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2006 Mercury Mountaineer Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer Review:
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5.
6.
Mercury Mountaineer Full Review
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8.
2006 Mercury Mountaineer Review
Mountaineer is a Ford Explorer dressed as a Mercury. For 2006, it gets more V8 power, freshened styling, and front side airbags. Convenience, Luxury, and Premier models are offered. Each is available with a 210-hp V6 or with a 292-hp V8; the V8 gains 53 hp for '06. The V6 teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission. For '06, the V8 has a 6-speed automatic instead of a 5-speed. All Mountaineers are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. So is Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system with rollover sensors. Optional on the Convenience models and standard on other Mountaineers is a split folding 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; it's newly available for '06 with a power-folding feature. The 2nd row has a 60/40 split bench with available reclining seatbacks. Front side airbags are standard on all models. Standard on Premier and optional on other models are curtain side airbags with rollover deployment; these cover the 1st and 2nd seat rows. Also available: 2nd-row bucket seats, DVD entertainment, power-adjustable pedals, power-deployable running boards, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. Mountaineer's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Explorers.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
Mountaineer and parent Ford Explorer have just received an extensive redo, so no further changes of note are likely for the next couple of years.
2006 Mercury Mountaineer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity to test a V6 Mountaineer. V8 versions provide ample power, and their 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response; some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however. Towing capacity is 7300 lb.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 |
No opportunity to test a V6 Mountaineer. V8 versions provide ample power, and their 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response; some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however. Towing capacity is 7300 lb.
Fuel Economy
Test Explorer 4WD Limited V8 averaged 15 mpg. Test AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.1 mpg. Note that V6 powertrain unaffected by 2006 updates. Test 4WD Eddie Bauer V6 Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.8 |
Test Explorer 4WD Limited V8 averaged 15 mpg. Test AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.1 mpg. Note that V6 powertrain unaffected by 2006 updates. Test 4WD Eddie Bauer V6 Explorer averaged 17.1 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Among best of truck-type SUVs. Mountaineer compliant, even with optional 18-inch wheels, and devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers say Mountaineer suffers undue impact harshness, body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.4 |
Among best of truck-type SUVs. Mountaineer compliant, even with optional 18-inch wheels, and devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers say Mountaineer suffers undue impact harshness, body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Typical of truck-type SUVs: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Steering responsive, accurate, but needs more road feel. Tight turning radius. Credit manufacturer for including as standard an antiskid system designed to help prevent sideways skids that can lead to rollovers. No undue nosedive in quick stops, but brake-pedal action mushy.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.1 |
Typical of truck-type SUVs: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Steering responsive, accurate, but needs more road feel. Tight turning radius. Credit manufacturer for including as standard an antiskid system designed to help prevent sideways skids that can lead to rollovers. No undue nosedive in quick stops, but brake-pedal action mushy.
Quietness
Among the quieter SUVs. Wind, road well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.2 |
Among the quieter SUVs. Wind, road well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.
Controls
Large, clear main gauges. Transmission shifter lever moves from steering column to center floor console in '06 revamp; it blocks easy access to some climate controls. Revised dashboard puts radio just out of easy reach. Turn-signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Rear climate controls set into ceiling, are difficult to read. Interior materials mostly solid-feeling, though many surfaces are hard plastic.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.3 |
Large, clear main gauges. Transmission shifter lever moves from steering column to center floor console in '06 revamp; it blocks easy access to some climate controls. Revised dashboard puts radio just out of easy reach. Turn-signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Rear climate controls set into ceiling, are difficult to read. Interior materials mostly solid-feeling, though many surfaces are hard plastic.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Front door pulls located too low and far forward for easy access or use. Outward visibility hindered some by thick roof pillars, but 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction. Available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Front door pulls located too low and far forward for easy access or use. Outward visibility hindered some by thick roof pillars, but 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction. Available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Three adults can squeeze across in roomy 2nd row. Leg room tight only with front seats fully aft. Third-row seat cushion low to floor, pancake flat, and floor shape obstructs foot room. But 3rd-row head room expansive, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to 3rd row is only for the limber. Mountaineer offers running boards that automatically deploy when a door is open, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.2 |
Three adults can squeeze across in roomy 2nd row. Leg room tight only with front seats fully aft. Third-row seat cushion low to floor, pancake flat, and floor shape obstructs foot room. But 3rd-row head room expansive, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to 3rd row is only for the limber. Mountaineer offers running boards that automatically deploy when a door is open, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.
Cargo Room
Separate-opening hatch glass handy, but hatch itself is weighty to open or close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room; optional power-folding 3rd row a real convenience. Aside from large console box, interior storage meager.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.3 |
Separate-opening hatch glass handy, but hatch itself is weighty to open or close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room; optional power-folding 3rd row a real convenience. Aside from large console box, interior storage meager.
