2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2002 Mercury Mountaineer
2005 Mercury Mountaineer
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2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer 

  • Price Range:  $5,700 - $13,700
CG Rating

54

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room

Cons

  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Midsize in dimensions, the Mountaineer sport utility vehicle shares its design with the Ford Explorer. Both were redesigned for 2002. Built with a wider stance and longer wheelbase, they gained an independent rear suspension. Mountaineers featured more expressive styling, inside and out. They also had a standard third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. A V6 engine was standard. The optional V8 was a new overhead-cam design, in place of the previous overhead-valve V8. Both engines came only with a five-speed automatic transmission; prior V8 Mountaineers had used a four-speed automatic. Mountaineers were available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. (The Explorer's 4WD system had low-range gearing for off-road use.) Antilock four-wheel disc brakes and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel were among the standard features. Options included a rear-obstacle-warning system, power-adjustable pedals, and a driver-seat memory. Torso side airbags were not offered, but the optional curtain side airbags were designed to provide head protection in a side collision. Later in the model year, they were programmed to deploy in a rollover. Performance and accommodations reflect those of similarly-equipped Explorers. Competitors included the Acura MDX, GMC Envoy, and Toyota Highlander.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Mountaineer V6 AWD Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 54
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer.

Year to Year Changes


2003 Mercury Mountaineer: Addition of standard power-adjustable pedals and an available DVD entertainment system highlighted 2003 for Mercury's version of the Ford Explorer and new Lincoln Aviator. A three-point safety belt was now installed for the second-row center seat. Mountaineers came in Convenience, Luxury, and Premier trim, all with three rows of seats. Ford's Explorer could be equipped with an optional antiskid system, which was not available for the Mountaineer.
2004 Mercury Mountaineer: Second-row bucket seats became available for 2004, on Luxury and Premier models, and Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system joined the options list at midseason. The third row of seats could be deleted for credit.
2005 Mercury Mountaineer: Mercury's version of the Ford Explorer is unchanged for 2005, due to receive updates similar to the 2006 Explorer later in the calendar year.

Our road test for the 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Mercury's overhead-cam V8 feels smooth, but not much more powerful than the V6. Both provide modest acceleration from a stop, but build speed quickly. Ford claimed V6 models could accelerate to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds. In the 40-55 mph range, there's no great difference in throttle response between the two engines. The AWD system's 200-pound weight penalty hurts acceleration somewhat. An extended-use 4WD V8 Explorer XLT averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Similar examples averaged 13.3 to 14.1 mpg with more city driving, while a 4WD V6 Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Mountaineers should echo those figures. Both engines run on regular-grade fuel. With its independent rear suspension, the Mountaineer provides a reasonably soft ride. Although it's somewhat trucky, the body-on-frame chassis feels quite solid. Relatively compliant, the suspension is devoid of sloppy motions. A Mountaineer is slightly tougher than an Explorer, but not as smooth as a Lexus RX. The Mountaineer's stiffer shocks make it more stable than an Explorer through dips and swells, but slightly less absorbent over rough pavement. Steering/handling is typical truck-type midsize SUV. That means noticeable body lean in turns, and somewhat lazy reactions to steering inputs, compared to a car. Still, it's capable and confident overall, with best-in-class steering feel and good low-speed maneuverability. Mountaineer steering/handling is sharper than an Explorer's, thanks to different shock absorbers and tires. Stopping power is strong, though brake-pedal effort is slightly high. Wind and road noises are unobjectionable, and low for an SUV. Engines intrude only under hard throttle, though the V8 is quieter than the V6. Gauges are bold and clear. Most controls are illuminated and within easy reach. Materials are generally good quality, and the Mountaineer has dressier trim than an Explorer. Expect plenty of room up front on comfortable seats. The available memory seat, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and adjustable pedals can custom-tailor the driving position to suit many physiques. Outward visibility is good. Curiously, running boards hinder egress; they're too narrow to provide a solid step. Second-row occupants get generous headroom, plus more leg clearance than most in its class. Three can squeeze across, but the seat is divided into three segments and each can feel confining. The third row is fit for two children; it's low to the floor and pancake-flat, though head room is expansive and leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tilt forward to ease access. Large hatch glass opens separately and dips low into the tailgate, for easier loading. But the glass releases only via the keyfob. Cargo room is tight behind the third-row seat, which folds into the floor (though not quite flat) for additional space. The fold-down process can be awkward, and the tailgate isn't so easy to open or close.
Value for the Money
A Mountaineer deserves a spot on your midsize SUV shopping list, due to its beyond-competent overall performance and impressive array of available features. More expressive in styling than an Explorer, with sharper handling, it's not quite as good a value, though price differences tend to get closer as the vehicles age.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Mountaineer V6 AWD Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 54

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.

Clutch: Hopping, binding sensation from rear axle caused by binding limited-slip clutch packs requires revised clutch packs and reformulated gear lube. (2002-04)

Engine noise: Rattling noise from front of engine caused by timing chain slop requiring a redesigned primary chain tensioner. (1999-2002)

Engine noise: A low-speed growl on AWD models requires replacement of the transfer case drive chain. (2002)

Fuel gauge: Fuel gauge may suddenly drop to empty on vehicle with 4.0L engine due to an electrical problem with the flex fuel module. (2002)

Fuel pump: Stumbling or hesitation when making aggressive right turns caused by cavitation in the fuel tank as fuel sloshes to one side requiring a redesigned fuel pump. (2002)

Oil leak: Oil leak from right side axle may be caused by the seal coming loose and spinning in the housing requiring complete axle assembly replacement. (2003-04)

Windows: The rear window (liftgate) glass supports may come loose and cause the window to break on some vehicles, and dealers were repositioning the brackets and tightening the screws. (2002)

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 $655
Alternator $525
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,995
Brakes $350
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $455
Constant Velocity Joints $2,340
Exhaust System $295
Radiator $945
Shocks and/or Struts $650
Timing Chain or Belt $510
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
2005
Mountaineer 2WD $11,500-14,000 $10,400-12,600 $6,300-7,700
Mountaineer AWD $12,500-15,200 $11,300-13,700 $7,100-8,700
2004
Mountaineer 2WD $9,700-12,000 $8,700-10,800 $5,000-6,200
Mountaineer AWD $10,700-13,000 $9,600-11,700 $5,700-6,900
2003
Mountaineer 2WD $8,000-9,700 $7,200-8,700 $4,100-4,900
Mountaineer AWD $9,000-10,700 $8,100-9,600 $4,700-5,600
2002
Mountaineer 2WD $6,500-7,500 $5,700-6,600 $2,900-3,400
Mountaineer AWD $7,500-8,500 $6,800-7,700 $3,800-4,300
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. 113.8
Overall Length, in. 189.5
Overall Width, in. 72.1
Overall Height, in. 71.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 4490
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 81.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.5
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 38.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.


Powertrain Options and Availability

Two engines have been available under Mountaineer hoods. The 4.0-liter V6 produced 210 horsepower, versus 239 hp for the 4.6-liter V8. Both engines work with a five-speed automatic transmission. Mountaineers could have either rear-drive or all-wheel drive.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc V6 4.0 / 245 210 254 5-speed automatic: 15/20 5-speed automatic: --
ohc V8 4.6 / 281 239 282 5-speed automatic: 14/19 5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Mountaineer include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2002-03 Mountaineer: Liftgate glass strut may disengage or hinge may fracture, allowing glass to fall and possibly break.
2005 Mountaineer: Windshield wiper motor may not be greased properly, resulting in a loss of wiper function. Dealers will inspect and grease motor, if necessary.

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