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2002 Mercury Mountaineer Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Mountaineer Full Review
7.
8.
2002 Mercury Mountaineer Review
Mountaineer shares its design with the Ford Explorer, and both are redesigned for 2002. They have a wider stance, longer wheelbase, and gain independent rear suspension, but Mountaineer gets more-expressive styling inside and out. It also has a standard 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity. A V6 is standard. The optional V8 is a new overhead-cam design in place of an overhead-valve V8. Both come only with a 5-speed automatic transmission; V8 Mountaineers previously used a 4-speed automatic. Mountaineer is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing (Explorer's 4WD has low-range gearing). Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and tilt/telescoping steering wheel are among the standard equipment. Options include a rear-obstacle-warning system, power-adjustable pedals, and a driver-seat memory. Torso side airbags are not offered, but the optional curtain side airbags are designed to provide head protection in a side collision and at midyear gained sensors intended to deploy them in a rollover. Due as a 2003 model is the Lincoln Aviator, a more-powerful, luxury-oriented version of the Mountaineer.
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 Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
News
Mountaineer remains one of slower-selling midsize SUVs, partly because of its obvious ties to the less costly Ford Explorer and partly because it's a Mercury, a brand many consumers don't relate to anymore or just don't recognize. Will the redesigned 2002 boost Mercury's image and SUV sales? We're not sure about the former, but Mountaineer finished calendar 2001 with only a fractional year-to-year sales decline after being down nearly 20 percent for most of '01. That suggests the '02 is doing pretty well so far. Mercury must be hoping that trend continues, as Mountaineer should see no major design changes through the 2005 or '06 model years. Meantime, Lincoln's Explorer-based 2003 Aviator could steal some Mountaineer sales, depending on how it's priced. We'll know for sure in coming months.
2002 Mercury Mountaineer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Both the V6 and V8 furnish modest acceleration from a stop and build speed quickly, though there's no significant difference in throttle response between the two in the 40-55-mph range. Expect Mountaineer to mirror the 8.4-sec 0-60-mph time of our test V8 Eddie Bauer Explorer 4WD. Mercury says V6 Mountaineers do 0-60 in 10.2 sec. Trailer-towing capacity tops out at 5700 lb on V6 models, 7300 lb on V8s.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4.7 |
Both the V6 and V8 furnish modest acceleration from a stop and build speed quickly, though there's no significant difference in throttle response between the two in the 40-55-mph range. Expect Mountaineer to mirror the 8.4-sec 0-60-mph time of our test V8 Eddie Bauer Explorer 4WD. Mercury says V6 Mountaineers do 0-60 in 10.2 sec. Trailer-towing capacity tops out at 5700 lb on V6 models, 7300 lb on V8s.
Fuel Economy
Mountaineer figures should be similar to results of our Explorer tests: 14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway use and 15.1 in mostly highway driving for the V8. Test 4WD V6 model averaged 17.1 mpg. Mercury recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Mountaineer figures should be similar to results of our Explorer tests: 14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway use and 15.1 in mostly highway driving for the V8. Test 4WD V6 model averaged 17.1 mpg. Mercury recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality
Body-on-frame design retained, but new chassis feels very solid. Independent rear suspension provides softer ride than before. Mountaineer's suspension settings and tires differ from Explorer's in an effort to impart sharper responses on the road; they do, but at the expense of some absorbency over sharp bumps.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
Body-on-frame design retained, but new chassis feels very solid. Independent rear suspension provides softer ride than before. Mountaineer's suspension settings and tires differ from Explorer's in an effort to impart sharper responses on the road; they do, but at the expense of some absorbency over sharp bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Mountaineer aims for a sportier feel than Explorer and succeeds, with better reaction to steering inputs and slightly less body lean in sharp changes of direction. Still, this truck-type SUV feels less maneuverable than such car-based rivals as the Acura MDX or Lexus RX300. And we're disappointed that, unlike Explorer, Mountaineer doesn't get Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system, which is designed to prevent skids by automatically braking each wheel selectively.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Mountaineer aims for a sportier feel than Explorer and succeeds, with better reaction to steering inputs and slightly less body lean in sharp changes of direction. Still, this truck-type SUV feels less maneuverable than such car-based rivals as the Acura MDX or Lexus RX300. And we're disappointed that, unlike Explorer, Mountaineer doesn't get Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system, which is designed to prevent skids by automatically braking each wheel selectively.
