2003 Mercury Mountaineer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Standard power-adjustable pedals and an available DVD entertainment system highlight 2003 additions to Mercury's version of the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Mountaineer comes in Convenience, Luxury, and Premier trim, all with three rows of seats for 7-passenger capacity; the 3rd row can be deleted for credit. All offer a V6 or V8 engine and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. A 5-speed automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and tilt steering wheel are standard. Torso side airbags are not offered, but head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard on the Premier and optional on other models. The curtain bags cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and are programmed to deploy in a rollover. Explorer offers an antiskid system that is unavailable in Mountaineer. The previously optional power pedals are joined as new standard features by heated power mirrors and a compass/thermometer. Newly optional for Luxury and Premier is a tire-pressure monitor and a rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player, roof-mounted screen, wireless headphones, and remote control. A rear-obstacle-warning system is standard on Premier models and optional on other Mountaineers.

COMPETITION

New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.