1997 MERCURY Mountaineer

the unstoppable snow tank

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 3 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 5

I bought my 97 Mounty as a cheap suv to get me through chicago winters. It needed a little tweaking, having 180k miles on it, so i fixed some minor issues, installed a cheap mp3 radio, some heavy duty shocks in the rear, and Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires...let me tell you, this thing is a beast in the snow! Absolutely unstoppable! The awd and 5.0 mustang V8 are the best features in this reliable suv. (Okay, i put a Flowmaster muffler on it too, just so i could have that nice V8 rumble in the winter time as well). Its not a horsepower monster...the top end sucks, but its a torque beast. I can launch from a stoplight at 3k rpm in a foot of snow and not slip one bit! It handles like a wide receiver in ballet shoes, like any 90's suv, and it sucks gas too, but every vehicle has its trade offs. This thing is awesome though.

Bought mine in 2012

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought my 1997 Mountaineer in 2012 with 155,000 miles. I am the third owner. Did some minor DIY fixes and the thing just keeps shining. It shifts a little hard. And I did some work on the cooling system after driving it across country in summertime heat. But overall very happy. I luv the strong motor. 2WD but performs well in snow and I've even taken it off-roading and been impressed. Comfortable interior. Surprisingly durable. Easy to find parts at any junk yard. Ford got this one right. They are a leader in truck sales and I understand why now.

Best Car I ever owned

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I have owned Fords; Mercurys; Oldsmobile; Pontiac; Mazda; and a Mercedes. For the longest time the best car I owned was a 1987 Ford EXP. Yeah it was a tarted up 2 seater escort. But it was fun; practical and it never broke. Then I bought this 1997 mountaineer used (I am the second owner). The reason it is the best is because I got it dirt cheap and (after owning it a while) I recently drove it 4000 miles in blistering heat. At one point my wife and I were crossing the desert in 118 degree heat with the air conditioner running. Neither of us could believe the car didn't explode. It ran like a champ. All repairs have been minor and it's easy and cheap to fix. Ford trucks r awesome

They don't make 'em like they used to!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

It's too bad we regulate fuel economy and won't tap into our own fuel resources to make gas cheaper. It has caused all these new cars to have overly fragile transmissions and week motors that fall apart. I purchased this car 9 years ago with 150k miles it now has 228k miles very reliable no major repairs except I did replace the heating box in the dash because it only blew hot air (a flap inside malfunctioned)$400. There were no check engine lights on until a couple 1000 miles ago the parking brake light came on not bad for a car pushing a quarter million miles. I'm returning a 07 Ford edge off lease with 38,000 miles feels like its shaking apart at 60 mph transmissions shot.

Great Little Truck

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After I addressed the mileage issue my changing to BFG Wranglers (my truck now gets 18-19 mpg) I now would drive it anywhere I need to go. I just got back from a family visit that took me from Jacksonville FL to Philadelphia and back, no problems. Mine currently has 134K and id parked next to my '93 explorer with 219K on its odometer. Let's hear it for Ford's Truck division.

Great Vehicle

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is an awesome vehicle. It drives great, is comfortable , great stereo , LOVE the sunroof. This was my first car and I only paid $500 for it, it needed a new head gasket and a few other fixes which cost me about $300 and it was up and running great. I love how you can set your lights to come on by themselves when it is dark out

Love my Mountaineer

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my 97 mercury mountaineer 7 mo. ago. I really enjoy driving it and it handles awsome in the snow. The only problem I have had is the transmission, which was fairly easy to replace. It definetly has enough power to get out of it's own way with the V8. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone.

I love this truck!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My truck has 215K miles and I have had pretty limited problems with it. It is showing its wear now so I am retiring it to our summer home where we will use it for local drives and towing our boat or camper. It's very comfortable with nice leather seats.

The Best Roadtrip Vehicle

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I have had very few issues with my mountaineer. It now has over 212k miles and the thing runs great. Great performance as you can fly up steep mountain grades and it never gets stuck, even when driving alongside kentucky country roads in thick mud just because you thought it would be fun. It is very comfortable and aside from little problems here and there it is very reliable. 5.0 awd is the only way to go. IT AINT BAD FOR A FORD! However it is still a ford.

200k miles easy!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This vehicle was passed onto me from my parents when I went back to school, and it has been the most reliable that I have ever owned. Comfortable leather seats, awesome stock stereo, moonroof, and some serious balls on the road. About to hit 200k miles with nothing but basic maintenance. Unfortunately a cross-country move made it angry and the transfer case is has gone bad, but it's still drivable, just getting a lot of clunking from the chain connecting the AWD. The back bumper rusted out from the MI winters but other than that this truck still runs like a champ.