Quietness
Wind and road noise unobjectionable and low for an SUV. Engines intrude only under full throttle, though V8 quieter than V6.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 |
Wind and road noise unobjectionable and low for an SUV. Engines intrude only under full throttle, though V8 quieter than V6.
Controls
Clear instrumentation and well-lit, accessible controls. Air conditioning can be operated in all air distribution modes. Dashboard layout shared with Explorer, but Mountaineer's faux brushed-aluminum trim is dressier than the Ford's color-coordinated plastic.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6 |
Clear instrumentation and well-lit, accessible controls. Air conditioning can be operated in all air distribution modes. Dashboard layout shared with Explorer, but Mountaineer's faux brushed-aluminum trim is dressier than the Ford's color-coordinated plastic.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Roomy, with comfortable seats. Standard tilt/telescope wheel, memory seat, and adjustable pedals custom tailor the driving position. To some testers, the available running boards hinder egress because they're too narrow to provide a solid step, but wide enough to require stretching over when getting out.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
Roomy, with comfortable seats. Standard tilt/telescope wheel, memory seat, and adjustable pedals custom tailor the driving position. To some testers, the available running boards hinder egress because they're too narrow to provide a solid step, but wide enough to require stretching over when getting out.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second row has lots of head room, more leg clearance than most in class, and three can squeeze across. Third row is fit for two children; 2nd-row seats tilt forward to ease access, but it's still not simple.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Second row has lots of head room, more leg clearance than most in class, and three can squeeze across. Third row is fit for two children; 2nd-row seats tilt forward to ease access, but it's still not simple.
Cargo Room
Large hatch glass opens separately and dips low into tailgate for easier loading. Cargo room tight behind 3rd-row seat, which folds into floor (though not quite flat) for more space.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
Large hatch glass opens separately and dips low into tailgate for easier loading. Cargo room tight behind 3rd-row seat, which folds into floor (though not quite flat) for more space.
Value within Class
Mountaineer shares with Explorer a host of assets, including available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, adjustable pedals, curtain airbags, and a reverse-sensing system. It falls short in not offering the antiskid system, and overall, we don't believe the Mercury's slight edge in handling is enough to justify its price premium against comparable Explorers.
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 4.5 |
Mountaineer shares with Explorer a host of assets, including available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, adjustable pedals, curtain airbags, and a reverse-sensing system. It falls short in not offering the antiskid system, and overall, we don't believe the Mercury's slight edge in handling is enough to justify its price premium against comparable Explorers.
Total Score
| Base AWD, V6 | Base AWD w/Lux. Grp., V8 | Class Average |
| 56 | 57 | 49.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2002 Mercury Mountaineer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/26/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon | $28,950 | $26,386 | $625 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon | $30,950 | $28,166 | $625 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/manual lumbar adjustment, 6-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, second-row split bench seat, third-row stowable bench seat, overhead console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo-management system, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear liftgate, roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch, full-size spare tire, 245/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Group
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Base
|
$595
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$506
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Power adjustable pedals, driver-door keypad entry, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, compass, outside-temperature indicator, automatic headlights, courtesy approach lights.
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Luxury Group
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Base
|
$1,875
|
$1,594
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Dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, driver-seat and adjustable-pedal memory, heated power mirrors, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, message center w/trip computer, cast alloy wheels. Requires Convenience Group.
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Premier Edition Pkg.
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Base
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$350
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$298
|
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Body cladding, aluminum roof rack, dual exhaust tips. Requires Convenience Group and Luxury Group.
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Trailer-Towing Pkg.
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Base
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$395
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$336
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Limited-slip differential, engine cooler, Class III/IV trailer hitch, 7-pin trailer connector.
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Powertrain |
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4.6-liter V8 engine
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Base
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$695
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$591
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Safety |
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Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
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Base
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$495
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$421
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Requires Convenience Group.
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Rear obstacle detection system
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Base
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$255
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$217
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Requires Convenience Group.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Rear air conditioning
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Base
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$610
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$518
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Includes rear controls, rear heater. NA w/power sunroof.
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Power sunroof
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Base
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$800
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$680
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Requires Convenience Group.
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Audiophile Radio System
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Base
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$690
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$587
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, premium sound system. Requires Convenience Group.
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Leather upholstery
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Base
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$655
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$557
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Requires Convenience Group.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Running boards
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Base
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$395
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$336
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2002 Mercury Mountaineer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercury Mountaineer 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4410 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 88.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /245 | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5250 | 240 @ 4750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 250 @ 4000 | 280 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 15/20 | 14/19 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercury Mountaineer 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Mountaineer Full Review
7.
8.
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