family needs, but still has a lot of power. This is a beautiful SUV for sure, was a little put off by the low resale value, but look at it this way, I didnt want a car payment, and to buy a Tahoe with twice the mileage it would have cost the same. Everything works great so far, and I can say this, having owned two S-10 Blazers, a Dodge Grand Caravan, and a Ford Windstar, the Ford products have been better rides, the electrical has certainly held up better, and the cars have seemed all-around sturdier.

  • Big and Quick - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    I have now had this for 8 months and I truly love this vehicle. There is two and only two cons about this choice, in the V8 fuel economy, and second, not the easiest thing to parallel park, without the backup sensors. Other than that it has an excellent value and features for the money, and a great resale value as of now.

  • 97 merc mtnr - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Consider the 97 Mercury Mountaineer as one of the best cars I have owned. Would buy another one if I could get as good a deal as I did on this one.

  • Pretty Good a 140k - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Yes, Ive had problems, but overall its been good. The transmission was an issue, as is common. Mine went out at around 60k miles. The bill was about $2k, but Ford covered all but $500 and gave me extended coverage of the entire drive train to 100k miles. Okay, so my rear axle started leaking and i had to repair the clutches and bearings just recently. Also, I had to replace the front bearings last year. At over 100k miles, Im not sure what people expect. It doesnt bother me that those problems came up at that point. I also had a couple of oil leaks. The paint is still in great shape, as well as the interior, the AC is cold as ever, engine runs great. It looks as good as new SUVs.

  • Good Deal - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    Bad on gas but has plenty of power handles like a car no problem as of yet lot of room inside and very quiet ride

  • Great SUV for a Ford Product - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
    By -

    The Mercury Mountaineer is an all around great SUV with a nice standard package as well as a great option list that will make the price shoot through the roof. The 4.0L V6 is a great motor offering 210 hp and 254 ft-lbs of torque at 5100 rpm and an average of 20 mpg. Living in Colorado I can really test the performance of a motor! At an average altitude of 5,280 ft and many passes that climb well over 12,000 ft, the 4.0L V6 had power to spare. The handling of the Mountaineer is better than other SUVs test driven. With the Stability Control system, it really helps the Mountaineer really stick to the road. With minimal body roll and tight steering, their really is no "wishy washy" feeling

Mercury Mountaineer Reviews By Year:
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