The best by far

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Mountaineer used in 2003. It has now reached 222000 miles and I just had it inspected. Needed a few spark plugs but that was it. I asked if the engine and transmission were ok and the mechanic said they were. I love this car. I am looking for another used suv, not because anything is wrong with the mountaineer, I'm just getting worried about mileage. But, I won't be selling it. It will take my daughter to school when she starts driving. They are hard to find used because everyone hangs on to them. This is the best vehicle I ever owned.

Great Vehicle....So Far

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Purchased my Mounty from a friend for $800. Had to put brakes on it, and replace a rear spring shackle. I have less than $1100 in this thing!!! Engine/tranny run/shift like new. I live in the country, and my Jeep is broken down, and I needed a 2nd 4wd anyway. This thing climbs my muddy/snowy driveway w/o any difficulty. I get about the same mileage as I did in my 97 wrangler. I have 190k on her, and the 5.0liter w/ AWD. I'm getting spoiled by the creature comforts, and everything works!! Definately recommend one of these to anyone considering purchasing a midsize SUV that gets so-so mileage.

Can't kill this truck

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this brand new off the dealer lot. It has every option you could order. I've never driven anything better in the snow. I've only had to replace a front all wheel drive part and it has been hard on dash lights for some reason. It tows a boat twice the size of the truck. Expect about 13 to 14 MPG in the city in the V8 and about 18 MPH on the highway at 70 MPH. I've seen several in crashes and they hold up like a tank. The AWD model gets 65 percent power from the rear wheels and 35 from the front. When slipping or in the snow the computer adjusts for traction. It rides like a truck but if you can find one in good shape you have a good truck for as long as you want to own it.

1997 Mercury Mountaineer

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I have had the car for 7 years bought it in 2001 with 65K miles on it. Overall I have enjoyed the car, However over the last few years (130K + miles) have had lots of issues. Have had to replace ball joints, tie rods, idle arms on multiple occassions (I don't even go off road). Engine has too much weight over the front end, also had to replace 02 sensors yearly. Car is getting around 13 mpg and with gas prices edging closer & closer to $5.00 have come to the realization that it's time to get rid of it. Car always started (did replace battery & alternator) and would consider the car as dependable just very costly to drive. Heater fan, AC compressor also need to be replaced.

Great Vehicle

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Outstanding comfort, driver friendliness, with great curb appeal and fantastic reliability. Handles very well even with heavy trailer loads or on dirt roads. Lots of pep with V8 engine and excellent fuel economy for its size and weight averaging better than 17 mpg for over 11 years. Excellent access to trunk area with large storage capacity.

Couldn't live without it now

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Mountaineer when I became disabled: easier to get up than sit down. It has everything I could ever want in an SUV, except for better gas mileage. My kids love the moonroof, the heater for the backseat and the ability to haul. I recently moved and used my Mountaineer and a friends Durango and had it done in a day and a half!

1997 Moutainneer is great

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I love mine. I think if the fuel mileage was better, it would be the best available SUV. I have 121k miles and I'm hoping to have very few problems. I will recommend you purchase one used. The new ones are good but the value drops like a rock in years 1,2 & 3

Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned!!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased my '97 Mercury Mountaineer in September '96. It has approximately 235,000 miles and is still as reliable as the day I bought it. I have only had to replace the brakes, the tires (of course) and just a few miscellaneous "pieces and parts". It has by far been the best vehicle I've ever owned and if I ever do decide to trade it in, I'll get another Mountaineer. Why mess with a good thing??

Best car I ever owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought mine with 150000 mile on it it had a 197000 miles on it when it was invloved in an acident. I only thing i had to replace (other than fuilds) was a battery. the biggest problem i had was a flat tire.

Eats gas

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this vehicle with 68,000 miles on it and now have about 120,000. I have had no major problems with this suv except a small transmission problem, for me it's been very reliable.

reliable

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought this with 47,000 miles on it...change the oil every 3K and it runs like new. Highway gas mileage averages 18mpg which is about same or better than newer premium SUVs. It also takes regular gas. My Mercury service manager said I could expect another 100,000 miles without a sweat on the 5.0 liter V8 engine.

Best SUV deal out there

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought it used at a dealership with 64K miles for relatively very little $$$. Now at 78K, other than gas mileage, can't find fault with this car/truck/SUV-thing. All wheel drive, ABS, leather, power everything, a V8 with guts, CD changer, on-and-on-and- on. Like it so much, am giving it to my parents to drive. And I love my parents.

190k miles and still going strong...

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased this vehicle new in 1996. It currently has 191,000 miles and my wife drives it to work. I am in sales and put a lot of miles on it initially. The only mechanical problem we have had is a cracked manifold at about 160,000 miles which would be expected. We have only performed standard and preventative maintenance. I wouldn't trade this type of car experience for anything.

