Overview & Reviews

Mercury has overhauled their Mountaineer for model-year 2002 in an attempt to make it more car-like than ever before. Among the improvements are a 2.5-inch wider stance for improved handling and roominess, a new independent rear suspension that improves ride and handling, while at the same time accommodating a standard third row of seats, larger door openings with a lower step-in height, standard six-way power adjustable driver's seat and optional power adjustable pedals. With this year's redesign, Mercury is trying to further differentiate the Mountaineer from its look-alike cousin the Ford Explorer.

• Third-row seating, independent rear suspension, powerful engines, wide selection of convenience features, attractive new design inside and out.

• No Control Trac 4WD option, poor fuel economy with V8, unnecessary taillight protectors come standard.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 113.00

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  Please take this car seriously!!! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By bebopdeluxe - September 29 - 1:16 am

  Criteria: AWD, powerful engine, 3rd row of seats, 5000+ lbs towing capacity, SAFETY, and fun to drive (I own a 6-speed BMW 540i). The MDX fell short on towing capacity, and the engine seemed to lack "hop" when I hit the gas. The X5 was also no competitor here - not only no 3rd seat, but laughable space for a $54K vehicle. The M-Class? Great to drive, power, VERY safe. Build quality/reliability? The newer ones were thought of as more solid, but now the price had a "5"

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  2002.5 Mountaineer - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jay9890 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of a 02.5 Premier Edition Mountaineer on 4/29/02. So far so good. The ride is very smooth for a SUV. Much better then my 96 Explorer. I test drove the Explorer and the Mountaineer. For the me, the Mountaineer was a better choice, and cheaper.

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  No major problems yet. - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Erie, Pa - August 30 - 1:33 am

  Looked for an SUV for a long time. Chose because of price and Explorer reputation. So far have had minor problems with the vehicle not being able to start. After three tows, found out it was bad ground wire. vehicle sometimes seems to lag into gear from park when cold. Also transmission at times acts like something is going wrong. Have 75,000 mile warranty, hope it goes before then. A fine vehicle otherwise, gas mileage around town is 13 and highway is poor at only 18. Questionable whether I would buy another. Also seat foam on drivers seat began to bunch up along left part of seat, I dont weigh a whole lot over 170. Had to have it taken off and fixed. $125.00

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  Go Mountaineer! - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Harry Zechman - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful! We have driven new JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITEDs for the past 8 years. This car makes the Jeep feel like a truck.

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  Watch Out for Transmission - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Herb - July 5 - 2:03 am

  Loved the way it looks and drives. I have a V8 and pulled a camper with no problems. The AWD, 6CD Changer, Heated Seats, and Memory settings work well. The only problem is the transmission. Had it replaced after the warranty went out. Now its slipping again. Supposedly, later models improved the transmission.

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  LEMON - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bryan Willams - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Fuel guage gone already not covered under warranty. Strange jerk in transmission when shifting into 3rd. Anti-lock guage has been replaced twice already? Door hinges come loose every couple of months. Front strut replaced. This is a 35K DOLLAR CAR AND ITS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. I WOULD EXPECT ALOT MORE. What a lemon!

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  Lovin It - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ox - May 31 - 10:33 am

  I have 200400 miles. V-8 still pulls strong. Still fun to drive. I have 2- wheel drive but have been able to drive through what I want. Replaced tranny at 105000 miles. I use a K&N air filter and installed a Tornado air mixer thing; I get close to 19/20 mpg. I change oil 3 mo/3000 miles. I pass emissions test annually in GA. On third set of tires, they wear evenly. Ride is comfortable, especially on long trips. It does good for taxi service. Tis is my third Mercury, they have all worked well-I do make sure I do regular maintenance.

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  Poor design - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By lucky - May 21 - 9:20 am

  From reading reviews I guess I am lucky. I have a 2002 Mountaineer purchased new with about 77000 miles right now. The rear suspension rotted out on it 500.00 to repair, and now the ignition cylinder fell apart. 101.00 labor at the dealer and 100.00 for the part.About one hour labor. I am 62 years old and will be buying another new vehicle this year, but not a ford product. Toyota always has some vehicles in car and driver american made list. Which is why I did just purchase a new Toyota Tundra and will probably buy a Toyota car of some model.

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  Minor problems but quite satisfied - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By ER in SoCal - April 20 - 10:00 am

  bought the suv in 9/01 for the wife and new baby its very comfortable but handles light on its feet making the wife very happy (she had a sports car) ave mpg for suv great stereo and very nice on long trips ave power from v6 but no trouble passing on SoCal freeways great brakes have 30k and tires still at least 50% a little noisy at times but not really an issue with kids really have enjoyed owning this one weird problems 1.peeling paint on roof and roof rack 2.seat cushion got funny bulge 3.leaky moon roof all problems fixed by local dealership under warranty

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  A lot of plusses, two big minuses - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mark - March 5 - 10:50 am

  My Mountaineer is the basic design with the V-8. No other frills. Fun to drive. Excellent smooth ride. Great stereo. Nice and dependable A/C. In all a great car to take the long distance as I have driven about 155K miles - mostly highway. Two big minuses: Transmission and rear axle. The right rear axle losing its fluid and freezing up could be chalked up to back luck. However, the bad transmission is a systemic problem for most of these Mercs. The local transmission mechanic told me this. One would be lucky to get in 50K miles. Mine started going bad around 40K, but not bad enough to use the drivetrain warranty - according to the dealer.