Mercury Mountaineer

Name: 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
Brand: Mercury

EPA MPG: NA

CR's Take

The Mountaineer is a clone of the Ford Explorer. The standard V6 performs adequately but sounds coarse. The V8 is stronger and sounds better, but delivers just 14 mpg overall. The ride is stiff compared with its car-based competition. Handling is sound and secure but doesn't stand out in its class. The versatile interior has various folding seat arrangements and offers three-row seating. Unlike the Explorer, the Mountaineer uses a permanent all-wheel-drive system without a low range. Overall, the Mountaineer is outdated.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2009 SUVs Reliability

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Mercury Mountaine...

Mercury Mountaineer

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

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2009 Mercury Mountaineer

$3,200 - $4,300

EPA MPG NA

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

AWD, Rear

4-liter V6 (210 hp)
4.6-liter V8 (292 hp)

6-speed automatic
5-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

Mountaineer's 2006 freshening updated interior and exterior styling, but also introduced some minor interior control frustrations. Ride and handling are acceptable, but the vehicle has a stiffer ride and less agility than higher-rated competitors. When compared to its less expensive Ford Explorer relative, the three-row interior is versatile, but few details rationalize its more expensive price.

2002-2005

2002 Redesign Year

A close relative of the Ford Explorer, Mountaineer's interior is roomy, and cargo space is generous. But the ride is stiff and choppy. The 2002 models brought a complete redesign with improved ride and handling, and an available, if small third-row seat. Independent rear suspension gives it a reasonably comfortable ride. The 4.0-liter V6 offers adequate acceleration, but is crude and noisy. A smoother 4.6-liter V8 was optional. Neither engine is particularly efficient though.

1997-2001

1997 Redesign Year

The Mercury Mountaineer, twin to the Ford Explorer, is roomy inside. The four-door version easily seats five and offers a large load area. The optional all-wheel-drive system can be used full time. The 160-hp, 4.0-liter V6 gives adequate acceleration. New for 1997 is a five-speed automatic transmission. A 210-hp, 5.0-liter V8 is optional as well. The steering feels light, but it gives some feel of the road. The ride is firm and well controlled.