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:

• 

  2002 mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Texasbanker - October 19 - 3:53 am

  Luv ride and secure fell of car but have had continual prob with rear A/C system. same part breaking 4 times in 6 years. Ford said nothing they could do. Trans acts strange at times but has not quit on me yet.

• 

  Mountaingirl - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By NANCY - October 18 - 7:16 am

  wish it had bubble mirrors on the side mirrors for blind spots, still learning sight distance for interstate travel, drives great, do not like the interior door handles, just okay

• 

  My First SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By First SUV - September 28 - 12:23 am

  This is my first SUV, bought from a dealer auction as used, mileage 31k. So far fantastic. Fun to drive. Gas mileage could be better, but its an SUV. Would recommend to friends. Interior styling very ergonomic, and quite. V6 performance adequate. Gear shift is ok, but sometimes you feel the jerk. My wife loves to drive.

• 

  Does what it does with style - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By rlupetin - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Our Mountaineer has already earned its keep by twice taking the family on ski trips, carrying building supplies from Home Depot, and doing daily chores. It also looks good when pulling up at a function. The gas mileage kind of stinks, but average for an SUV this size. A very nice alternative to its sister the Explorer. In fact, its like getting a Lincoln ride for a Ford price. The 4.6 engine has nice power and the ride is quite comfortable, even for long distances. The AWD makes shifting from dry to wet to ice to snow a no-brainer. Very happy with it.

• 

  04 Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mountaineer - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought this for my wife with 24k miles now it is up to 58k miles. Sure there have been a few things wrong but hey we got a warranty. I love the pwr and the ride this thing has when I drive it. It gives you a commanding feel of the road. It has road noise between 40 and 50. Also the rear window hatch cracked, you see it on a lot of Explorers and Mountaineers.

• 

  Not Bad - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By skp369 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this truck for almost three years. I was very suprised and impressed at its very good performance and handling on dry roads as well as deep snow. The V-8 is strong and steering is excellent. The 2000 Mountaineer has one problem area and that is its ride. The leaf spring rear suspension causes an uncomfortable ride on any but the smoothest roads. It has proven very reliable and adaptable to most uses.

• 

  1st Merc - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By 1stMerc - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve only owned our Mountaineer for 3 days, and its our first SUV. Weve already used it to haul a number of large items home, and we love the roominess, power, handling, and convenience of the vehicle. Compared to the minivans, other SUVs, and cross- over vehicles we looked at and drove (Buick Rendezvous, Nissan Murano, etc.), this vehicle is an incredible value, even before the free DVD system offered at the time!

• 

  Newbee - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Frank - April 16 - 10:56 pm

  We bought this and a week 1/2 later the transmission warning was on, cost us 1500 and 4 trips to fix the issue. The car is a slug in 70 degree wheather and inconsistant with its performance. Some times it flys Odd. I love the way it looks and handles in inclement wheather but we need more power in that big V6 or a turbo diesel

• 

  Sweet & Sour - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LMO - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new and maintained it. At 38,000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. Unacceptable. After threatening to protest at the dealer, they discounted the cost. 50,000 miles later, that one went too. Ford couldnt care less. This in my opinion is not normal. Even the dealer service agreed and they were equally frustrated with Ford HQ. I really had no other complaints besides the disappointing gas mileage however, like Ive read in other reviews, Ive lost my faith with American cars especially Ford. Im afraid to chance it. With 130,000 miles being on the 3rd tranny, its time to start looking.While I still cant really find anything I like as much, Ill skip Ford.

• 

  2000 Monterey Wedgewood Blue & Gold - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By DRJ - January 16 - 10:30 am

  Purchased used 8 years ago w/49,000 miles on it. Now have 118,000 miles and only significant problems have been the transmission (torque converter) rebuild at 87,000, and as with many others, radio display went out - had repaired and then all button functions stopped working (original radio a real piece of junk!). Replaced radio with newer OEM Ford radio w/6 cd changer from OEM Car Audio (on Ebay). Other than new tires , battery, brakes, shocks,serpentine belt, plugs and 13.7 avg mpg (mostly city), a pleasure to own and drive. Also a couple of minor factory recalls, big deal. At 118K miles, Ive got a lot more to go! Body in excellent shape even after subjected to Minnesota winters & salt.