Overview & Reviews

The Mountaineer comes in three different versions for 2003: Convenience, Luxury and Premier. Mercury has added standard equipment this year, including security approach lamps, automatic headlamps, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, heated exterior mirrors and power-adjustable pedals. Luxury models receive color-keyed running boards and an Audiophile sound system as standard, and Premier adds to that a power sunroof and a Security Group that includes a Safety Canopy system of head airbags and rollover protection sensors bundled with a reverse-sensing system. Inside, Mountaineers get new trim for the doors and dash, a three-point seatbelt for the center of the second-row bench and an easy entry/exit system for the third-row seat. Luxury and Premier models can be outfitted with a new DVD entertainment system for the rear seats and a tire pressure monitoring system. A leather-upholstered center console cover is added and leather is a no-charge option for Luxury and Premier models.

• Independent rear suspension, comfortable seating for up to seven, strong powertrains, available rollover protection system, DVD entertainment system.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 75.00

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  Like the vehicle - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Richard Keller - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Takes the bumps a little hard. I compare the ride to a Donali which I have driven but do not own. I guess price does make a difference.

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  Love my Mountaineer for the most part! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Amurr1991 - August 23 - 5:10 am

  I have had My Mountaineer for quite a while and Love it! I have only had to replace ball joints and Put new tires on it (standard maintenance). This vehicle is such a workhorse and handles great in all weather situations! The fuel economy is awful though, (only about 13-15 combined). Overall I have been pleased with this truck. The only complaint I have is that the interior quality could be better. The truck has 110,000 miles and does tend to have some minor rattles, but not too bad, other cars I have had dont generally start to rattle until much later, but hey Its a Ford not a Mercedes!

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  Good car but early transmission problem. - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mtango - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Greatly enjoyed our 03 mountaineer until transmission died at 12,000 miles. Dealer promptly repaired under warranty and provided loaner vehicle. Compared with Explorer with similar options Mountaineer is a better deal. Paid $500 over invoice. (Thanks Edmunds!) Also looked at Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Both were more expensive and not as flexible with the seating space.

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  The Good and not so good - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Pat - May 25 - 7:00 pm

  The Comfort, looks and performance are Great. The Problems are few but Should be weeded out by the Mercury engineers: 1) I purchased this SUV new and have the towing package but have never used it yet the 2 rear springs are broken. Never overloaded it either. Cant figure out why/how this happened. 2) Rear tailgate has a plastic body part with Mercury emblem on it. It cracked even though there was no accident. Heard of other owners having same problem. Why did/does this happen? 3) Power windows freeze up in winter will not work until they are thawed out. Overall I like this SUV. Its a pleasure to drive. Hopeful that some Mercury People will see my remarks here and find solutions

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  Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Fletch - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying it we started hearing a noise like a clutch fan or the transmission slipping. Have since had it to the dealer 2x and they say they can do nothing. They say it has to do with the powertrain control module software and that "they" are working on a fix. Not exactly the answer I wanted to hear, especially considering you can actually feel the transmission slip at times. The vehicle now has 6347.0 miles. Also, the vehicle only gets 12 miles per gallon, which very much disappointed me.

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  Not a happy mountaineer - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fletch - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying it we started hearing a noise like a clutch fan or the transmission slipping. Have since had it to the dealer 2x and they say they can do nothing. They say it has to do with the powertrain control module software and that "they" are working on a fix. Not exactly the answer I wanted to hear, especially considering you can actually feel the transmission slip at times. The vehicle now has 6347.0 miles. Also, the vehicle only gets 12 miles per gallon, which very much disappointed me.

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  Great Value - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By nvbanker - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Having now 26,000 miles on the clock and 2.5 years into ownership, Im impressed at how the MM is holding up. This was one of the first 2002s made and was actually acquired in May of 2001. It has amazing A/C, is the perfect size, the fold flat 3rd row seat and independent rear suspension are class leading, were industry leading at the time. Reliability has been flawless.

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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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  Great SUV except - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By suzie - June 21 - 1:43 am

  I loved this SUV, of course gas mileage stinks, but for an AWD it rides like a luxury car. Heated seats, 3rd row seating, great. Cons...wheel bearings. They all go too early, AC wires rusted out. I also knew 3 people who had the same problems, bearings and AC rusting out. Mercury knew this but never recalled the vehicles. Tires, I went through two pairs in three years. Other than that, a fine vehicle.

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  Mountaineer, bad transmission, good looker - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Linda Davis - April 2 - 10:03 am

  I thought this would be the perfect vehicle. But two transmissions in 2 years at $1500 dollars and wheel bearings in less than a year was a little too much. The air conditioner shows no results on leakage testing, but it was filled 2 times a year, it would be freezing then high points on vents would be cold and lower vent warm. Ford could not find what the problem was, but suggested another Mountianeer because this was a used purchase. Another problem was the transmission stick is located on the bottom and will require a special instrument to check fluid level. bad idea.