2007 Mercury Mountaineer Review

The Mountaineer is a near-luxury clone of the Ford Explorer. First debuting in 1997, the Mountaineer is mechanically identical to the Explorer, but features a more refined exterior and interior. It was completely redesigned for 2002, adding more luxury features. The third generation debuted for 2006, and while it looked almost identical to its predecessor, it had an all-new frame. The 2007 Mountaineer placed third in J.D. Power’s initial quality assessment of mid-size SUVs, and was voted Consumers Digital “Best Buy” in 2006 and 2007.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Mercury Mountaineer has undergone an amazing evolution over the past decade. Beginning as nothing more than a marked-up Explorer with equally lousy reliability, the Mountaineer has become a remarkably capable SUV. With strong safety, reliability, and the ability to comfortably seat seven, it’s a stylish and luxurious family vehicle. While you still pay a bit extra for style, it’s hard to go wrong with the Mountaineer.

What’s New For 2007:

New for 2007, side curtain airbags and an auxiliary input jack are now standard. A heated windshield and a rear-seat DVD player are now optional. The Luxury trim has been dropped, leaving only the base and Premier. Three new exterior colors are available.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Mountaineer 4.5 stars for overall mechanical quality. Problems that affected the first generation include buzzing radios, heater core leaks, malfunctioning oxygen sensors, weak sway bars, noisy timing belts, transmission leaks, and shifting flares. It was recalled nine times. The second generation showed a marked improvement, having issues with hopping clutches, engine noise, inaccurate fuel gauges, problematic fuel pumps, oil leaks, and loose liftgate glass. It was only recalled twice, for window and wiper issues. The 2006 model had issues with erratic fuel gauges and problematic shifting. It was recalled once due to ungreased wiper motors. Mercury has really gone out of their way to improve quality, and it shows. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Mountaineer earned perfect scores in NHTSA government crash tests. The IIHS gave it a “Good” rating for frontal tests and “Poor” in rear tests. Anti-lock brakes, side airbags for the first two rows, tire-pressure monitoring, and stability and traction control come standard. Its stability control system features a unique Roll Stability Control feature that will take corrective action to prevent a rollover. Adjustable pedals are optional. Parking sensors are available on the Premier.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Excellent reliability
+ Reasonable value
+ High payload capacity

Cons
- Side airbags don’t cover third row
- High cost for style
- Weak engine

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Buick Rendezvous CXL gets about five more miles to the gallon, but costs $1,300 more than the Mountaineer and has less payload capacity. The Grand Cherokee Laredo costs $750 more, lacks traction control, leather seats, and has less payload capacity. If you don’t mind a small step away from luxury-lite, then the 2008 Mazda Tribute Grand Touring provides a better value at $1,000 less, with standard 4WD, CD changer, and a moonroof. However, it has a smaller engine and less payload capacity.

What Others Are Saying:

“The Mercury Mountaineer offers a comfortable ride. The 2006 models handle better than the ’05s and the Mountaineer feels sure-footed in the mountains. Accommodations are nice overall and the Mountaineer offers lots of utility.” – Automotive.com

“Buy this vehicle if: you want a truck-based SUV that is handsomely styled and well mannered, with available V8 power; you need seating for up to seven; you tow or haul heavy loads. Keep looking if: you prefer a car-based SUV, you want four-wheel drive for serious off-roading; you require a larger and brawnier model for heavy-duty hauling or towing; fuel economy is a concern.” – Forbes

“Whether you’ve got kids or not, I’m still concerned that Ford does not offer side-curtain protection for third-row passengers. If you never plan to use that third row, and you’ve got enough money to cover the exorbitant sticker and the gas, then I say go for it.” – The Detroit News

Read more about the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer at the Mercury manufacturer web site.