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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  WE FINALLY PICKED A WINNER - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By LINDSAY-ROSES DAD - September 21 - 10:00 am

  WE ORIGINALLY PICKED A NISSAN QUEST WHICH WAS NICE BUT IT SPENT MORE TIME IN THE SHOP THAN IN OUR DRIVE WAY. THE MOUNTAINEER WAS OUR NEXT CHOICE AND WE HIT THE JACKPOT. WE LOVE THE WAY IT RIDES AT ALL SPEEDS. THE OPTIONS ARE SUPERB. WE WISHED WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN 2-TONED PAINT WITH THE PREMIER PACKAGE, NOT A BIG SACRIFICE. 78MPH GOT US 17.5 MPG, NOY BAD WITH THE V-8 AWD MODEL. WE TRIED THE 6 CYLINDER AND DROVE IT 200 FEET AND RETURNED IT, THE V-8 IS A MUST!!. WITH A TON OF MONEY BACK FROM THE FACTORY AND A GREAT DEAL FROM THE DEALERSHIP, WE GRABBED A 38900 FOR 30500. WE OWN A USED CAR LOT AND IT IS A "SIN" TO BUY NEW, NOT ANY MORE!!

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  Mountaineer - Great SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By angelbaby - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV! We took a long trip with the truck and were very comfortable. The ride was smooth. THe Dual climate control is great. When we folded the third row for the luggage, we were surprised at the amount of storage space we had. We highly recommend this vehicle to all.

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  No problem - great truck! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mitch - September 19 - 8:50 am

  I have a very early 02 w/ v8, loaded. Engine is very strong, but trans really is lousy - kicks and slips, but havent had it serviced yet, as it doesnt seem to be getting worse. I have extended warranty, so not to worried. No locking glove compartment or gas cap. Kind of strange. MPG 13/19 - goes up a little if you are easy on the gas or use cruise. Tires lasted 40K, and I was rough! Front brakes lasted the same -very good! Would definitely recommend new 06 w/ that super v8! Hope they fix the trans probs, and honor warrantys! :)

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  Better than 2005 model - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Charles Serra - September 16 - 10:56 am

  I traded a 2005 in on the 2006. The 2006 is a great improvement over the 2005. Even though they look almost the same, the 2006 is a much better SUV than the 2005 in every respect. I am very happy!

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  Not a bad vehicle - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Heynow - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle and even though I have only had it a short while I am pretty pleased. This is my first SUV and it is a nice change after driving a Toyota Corolla for three years. I love the leather seats and all the cool gadgets like service updates and the mileage updates.

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  Surprised & Delighted - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nvbanker - August 29 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Mountaineer and it seems the best yet. All of them have been very very good, but this one is perfect so far. Not one defect or repair needed. Seems extraordinarily well put together. Love the performance of the engine too.

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  Love IT! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By christina - August 26 - 4:03 am

  Never a problem. Very spacoius 3rd row seat. Very easy to use. Great for trooping kids around. Love the interior. Great stereo system. Love the design. Also handles very well on the highway when its windy, unlike another SUV I previously owned.

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  Nice Styling and Quality - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lduke32 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Mountaineer looks like no other SUV. Its interior is richly appointed for the price. The ride could be smoother and the 4.0 liter smoother but overall it is a solidly made vehicle. I recommend the Mercury Mountaineer

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  I like it very much! - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mountaineer - July 30 - 6:16 pm

  We have had our Mountaineer eleven months and have over 13,000 miles on it and we just love it. It handles amazingly great in the snow and anywhere. The turning radius is wonderful. The mileage could be a little better, but guess its just as good as or better than some other SUVs. At this time we would buy it again if we were in the market for it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fordman - July 27 - 9:03 am

  Being one of the last true SUVs on the market this could use some improvement in the model offerings and options. I like the color, the new Flame Blue exterior and the black leather interior except for the hideous tan headliner. What a mismatch of colors. I have about 800 miles on it and the temperature is below freezing or zero and the gas mileage is 19.5 on dash computer. Fuel economy on this vehicle is under rated. Wish it would burn E-85. six speed transmission would have been nice also. Wanted Premier model but was not offered in 5 seat version. The AWD is super on the snow and ice. Very quiet and comfortable vehicle with lots of cargo space and back seat room.