Value within Class
It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive. But Mercury Mountaineer is overall a highly competent SUV with an outstanding array of useful features. These include standard curtain side airbags and antiskid system, and available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, and a power-folding 3rd-row seat. Its truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. However, there's nothing of consequence Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the lower-priced Ford version our Recommended pick.
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.7 |
It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive. But Mercury Mountaineer is overall a highly competent SUV with an outstanding array of useful features. These include standard curtain side airbags and antiskid system, and available V8 power, 7-passenger seating, and a power-folding 3rd-row seat. Its truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. However, there's nothing of consequence Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the lower-priced Ford version our Recommended pick.
Total Score
| AWD Premier V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 59 | 56.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2006 Mercury Mountaineer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Convenience V6 4-door wagon | $29,150 | $26,624 | $645 |
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| AWD Convenience V6 4-door wagon | $31,350 | $28,582 | $645 |
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| 2WD Luxury V6 4-door wagon | $31,150 | $28,404 | $645 |
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| 2WD Luxury V8 4-door wagon | $32,350 | $29,472 | $645 |
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| AWD Luxury V6 4-door wagon | $33,350 | $30,362 | $645 |
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| AWD Luxury V8 4-door wagon | $34,550 | $31,430 | $645 |
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| 2WD Premier V8 4-door wagon | $33,300 | $30,317 | $645 |
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| AWD Premier V8 4-door wagon | $35,500 | $32,275 | $645 |
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
Convenience
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split bench seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo-management system, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Luxury adds to Convenience:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine or 4.6-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission (V8).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 2nd-row reclining seatbacks, 3rd-row stowable split folding seat, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio and climate controls, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Premier adds to Luxury:
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, rear climate controls, universal garage door opener.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Security Group
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Convenience, Luxury
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$795
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$676
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Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, rear-obstacle-detection system.
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Trailer Towing Pkg.
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Convenience, Luxury, Premier
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$150
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$128
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Class III/IV trailer hitch, 7/4-pin trailer connector.
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Powertrain |
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Special axle ratio
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V6
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$50
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$43
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Luxury Premier
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$1,995
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$1,696
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DVD entertainment system
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Luxury, Premier
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$1,295
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$1,101
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Rear air conditioning
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Convenience, Luxury, Premier
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$650
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$553
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Includes rear controls, rear heater. Rear controls deleted w/power sunroof. Requires 3rd-row split folding seat.
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Power sunroof
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Convenience, Luxury
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$850
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$723
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Convenience includes illuminated visor mirrors.
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Universal garage door opener
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Luxury
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$150
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$128
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Power-adjustable pedals
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Convenience, Luxury
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$120
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$102
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Luxury w/heated front seats, Premier
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$225
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$192
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Luxury w/heated front seats, Premier include memory.
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Cloth upholstery
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Convenience
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$0
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$0
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Includes 6-way power driver seat.
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Heated front seats
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Luxury
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$395
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$336
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Includes driver seat memory, power passenger seat.
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2nd-row bucket seats
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Luxury, Premier
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$490
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$417
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Includes center console.
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3rd-row stowable split folding seat
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Convenience
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$845
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$718
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3rd-row power-stowable split folding seat
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Luxury, Premier
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$495
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$421
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Requires rear air conditioning.
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3rd-row seat delete
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Luxury (credit)
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$-375
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$-319
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Includes cargo cover. NA w/rear air conditioning, 2nd-row bucket seats.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Running boards
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Convenience
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$485
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$413
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Power-deployable running boards
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Luxury, Premier
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$695
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$591
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Roof rack
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Convenience, Luxury, Premier
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$60
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$51
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Special paint
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Premier
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$275
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$234
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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235/65R18 tires
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Luxury, Premier
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$295
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$251
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2006 Mercury Mountaineer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercury Mountaineer 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4562 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 84.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
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 @ 5100 | 292 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 254 @ 3700 | 300 @ 3950 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 14/20 |
| 5-speed automatic | 15/20 | --/-- |
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 | 5 |
| 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/-- | 8/100,000 on Mariner hybrid components. |
| 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
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Power Running Boards, Trailer Tow Package, DVD Navigation System, Adjustable Pedals with Memory, 18-inch Cast Aluminum Wheels, DVD Rear Seat Entertainment Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 15.01 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski While Mountaineer is a powerful, comfortable SUV, it offers nothing of substance over its Ford Explorer sibling, except of course, price. The interior trim is a big disappointment, not at all in keeping with the upscale image Mercury needs to portray if shoppers are to consider it. For those who need the cargo and towing capacity of a truck-type SUV, the Explorer is a far better choice. Mark Bilek Stickering at just over $40,000, Mountaineer is an excellent blend of utility, comfort, and refinement. Though the V8 adds smoothness and punch, I'd opt for the $33,000 V6 model and cut back on a few creature comforts. At that price, Mountaineer is a steal. Rick Cotta While interior ergonomics suffered in the 2006 update, Explorer and Mountaineer remain good choices if you need their cargo, seating, and towing capacity. |
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Also in the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Mountaineer Full Review
7.
8.
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