2000 Mercury Mountaineer Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer help you decide if a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer is right for you.

2000 Mercury Mountaineer Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Ride

Cargo room	Fuel economy

Visibility

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
5	5	4.4

The V6 has sufficient muscle for most needs, while the V8 is predictably stronger.

Fuel Economy

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
4	2	3.6

The V6 will average 15-17 mpg in typical daily driving. We averaged 16.1 mpg over nearly 700 miles, over half of which were on the highway, where we barely reached 18. Hard city driving can drop mileage as low as 10 mpg, especially on V8 models.

Ride Quality

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
3	3	3.7

Ride is sometimes choppy, but nonetheless, composed and comfortable on most surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
3	3	3.6

Mercury markets Mountaineer as more all-weather luxury wagon than off-road rock-hopper. Nevertheless, either 4WD system can be used on slippery or dry pavement without driver involvement, giving the Mercury more tractive versatility than most rivals.

Quietness

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
3	3	3.6

Noise levels are can get annoying at highway speeds where there's plenty of wind rush and tire thrum.

Controls

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
7	7	6

Simple and legible gauges are matched with large climate and audio controls.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
6	6	5.9

The 4WD models don't ride as high as some rivals, so entry and exit are not a big chore, yet drivers enjoy the "command seating" that attracts so many people to SUVs. Overall visibility is fine and controls are handy.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
4	4	4.3

he rear seat isn't a selling point, however, thanks to stiff padding and a backrest that only reaches the shoulder blades of most adults.

Cargo Room

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
8	8	7.5

Cargo space is excallent for this class and the rear seats fold flat. Interior storage compartments abound.

Value within Class

4WD, V6	AWD, V8	Class Average
5	4	3.8

Despite its upscale image and features, Mountaineer prices in the heart of the SUV market, competing with the likes of Oldsmobile's Bravada and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Explorer is our Best Buy among SUVs, and the similar Mountaineer rides its coat tails.

Total Score