2008 Mercury Mountaineer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer gets few changes. This midsize SUV is a retrimmed Ford Explorer, which means it uses traditional truck-type construction. It comes in Base and Premier trims. Both are available with a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. Premiers offer a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8. The V6 teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission; V8s use a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 7220 lb. All Mountaineers are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A split folding 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity is standard on Premier, optional on Base. A power-folding feature is optional. The 2nd row has a 60/40 split bench with available reclining seatbacks. A newly available feature on the 2008 Mountaineer is Ford's Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players. Also new is Ford's new "capless" fuel filling system, which allows the vehicle to be filled without having to remove a gas cap.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.