Mercury Mountaineer
The Mercury Mountaineer was a midsize SUV manufactured by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. It was produced over three generations from 1997 to 2010. Sharing many components and design elements with the Ford Explorer, the Mountaineer was positioned as a more upscale version, aligning with Mercury’s positioning as a mid-level luxury brand within Ford’s lineup. It was available in two body styles: two-door and four-door. It was powered by a variety of engines, including a 4.0L V6 engine, a 4.6L V8 engine, and a 5.4L V8 engine. It was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the Mercury Mountaineer is a good choice for people who are looking for a spacious, comfortable, and capable SUV. It is not as fuel-efficient as some other SUVs, and can be expensive, but it is still a good value for the price. The Mercury Mountaineer was an attempt to blend the utility and ruggedness of a traditional SUV with the comfort and features of a more luxurious vehicle.
Mercury Mountaineer Sales Data & Charts
The Mountaineer was discontinued after the 2010 model year as part of Ford’s decision to phase out the Mercury brand. The Mountaineer was one of Mercury’s more recognizable models, and its role as a more premium alternative to the Ford Explorer helped it find a niche in the market. Although it never achieved massive sales success, it played a significant role in Mercury’s lineup during its production run. The Mountaineer’s shared lineage with the Ford Explorer meant that it benefited from the development and updates that made the Explorer a popular model, but with added touches to provide a more upscale experience.
U.S Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 32,491 |
| 2006 | 29,567 |
| 2007 | 23,849 |
| 2008 | 10,596 |
| 2009 | 5,169 |
| 2010 | 5,791 |
U.S Annual Growth
Mercury Mountaineer Generations
First Generation (1997-2001)
- Introduction: Launched for the 1997 model year as a sibling to the Ford Explorer.
- Engine Options: Offered with a 4.0-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 engine.
- Features: Included more upscale interior materials and features than the Explorer, aiming to provide a more luxurious feel.
Second Generation (2002-2005)
- Redesign: The Mountaineer was redesigned for the 2002 model year, with a more distinctive appearance and refined interior.
- Engine Options: The 4.0-liter V6 continued, and a new 4.6-liter V8 engine was introduced.
- Independent Rear Suspension: One of the significant mechanical changes was the addition of an independent rear suspension, which improved ride quality.
- All-Wheel Drive: An all-wheel-drive system was available, providing improved traction in various driving conditions.
Third Generation (2006-2010)
- Redesign: Another redesign in 2006 brought further refinement and a more modern appearance, aligning with Mercury’s design language at the time.
- Engine Options: The 4.0-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 engines continued, with updates for efficiency and performance.
- Safety Features: Enhanced safety features included available stability control and a Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags.
- Interior: Continued emphasis on luxury with higher-quality materials and features like an available navigation system.
