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 the Mountaineer - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By byrnes - November 23 - 9:53 pm

  Really nice truck, pulls our boat well. Wish it had load leveling suspension though. Navigation system works well.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bill - November 6 - 10:56 pm

  Good handling, brakes, styling, driving position, ride comfort and room make this a good choice. Gas mileage is bad, but that is to be expected in a vehicle this size. Fit and finish are excellent and the quality of materials is a step above the Explorer and miles ahead of the domestic competition.

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  Looks, luxury, very good reliability - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jay - November 4 - 9:03 am

  Purchased the vehicle in 2001, it has been a joy to own, excepting rear differential seal leak, shot EGR valve, and a bad rear wheel speed sensor. Vehicle is "old generation" SUV, huge inside and handling is kind of gimpy on the road. Minor suspension probs as the vehicle gets older. This model year received very good reliability ratings in the Consumer Repts guide compared to other model years. Recommended.

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  No other SUV comes close to Mountaineer - 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Chris - October 28 - 1:46 pm

  This is a great SUV. Mercury really put their effort and time in this vehicle. All the details are very thought out and has a very stylish exterior and interior. It is very spacious and will fit any large family with up to 7. I really like how nice the ride is and is very comfortable. We were looking at other vehicles to consider, but we made a very smart choice and got this. This is a perfect SUV for a single person or a family of 7. And the V8 engine is very powerful and its just an overall awesome vehicle to own.

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  2007 Mercury Mountaineer great value! - 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Vic Costa - October 26 - 11:53 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about this SUV. It does all I need it do do with comfort and style! Value wise it is a great investment. I have had zero problems.

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  Worst nightmare! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Clint - October 18 - 12:20 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but a heartache for me since day 1. I thought my wife and I were buying a reliable vehicle for our family of 4 and Ive been disappointed with it the whole time Ive owned it. Cd player broke at 29000 miles, transmission problems at 40000 miles, and now rear windows, rear AC pump, and ball joints are going bad. Car has 65000 miles on it! Whats next?! Oh yeah! I forgot about the time the battery ran completely dead and disarmed my keys so I couldnt start the car afterwards. Had to have the car towed to a Mercury dealership 28 miles away and get new keys programmed for the car. About a 400 dollar mistake altogether. Are you kidding me? Need I say more?

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  Would highly recommend - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By MOM1 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Mountaineer. They just keep getting better. Very, very comfortable to drive. I love the back- up sensor. Kids love entertainment system. Just wish gas mileage would improve a bit.

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  Very good all around mid size suv - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By 2000MMountain - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle when my puppy grew out of my car and it is very nice. Hard to find aftermarket parts for except for the fact that most 2000 explorer parts are interchangeable. Drives well, handles well, and good pickup for a heavy suv. It does not absorb bumps like your independent rear suspension luxury suvs but its american built tough truck handling makes for a go anywhere kind of ride. Hit a curb..no biggie, off road..not a problem. OEM tires are kind of crappy. A nice set of Pirelli scorpion A/T and its all good. All in All a 8 in my book.

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  Does what I got it for... - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By robin - September 25 - 3:46 pm

  I live in the snowbelt in northeast Ohio and needed a reliable vehicle to handle country hills. This vehicle is up to the task. Disappointed in the road noise and just average seat comfort. Had significant electrical problems fixed under warranty. Still, I know when the snow is flying and the kids are in the vehicle well get where were going and back again.

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  Love it - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Kimb030 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I dont urn for any other SUV! This thing handles wonderfully - so much better than my old Mountaineer. It can turn on a dime - much better than many cars. Ive never had a problem with either of my Mountaineers - reliable, reliable! Love the 3rd row seat - tons of room!