2008 Mercury Mountaineer: Road Test
2008 Mercury Mountaineer ▼
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- MSRP: $26,500 - $32,565
- Invoice: $25,090 - $30,670
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Our road test for the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer help you decide if a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Only V8 Mountaineers have been made available to test so far. They provide ample power, and their 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly and delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD V8 Mountaineer averaged 15.1 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.4 |
Among the best of traditional truck-type SUVs. Mountaineer is compliant, even with the Premier's 18-inch wheels, and devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers say Mountaineer suffers undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.4 |
Typical of its ilk. Some body lean is noticeable in turns and Mountaineer suffers a delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Steering is responsive and accurate but needs more road feel. Brake pedal action is mushy.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Among the quieter SUVs of any stripe. Wind and road noise are well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. The engine intrudes only under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.4 |
Large, clear main gauges. The transmission shift lever blocks easy access to some climate controls. The dashboard design puts the radio just out of easy reach, and the turn-signal stalk is mounted at an awkward angle.
DETAILS
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.4 |
Interior materials mostly solid-feeling. Many surfaces are hard plastic, however, which we deem inappropriate given Mountaineer's upscale intentions.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.1 |
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Outward visibility is hindered somewhat by thick roof pillars, but the 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce the obstruction.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.1 |
Three adults can squeeze across in the roomy 2nd row. Legroom is tight only with the front seats fully aft. The 3rd-row seat cushion is low to the floor, pancake flat, and the floor shape obstructs foot space. Third-row headroom is expansive, and legroom is surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to the 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
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.6 |
Separate-opening hatch glass is handy, but the hatch itself is weighty to open or close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room. The available power-folding 3rd row is a real convenience. Aside from a large console box, interior storage is meager.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.7 |
It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive. Mountaineer, however, is a competent SUV with a solid array of useful features. Its traditional truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty crossovers. However, there's nothing of consequence Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the lower-priced Ford version our pick.
Total Score
| AWD Premier V8 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 64 | 63.7 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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