Although the Mercury Mountaineer and similar Ford Explorer are getting long in the tooth, both are still competitive. Both SUVs are roomy, and cargo space is especially generous when the rear seat is folded. The Mountaineer is slightly more luxurious. Handling is sound, with good steering feel, and the brakes are competent. But the ride is stiff and choppy on bumpy roads and jiggly even on smooth roads. Skip the thirsty pushrod V8 and opt for the overhead-camshaft V6, which is equipped with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic.
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Driving Experience
Driving Experience
Includes acceleration and handling
/ 100
Comfort
Comfort
Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
/ 100
Value
Value
Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification
number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership
can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.
Mountaineer's 2006 freshening updated interior and exterior styling, but also introduced some minor interior control frustrations. Ride and handling are acceptable, but the vehicle has a stiffer ride and less agility than higher-rated competitors. When compared to its less expensive Ford Explorer relative, the three-row interior is versatile, but few details rationalize its more expensive price.
A close relative of the Ford Explorer, Mountaineer's interior is roomy, and cargo space is generous. But the ride is stiff and choppy. The 2002 models brought a complete redesign with improved ride and handling, and an available, if small third-row seat. Independent rear suspension gives it a reasonably comfortable ride. The 4.0-liter V6 offers adequate acceleration, but is crude and noisy. A smoother 4.6-liter V8 was optional. Neither engine is particularly efficient though.
The Mercury Mountaineer, twin to the Ford Explorer, is roomy inside. The four-door version easily seats five and offers a large load area. The optional all-wheel-drive system can be used full time. The 160-hp, 4.0-liter V6 gives adequate acceleration. New for 1997 is a five-speed automatic transmission. A 210-hp, 5.0-liter V8 is optional as well. The steering feels light, but it gives some feel of the road. The ride is firm and well controlled.
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