2001 Mercury Mountaineer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Rear childseat tether anchors are the sole additions for 2001 as Mercury's upscale version of the 4-door Ford Explorer begins a short model year. Redesigned versions of Mountaineer and Explorer are due in January ¿01 as 2002 models; they¿re larger than the 1995-2001 editions and will have new styling and offer seating for up to eight passengers on three rows.

For ¿01 Mountaineer offers rear- and 4-wheel drive with a choice of an overhead-cam V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a V8 with 4 speed automatic. V6 models with 4WD get Ford's Control Trac system, which need not be disengaged on dry pavement. V8 versions have permanently engaged 4WD. Options include front side airbags, rear load leveling suspension, and Ford Motor Company's Reverse Sensing System, which signals an audible warning when the vehicle backs up close to an object.

Luxury options groups are called Monterey and, for V8 models only, Premiere. Both include woodgrain interior trim and color-keyed bodyside moldings, running boards, and bumpers, among other amenities. The Premiere adds a color-keyed grille, special spruce green paint, and exclusive 16-inch tires on 5-spoke alloy wheels in place of standard 15 inch wheels. Included with the optional universal garage door opener is an integrated digital memo recorder. Mountaineer's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Explorers.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.