97 Mounty

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Very happy with this truck so far. 101k and counting, I bought it used and was definately a good deal. The market is flooded with explorer's which hurts the Mounty's value as well, so you can get quite a deal.

very nice Suv

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Our experience with this suv has been enjoyable so far it has many many neat features of luxury and comfort for the driver. Not to big but big enough to be usable. we like it so far.

The Perfect Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

When I turned 16 in the fall of 2001, my parents bought me a white 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. I feel in love with the car immediately - something about being a new driver and having your own car. That car fit me perfectly. It was gorgeous, comfortable, and I felt safe in it. But early in March of 2003, I was in an accident. The other driver and I were both fine, but my beautiful car was not. It was totaled. The front of my car hit the right side of the other car - a small sedan. My Mountaineer did exactly what it was supposed to - the engine took the entire impact, and the interior of the car was untouched. I could not have wished for a better car.

97 merc mtnr

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Consider the 97 Mercury Mountaineer as one of the best cars I have owned. Would buy another one if I could get as good a deal as I did on this one.

My favorite ride so far...

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I started out with my mind set on an Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer, and the salesman showed me this, and I am happy that he did. I'm up to 128,000 miles and the only substancial repairs I've had is with the heater flap motor that just went out. The dealership wanted $800 to repair it, but I've gone with an individual for about half. I've enjoyed the comfortable drive, being in sales - I practically live in my car, it is also good for the long trips for vacation. I'm looking to replace it now, and am having a hard time finding something different with all the bells and whistles.

I Love My Mountaineer

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I love my Mountaineer. It has been a great vehicle and I highly recommend them to anyone who asks my opinion of SUV's.

'97 Mountaineer Review

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have put 60,000 miles on this vehicle over 4 years. I have owned 50 plus cars in my life. this has everything I need and like. Great reliability too. However, I did upgrade shocks, exhaust, and tires to improve performance. great seats and power options.

Mountaineer near you

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

There aren't too many vehicles that can keep up if you accelerate in the 30mph to 70mph range. While this truck is very fast, with its grip on the road, the only way to get rubber is by taking a corner too fast. If you are stopped with the engine running and the accelerator seems to be stuck, it is probably that your foot is on the brake and the gas pedals at the same time. Due to the closeness of these two pedals, I have had this experience a few times. It can be pretty scary because the harder you push down on the brake, the more the truck tries to lurch. (Because your foot is also on the accelerator too). This aside, this is my favorite vehicle of all time.

A Strong SUV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We have owned our Mountaineer for 2 1/2 years and have really enjoyed owning it. I love the power of the V8 and the little bit of rumble that comes from it. There are not many more options that you can cram into a midsize SUV that the Mountaineer does not have. The ride was very rough until we put some new tires on it and the ride is noticeable smoother, but still not "smooth". We have been talking about getting another vehicle, but we can find no reason to get rid of our Mountaineer.

Mountaineer is great

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Great vehicle, would buy again

97 Mountaineer Best Vehicle I've owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have enjoyed the comfort and reliability of this vehicle so much that it's hard to justify spending $35K on something on something new with comparable features. What can I say, nothing will tear up. Other than an AC overall for $700 in 1999, nothing has broken. With 92000 miles you have thought the starter or alternator or fuel pump or transmission would have broken. But no.

What a machine

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have a AWD Mountanier. What a vehicle! Great in any type of weather. You can not spin a tire. The vehicle has run flawlessly and only had a few minor repairs. The gas mileage does suffer a little, but you got to pay to play. The air conditioner will freeze you out on the hotest days, and pulls a trailer just fine. I think I will keep mine a while longer, I cant find anything that I like as much for a replacement. I Never thought I would like a Ford.

Great Suv

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had my mountaineer about 3 years and I love it. I am currently looking at buying a newer model. The only problem I've had in 3 years (aside of the tire recalls) is the check engine light goes on all the time for no reason.

Real nice truck

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I own it for a year now. No complaints at all. I drove a few other SUVs, and I couldn't help but love the Mountaineer, and it does NOT feel like an Explorer. The performace of the 5.0L engine is excellent. I own a 5.0 Mustang with over 180k mile on it, and I am confident that this is a great powerplant. The interior is very ergonomic and comfortable for long rides. The anti-lock brakes came in handy a few times. The ride is extremelly comfortable, but the solid rear axle reminds you of it's existence over unveven roads. I am getting about 20MPG on long rides, and about 17 aroung the city.

97 Mountaineer

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I drove a few other similar cars but none had the comfort of the power leather seats with adjustable lumbar support.The next consideration was the performance of its 5.0 litre V-8. I haven't experieinced that much acceleration in quite a few years ( and this together with good highway mileage).I have had very few problems- the only one I recall is that the "check engine" light will come on for awhile and then go off and then come on again.