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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 614.00-
LoveD this car - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By seltz9 - December 18 - 2:42 amMy parents bought this car brand new and gave it to me. They had no problems every, except that back hatch crack that is common, i get it and everything is wrong at 76,000. rain out of gas on I-80 recently because all of a sudden my gas gage doesnt work. my ABS light is always on and my cruise never works. my ac and heat do not work. back riper flew off, tranny is apparently going out, loud metal clinking, stereo bass and treble dont work, speaker goes in and out, leather had been cracked since day 1. i love this car cause i know what it was like brand new and have kept us safe but i offically hate it too
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Best SUV deal out there - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
By Texas Steve - December 15 - 10:00 amBought it used at a dealership with 64K miles for relatively very little $$$. Now at 78K, other than gas mileage, cant find fault with this car/truck/SUV-thing. All wheel drive, ABS, leather, power everything, a V8 with guts, CD changer, on-and-on-and- on. Like it so much, am giving it to my parents to drive. And I love my parents.
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Very Nice SUV - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
By jhalle - December 7 - 7:13 amWe just traded in our 2003 Mountaineer for a used 2006 Model. We were very pleased with the previous model and are even more pleased with this one. It handles much better than the 03 Model and the interior is much more luxurious. Spent months comparing and trying 3 row SUVs. This was by far the best value. Sure the Highlander and Pilot were a little more refined but not enough to justify the extra $8000-$10000 price tags. Wish they would not have changed lift gate.Paid $17,500 for a loaded model with 19,000 miles on it. Some have complained of the door handles. Though a little awkward at first you do get used to it within a week.
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2004 awd merc mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
By m. buendia - November 19 - 2:00 amtremendous improvement over older mountaineer models. ride is carlike and the seats offer great comfort to both driver and passengers. adequate power, good brakes, convenient and logical instrumentation. poor mileage (15 highway). well priced due to incentives.
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No Roll! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By Heidi - November 5 - 6:06 pmFor a woman, its been great! Great space. Plus has a smooth ride.
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I love it but I hate it too! - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
By Rodney and Pam - November 5 - 2:00 amI have had my 2000 Mountaineer for 1 year. The first week I had it the message center had to be replaced. Ok. I can live with that. I had an awful growning noise in the front end after several trips to the dealer the problem was the CV joints. Now my big problem! The transmission went out at 50K!!!! Now I have a rebuilt one and the SUV is for sale! I love it and I dont want to give it up but what happens when my rebuilt trans goes out after the waranty is gone?? So I must say bye and I dont think I will buy another one.
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Nice SUV for the money - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
By Bill - October 6 - 2:36 pmthe AWD is so well implemented that you dont notice it - unless youre the one driving the speed limit in the left lane when everyone else is slowing way down. This was my second (after a 2000)and the ind. rear susp improved the handling over the prev model. Even my wife loves it.
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A Strong SUV - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
By aptkrs - September 29 - 10:00 amWe have owned our Mountaineer for 2 1/2 years and have really enjoyed owning it. I love the power of the V8 and the little bit of rumble that comes from it. There are not many more options that you can cram into a midsize SUV that the Mountaineer does not have. The ride was very rough until we put some new tires on it and the ride is noticeable smoother, but still not "smooth". We have been talking about getting another vehicle, but we can find no reason to get rid of our Mountaineer.
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The Best Roadtrip Vehicle - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
By Tre Five - September 19 - 10:03 pmI have had very few issues with my mountaineer. It now has over 212k miles and the thing runs great. Great performance as you can fly up steep mountain grades and it never gets stuck, even when driving alongside kentucky country roads in thick mud just because you thought it would be fun. It is very comfortable and aside from little problems here and there it is very reliable. 5.0 awd is the only way to go. IT AINT BAD FOR A FORD! However it is still a ford.
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I Love My Mountaineer - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
By hancock1119 - September 18 - 2:00 amI love my Mountaineer. It has been a great vehicle and I highly recommend them to anyone who asks my opinion of SUVs.
