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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  Great acceleration - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Eddie Barrios - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and superb comfort.

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  A good buy! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jay van - December 29 - 2:00 am

  If you want to buy an SUV with all of the power and features this is the one. I purchased mine after testing several different models including the Explorer. For the money I could not find an V-8 powered, all-wheel drive that was comprable in price. The third- row seat was also a great asset. I can tow a boat or a trailer with ease and the performance suprised the heck out of me. Zero to sixty is like a blink for this big SUV. I am glad I made this decision.

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  97 Mountaineer Best Vehicle Ive owned - 1997 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Ram Fan - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the comfort and reliability of this vehicle so much that its hard to justify spending $35K on something on something new with comparable features. What can I say, nothing will tear up. Other than an AC overall for $700 in 1999, nothing has broken. With 92000 miles you have thought the starter or alternator or fuel pump or transmission would have broken. But no.

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  WOW! - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By monjo - December 11 - 9:23 am

  What a value! This vehicle is beautiful, and feels like youre riding on air. Way underpriced for the amount of safety and security this vehicle has to offer.

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  Great value, looks, and ... reliable - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By gabrielu - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Had the truck for over a year now, and not one glitch yet! We liked the value and looks, but were concerned w/buying american- We were surprised- Not a single glitch yet- Took many loong trips effortlessy- Went (mild) offroad well, though it does lack a low-gear- Not one of the issues I have seen posted has come up- Consumption is not as bad as other V8s-

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  Crazy about a Mercury - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Nhizname - November 27 - 12:46 am

  My first Mercury and I love it. This vehicle is over the top in every way. All the options at the cost is just crazy. Gas mileage is great for an SUV, getting 21 around town and average 26- 27 on the highway. Love the leather and all the storage. Easy to carry a bunch of stuff and love it by myself. Had a problem with the back door split when shutting but was easily replaced and never a problem since. I cannot say enough about this car. It is luxury all the way.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
  By impressed - November 22 - 10:50 am

  Got my Mountaineer last weekend. Loved almost everything about it - the very quiet interior, the ride and handling, and the power. Had owned a 2003 Explorer and thought the redesigned rear suspension was going to spoil an already good thing. I was pleasantly surprised. My only complaint is the interior door pull handle. The location is very awkward and an afterthought.

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  A Very Good SUV - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By JFK - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The Mountaineer is an excellent vehicle. Its just the right size and gets decent gas milage with the V6. The deals that are being offered are great too. I would rate it just as good as the imports without dealing with the arrogant imports dealers.

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  First 999 miles - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jay - November 1 - 2:40 pm

  The SUV has performed superb, the ride is smooth, transmission is swift, and overall a great investment. Rides and styles as a luxury SUV. The Family Incentives from Ford made this $12,700 investment a no brainer. The vehicles manuvers superb and is easy to park, great view from all angles. The cabin design and adjustable pedals allows for flexibilty and comfort for my wife to drive. Is fun to drive, can wait to take it on the road for a 600 - 700 mile drive. Compares to my BMW 325 on handling and comfort. The Mercury team got this one right on the money.

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  Stump pulling torque - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  By fordgirl - October 23 - 10:00 am

  After driving various sedans and sports cars for the last 12 years, this is a refreshing luxury. The ability to jump into any traffic & be able to merge seamlessly is a pleasure. I also like to be high up to see all the traffic around me. This also offers me the ability to haul all of my clients & all our stuff.