1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2001 Mercury Mountaineer
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1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer ▼
- Price Range: $1,700 - $5,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Visibility
- Acceleration
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Essentially, the Mountaineer was a near-duplicate of the latest Ford Explorer. However, Mountaineer was produced only as a 4-door wagon. Buyers got a choice of rear-wheel drive or permanently engaged all-wheel drive. Dual airbags and antilock brakes were standard. Sole engine was a 5.0-liter V8. A 4-speed automatic was the only transmission. The all-wheel-drive system was always engaged and required no input from the driver.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercury Mountaineer Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Mercury Mountaineer:
An overhead-cam V6 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission became standard this year, making the V8 (with 4-speed automatic and permanent 4WD) an option. The 4-wheel-drive system for the V6 was Ford's Control Trac, which offered 2WD as well as three 4WD modes, one of which can be left engaged on dry pavement. Styling refinements included a fresh grille and newly standard 2-tone paint.
1999 Mercury Mountaineer:
New options became available for the '99 Mountaineer, including seat-mounted front airbags, a rear load-leveling suspension, and a backing-up warning system. The standard V6 engine gained 5 horsepower.
2000 Mercury Mountaineer:
New luxury option groups became available, called Monterey and (for V8 models only) Premiere. Both included woodgrain interior trim and color-keyed bodyside moldings, running boards, and bumpers. Premiere added steering-wheel audio controls, a color-keyed grille, special spruce-green paint, and 16-inch tires on 5-spoke alloy wheels.
2001 Mercury Mountaineer:
Rear child-seat tether anchors were the only addition for 2001.
Our road test for the 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Meager gas mileage is a major drawback. An early Mountaineer with the V8 averaged 16.1 mpg, and barely managed 18 mpg on the highway--roughly identical to the EPA estimates. Later models might not even do that well. Virtues are the same as the Explorer's, including a roomy and comfortable interior, good visibility to all directions, and strong acceleration from the V8 engine. Permanent all-wheel drive is handy and works as promised, giving the Mountaineer good traction when needed, without any guesswork or action by the driver. Although the V6 engine of 1998-99 cannot match the V8's muscle, its 5-speed automatic transmission does an admirable job of keeping the engine in its power band. Control Trac 4WD is more convenient than the systems offered by competitors. A Mountaineer corners confidently, with less body lean than some rivals. At the same time, the ride can get more bouncy and trucklike than those competitors. Road and wind noise at highway speeds are not particularly intrusive. The interior is roomier than that of a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy. Space is ample for four adults, and three can sit in back for relatively short distances. Most switchgear is easy to reach, though climate controls are low on the dashboard. Deep side and rear windows and well-positioned outside mirrors give the driver a clear view of surrounding traffic.
Value for the Money
We rate both the popular Explorer and its Mercury mate highly in the SUV league. Though engine choices aren't identical, the two models provide similar performance and accommodations, with sound ergonomics in a roomy cabin.
We rate both the popular Explorer and its Mercury mate highly in the SUV league. Though engine choices aren't identical, the two models provide similar performance and accommodations, with sound ergonomics in a roomy cabin.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercury Mountaineer Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercury Mountaineer includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercury Mountaineer .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Electrical noise caused by the electric fuel pump in the tank can cause a buzzing noise when the AM band of the radio is selected. (1997-98)
Dashboard lights:
The original oxygen sensor malfunctions causing the malfunction-indicator lamp to light. (1997-98)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1997-2001)
Keyless entry:
Remote keyless entry quits due to Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) module damaged by static electricity requiring a redundant ground on the passenger seats. (1997)
Suspension problems:
The sway bar links bend or break because the original bushings are too rigid. (1995-2001)
Timing belt:
The timing chain on 4.0-liter V6 may make noise in hard acceleration. A repair kit is available. (1999-2000)
Transmission leak:
Transmission fluid can leak from the transmission into the transfer case. The low transmission-fluid level causes shifting and engagement problems. (1997)
Transmission problems:
Transmission flare when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear is due to shift solenoid malfunction. (1997-2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $505 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $840 |
| Brakes | $265 |
| Exhaust System | $295 |
| Radiator | $440 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $175 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
| Universal Joints | $105 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercury Mountaineer details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Mountaineer 2WD | $5,000-5,700 | $4,300-4,800 | $2,000-2,300 |
| Mountaineer 4WD/AWD | $5,700-6,400 | $4,900-5,500 | $2,300-2,600 |
| 2000 | |||
| Mountaineer 2WD | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| Mountaineer 4WD/AWD | $4,800-6,500 | $4,000-5,500 | $1,800-2,500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Mountaineer 2WD | $3,500-4,200 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| 1998 | |||
| Mountaineer 2WD | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | $3,400-4,000 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| Mountaineer 2WD | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| Mountaineer 4WD | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercury Mountaineer include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.2 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4139 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For its first season, the Mountaineer came only with a 210-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. In 1998, Ford's overhead-cam V6, making 205 horsepower, became standard. A 5-speed automatic transmission was used with the V6 engine. The V6 engine gained 5 horsepower for 1999.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 205-210 | 240 | 5-speed automatic: 15/19 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 302 | 210-215 | 288 | 4-speed automatic: 14/18 | 4-speed automatic: 16.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Mountaineer include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Mountaineer |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997:
After operation at highway speeds, at below -20 degrees (F), engine may not return to idle.
1997:
Gas-cylinder bracket may not properly support rear liftgate.
1997-98 w/4.0-liter engine:
A gap between the plate and bore of throttle body was too narrow, causing the throttle pedal to stick.
1997-98 w/SOHC 4.0-liter:
Fuel lines can be damaged and fire could result if vehicle is jump started and ground cable is attached to fuel-line bracket near battery.
1998-99:
Secondary hood latch on certain vehicles may corrode and stick in open position.
1998-99:
Speed-control cable on certain vehicles can interfere with pulley, preventing throttle from returning to idle when disengaging the speed control.
1999:
Right-front brake-line connection could separate, causing leakage when brake pedal is applied.
1999-01 Mountaineer w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1999-2000 w/4.0-liter engine and AWD:
Generic electronic module could lock-up, so various functions (front wipers, interior lights, 4x4 system, etc.) could not be turned on or off.
2000 w/side airbags:
Side airbag could deploy if ignition key is in "run" position and seatbelt webbing is forcibly extracted from locked retractor with jerking motion.
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